Share 
The US Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy has announced a public hearing on sports betting.
The “No Sure Bets: Protecting Sports Integrity in America” is on the docket for Wednesday, May 20, according to a release from subcommittee Chair Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN),
Lawmakers will hear testimony on the threats to professional sports integrity. Blackburn said the purpose of convening the meeting is to ensure that sports remain transparent and fair.
“Fair play is the foundation of American sports, but recent match-fixing scandals in professional sports have put a spotlight on the risks facing the integrity of competition. As traditional online betting platforms and new entrants like prediction markets continue to intersect with sports, we need a clear understanding of how these platforms operate and what they mean for the integrity of the game.
“This hearing will examine how we strengthen oversight, protect the credibility of competition, and address the growing exposure of young people and children to betting platforms.”
Witnesses include AGA head and prediction market advisor
The subcommittee will hear from witnesses across the sports betting industry. Slated to attend are Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, and Patrick McHenry, former House representative and current senior advisor with The Coalition for Prediction Markets, a prediction market lobbying outlet.
McHenry served as the US Speaker of the House Pro Tempore for 22 days following the ouster of Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Sports betting remains illegal in Texas, but Sen. Ted Cruz did not mince words regarding his skepticism of legalized betting’s impact on sports:
“Fans shouldn’t have to wonder if their favorite player missed a buzzer-beater or dropped a touchdown pass because of a secret bet. Unfortunately, recent episodes have planted that seed of doubt and raised questions about whether changes are necessary to integrity in sports.
“I look forward to a productive conversation about the state of sports betting in the United States.”
