US set for congressional hearing on sports betting

US Congress is planning to host a hearing on sports betting next week, with the NFL American football league among those reportedly invited to testify.

The move comes after the Supreme Court last month voted to overturn the federal 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

PASPA had blocked more states from regulating sports betting, but since last month’s ruling, a number of states have passed legislation and began accepting legal sports wagers.

Delaware became the first state to legalise sports betting post-PASPA earlier this month, while New Jersey, which led the effort to overturn PASPA, last week also began taking legal bets.

According to ESPN writer David Purdum, the House Judiciary Committee has set a tentative date of June 26 for the hearing in order to discuss the matter further.

The Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee are also said to be looking at the issue.

The NFL’s mooted participation in the hearing comes after it initially opposed plans to expand sports betting, with the league keen for Congress to create a framework for such activities.

ESPN said Jocelyn Moore, senior vice-president of public policy and government affairs at the NFL, will speak on behalf of the league at the hearing next week.

Geoff Freeman, who recently confirmed he will soon step down as president of the American Gaming Association, is also due to take part in the hearing.

Meanwhile, Senator Orrin Hatch of Utah has revealed that he has started work on sports betting legislation, with a focus on protecting sporting integrity.

Citing sources close to the matter, ESPN said Hatch's effort centres on enhancing the Sports Bribery Act, a federal law that was not impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on PASPA.

Hatch is said to be working with the NFL on the legislation.

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