H.R. 2087 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned, Mar 11, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summarySets federal rules for sports betting
Sports betting would need to happen through state programs that meet new federal standards. The bill creates rules that states must follow, including requirements that betting operators can't market during live sports broadcasts, can't let people under 21 bet, and must help fund gambling disorder treatment. It also sets up ways for people to voluntarily limit their own betting. Federal agencies would track gambling addiction and report back to Congress on how sports betting affects public health.
How it affects you
If you bet on sports, your options would be limited to approved state programs that follow these new rules, and you'd find protections like deposit limits and income checks built in. Sports betting companies would face restrictions on when and how they advertise to you. If you're concerned about gambling addiction, the federal government would be collecting more data on the problem and funding treatment options in your state.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 11, 2025)
Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act of 2025 or the SAFE Bet Act of 2025
This bill establishes minimum federal standards for sports betting. It also requires federal agencies to evaluate the effects of sports betting on public health.
The bill prohibits sports betting unless conducted through an approved state program; violations are subject to civil penalties. States administering a sports betting program must obtain approval of the program every three years from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In providing approval or renewal, DOJ must determine that the state’s program meets minimum standards specified in the bill, including
• designating a state regulatory entity to regulate sports betting operators and enforce state laws,
• prohibiting operators from marketing during live broadcasts of sporting events,
• prohibiting betting by individuals under 21 or members of sports organizations,
• implementing affordability protections such as certain deposit limits and income verification,
• requiring operators to allocate funding for treatment and education on gambling disorders, and
• facilitating a state self-exclusion list (and a national list in coordination with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) so individuals may voluntarily restrict or place limits on their sports betting.
Also, the bill requires various federal agencies to expand surveillance of gambling addiction, conduct a nationwide survey annually on the harm caused by online sports betting, and report to Congress on public health challenges related to sports betting.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2087
A BILL
SAFE Bet Act of 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) · Introduced Mar 11, 2025 · Health · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 11, 2025: “Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on Natural Resources, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.”