Crime Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Sports Betting

Washington, D.C. – On Thursday, September 27 at 10:00 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing titled, “Post-PASPA: An Examination of Sports Betting in America.” In May 2018, in Murphy v. NCAA, the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) as unconstitutional. PASPA made it unlawful for states or their subdivisions “to sponsor, operate, advertise, promote, license, or authorize” sports betting. The Court held that PASPA violates the states’ 10th Amendment rights, thereby paving the way for states to legalize sports betting. Since the Supreme Court’s decision, many states have begun enacting legislation that either legalizes sports wagering or sets the stage to do so. This week’s hearing will examine the state of sports gambling following the Supreme Court’s ruling including federalism issues and whether, and to what extent, the federal government should be involved. Witnesses for the hearing are:

• Jocelyn Moore, Executive Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, National Football League
• Les Bernal, National Director, Stop Predatory Gambling
• Sara Slane, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, American Gaming Association
• Jon Bruning, Counselor, Coalition to Stop Online Gambling
• Becky Harris, Chair, Nevada Gaming Control Board

House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) issued the statements below in advance of this hearing. Chairman Goodlatte: “The sports gambling landscape in America has rapidly changed since the Supreme Court’s decision in Murphy v. NCAA. Consequently, it raises questions regarding regulation, the integrity of sporting events, the propriety and wisdom of government-authorized wagering, and the effect on other gambling laws at the federal and state levels. I am concerned about the social ills that can arise from gambling, while at the same time I have deep respect for the federalism principles that underlie the Supreme Court’s decision. I look forward to hearing from witnesses this week to examine this issue.” Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner: “The Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA is a seismic shift in American sports betting. While this ruling presents tremendous economic opportunities for states, it is also important to examine the concerns about the integrity of sports and the potential for abuses. As many states are eager to dive into the world of sports gambling, this hearing allows us to examine what, if any, role the federal government has in guiding states’ gambling policies. I look forward to hearing from witnesses representing a wide range of positions on this issue.” This hearing will take place in 2141 Rayburn House Office Building and will be webcast live at judiciary.house.gov.  Camera crews wishing to cover must be congressionally credentialed and RSVP with the House Radio-TV Gallery at (202) 225-5214.