NCPG Takes Neutral Position On SAFE Bet Act

The recently proposed Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet (SAFE Bet) Act has been met with mixed reactions from the gambling industry. The U.S. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) has now commented on it, but only to say that it remains neutral on the legislation.

According to a statement released by the organization, the NCPG neither supports nor opposes the SAFE Bet Act. At the same time, it recognizes that it highlights the need for stronger consumer protections, not just for sports bettors, but for all individuals who gamble.

The legislation would establish federal minimum standards in advertising, affordability checks, and the use of artificial intelligence for states that have legalized sports betting. The American Gaming Association has already spoken out against the legislation.

The NCPG noted that the SAFE Bet Act raises awareness about critical issues in the gambling sector. However, the organization also expressed concerns that the proposed legislation lacks the necessary funding and infrastructure to effectively address gambling addiction from a public health perspective.

The NCPG insists that a national, comprehensive public health approach is needed to mitigate the harms associated with gambling. The organization advocates for solutions that focus on population-wide strategies supported by robust regulation, legislation, and adequate financial backing. Despite the SAFE Bet Act’s apparent positive intentions, the NCPG believes it falls short in terms of investment in public health resources aimed at reducing gambling-related harm.

The SAFE Bet Act includes additional language that is causing concern among some in the betting industry. It proposes a ban on sports betting commercials during live games, targeting moments when fans are most engaged with their teams.

The U.K., Australia, Italy, and others already have similar restrictions.

GRIT over SAFE

Although it may not be ready to come out for or against the SAFE Bet Act, the NCPG is fully behind a different measure. It’s pushing for the passage of the Gambling Addiction Recovery, Investment, and Treatment (GRIT) Act, legislation that it believes would fill the gaps left by the SAFE Bet Act.

The GRIT Act would introduce the first-ever federal funding dedicated to gambling addiction prevention, treatment, and research programs. This legislation represents a landmark initiative to address the growing concern of problem gambling across the U.S., especially in the wake of legalized sports betting expansion.

The bill proposes allocating federal resources for various initiatives, including the development of treatment programs, educational campaigns to raise awareness about gambling risks, and research aimed at understanding the underlying causes of addiction. In addition, the GRIT Act would prioritize the creation of a network of gambling addiction treatment centers.

By allocating federal funds to gambling harm, the GRIT Act seeks to ensure that individuals who develop gambling problems can receive adequate care. This would include traditional therapy and counseling services and new approaches to treatment, such as cognitive behavioral therapy.

Moreover, the GRIT Act proposes funding for research to better understand the psychological and social factors that contribute to gambling addiction. This research would inform future policies and treatment methods, enabling healthcare professionals and policymakers to develop more effective strategies for combating gambling-related harm.

In contrast to the SAFE Bet Act, which focuses more on the regulatory side of gambling, the GRIT Act takes a holistic approach by emphasizing prevention, treatment, and research.