Senate democratic partyleader releases suggestions for federal involvement in US sports betting

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has added his voice to those of Senator Orrin Hatch and Rep. Frank Pallone in calling for more federal involvement in the burgeoning US sports betting industry following the recent overthrow of PASPA (see previous reports)

On Wednesday, Senator Schumer published a memo outlining several suggestions for the industry, according to ESPN reports.

In it, he suggests that the sports leagues provide all official data to sports books and also have a hand in deciding what bets are acceptable. Schumer would also like to see an age minimum of 21 years for bettors and for anyone taking sports bets to avoid advertising aimed at under age people or with the potential to endanger vulnerable problem gamblers.

Citing the integrity of the various sports leagues, Schumer says it’s important for the federal government to help lay out the framework for all parties.

“As a New York sports fan – especially my Yankees and Giants – and a senator, my priority in the wake of the Murphy v. NCAA decision is making sure the integrity of the games we love is preserved, that young people and those suffering from gambling addiction are not taken advantage of, and that consumers that choose to engage in sports betting are appropriately protected,” Schumer said.

“With the Supreme Court’s ruling, it’s incumbent on the federal government to take a leadership role and provide the necessary guidance to prevent uncertainty and confusion for the leagues, state governments, consumers and fans alike.”

Three states — Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi — have begun taking bets since the Murphy v. NCAA decision in the Supreme Court which liberalised sports betting by striking down the federal Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act..