Moore, Goldman back funding for federal sports-betting study

U.S. Reps. Blake Moore and Josh Gottheimer introduced a bipartisan bill this year to secure federal funding for a study of legal sports betting. The proposal would authorize a federal agency to collect and analyze data on the economic, regulatory and public-health effects of expanded wagering to inform lawmakers at both the national and state levels.

The bill directs a federal agency to lead an evidence-gathering effort covering market size, tax revenue, consumer protections and trends in problem gambling. The study would pool consistent measures across states to address gaps in nationwide data and reduce reliance on uneven state reports and private industry numbers.

The research would examine the size and growth of regulated sports-betting markets, cross-border wagering activity, the role of mobile and online platforms, and the impact of advertising and sponsorships on participation. Public-health components would assess rates of gambling-related harm and the capacity of treatment and prevention programs in jurisdictions with legalized betting.

Sponsors included requirements that the agency consult state gaming commissions, tribal gaming authorities and academic researchers to capture regional differences and existing state data. The bill calls for evaluation of verification processes, limits on wagering, the effectiveness of self-exclusion programs and measures to prevent underage access and fraud.

The measure would make collected data available to state regulators and tribal authorities and require periodic reports to Congress. Proponents say the findings could help states design tax and licensing rules and assist Congress in deciding whether additional federal standards are needed.

Industry groups, state regulators and public-health advocates offered differing views on priorities for a federal study. Gambling trade representatives have emphasized economic benefits and operator-run responsible gaming tools, while treatment providers have pointed to increases in helpline calls and demand for services in some markets. The bill aims to gather objective, comparable measures that reflect those varying concerns.

If the bill advances, the study funding would need appropriations approval from the House and Senate. Committees with jurisdiction over commerce and budgets would review the funding request and the study design, and the timeline for data collection and reporting would be set in implementing guidance after appropriations are secured.

Background: In 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal restriction on state-authorized sports betting, after which many states moved to legalize wagering in different forms. State approaches to taxation, licensing, market access and consumer safeguards now vary widely, creating a patchwork that lawmakers say complicates direct comparisons across jurisdictions.