Controversy Over US Sports Betting Laws

A congressional committee in the United States is reviewing federal gambling laws in that country, which has included a ban on sports betting for 24 years, and sports betting plans to introduce comprehensive legislation that will also address the issue of daily fantasy games and Other forms of betting. Frank Pallone Jr., the New Jersey representative, told ESPN that federal laws regulating gambling are "obsolete" and "must be updated urgently," including those that deal with sports betting. The Pallone office did not provide a time frame for the new legislation, but dialogue with stakeholders is already under way.

"The laws need a thorough review to see how they can work together and create a fairer environment for all types of bets, either online or in person, including sports betting and fantasy games every day," said Pallone, Democrat best placed in the Home Trade and Energy Committee. "At the same time, we must ensure that laws are created for an environment of integrity and accountability, including robust protections for the consumer.