• Industry
    • Opinion
    • Features
      • iGaming Data
      • Sports Betting Data
    • Finance
    • Online Casinos
    • Podcast

      News

      NCPG Takes Neutral Position On SAFE Bet Act

      The responsible gambling nonprofit hasn’t decided if it’s for or against the proposed legislation

      By Erik Gibbs

      Last updated: September 18, 2024

      2 min

      gear shift neutral

      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.

      I spoke about my bill, the GRIT Act, during @NCPGambling’s Advocacy Day in DC.

      Nearly 9 million Americans suffer from a gambling addiction. The GRIT Act would use existing federal dollars to fund gambling addiction research and connect more folks with treatment. pic.twitter.com/oP5JGoefrO

      — Congresswoman Andrea Salinas (@RepSalinas) June 4, 2024

      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.

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      Related Posts

      rivers casino schenectady

      Rush Street Interactive Announces Record-Breaking Q2 Results

      cease and desist

      Illinois Gaming Board Latest To Send Cease-And-Desist Letters To Kalshi, Robinhood, Crypto.com

      aristocrat phone

      Aristocrat Combines Anaxi And NeoGames Under New Interactive Business

      flutter wall street

      Parent Company Of FanDuel, PokerStars Fined For Anti-Money Laundering Violations

      Recommended Read

      News

      Lawmakers Prepare To Unveil New Federal Sports Betting Legislation

      There’s More…

      ESPN bet booth

      News

      ESPN BET And ESPN Deepen App Integration With ‘Mint Club’

      April 16, 2025

      Chris Altruda

      social casino

      News

      Legendz Becomes Newest Entry Into The Booming Social Casino And Sportsbook Space

      November 19, 2024

      Brett Smiley

      News

      Sweeps Ban Bill Passes Out Of New York Racing, Gaming, And Wagering Senate Committee

      March 18, 2025

      Chris Altruda

      New Jersey May 2025 online casino revenue

      News

      New Jersey Furthers Online Casino Revenue Record To $246.8 Million For May

      June 16, 2025

      Chris Altruda

      Get Weekly Email Updates

      Covering all aspects of regulated U.S. online casinos, iGaming, sweepstakes, and more

      • About
      • Contact
      • Privacy
      • Terms
      • Disclosure
      • Responsible Gaming

      © 2025 Casino Reports. Web Design by Fhoke.