As Americans enjoy March Madness this year, the SAFE Bet Act has been resurrected by legislators in Washington. Congressman Paul D. Tonko and Senator Richard Blumenthal rolled out the legislation, officially called the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act.

The new push from both legislators comes amid criticism from operators, consultants, and even responsible gambling advocates. That criticism came from debates over the scope of the proposal, as well as claims of it potentially being unconstitutional.

This comes as concerns grow over the expansion of online gambling. Reintroducing the SAFE Bet Act legislation aims to create new safeguards against predatory practices, and despite facing significant opposition during the previous congressional session, the lawmakers remain committed to advancing the bill.

At a press conference on March 11, Tonko and Blumenthal were joined by survivors of gambling addiction and various advocacy groups, including the Public Health Advocacy Institute from Northeastern University School of Law. The lawmakers emphasized that the bill is not intended to ban digital gambling, but rather to protect consumers by establishing necessary regulations.

Tonko highlighted the need for the SAFE Bet Act for  increased oversight, particularly in light of the rapid growth of sports betting. In just a few years, the sports gambling industry has become entrenched in every aspect of sports, with every play, pass, pitch, and punt marketed as a moment to bet,” he stated.