WASHINGTON (AP) – A proposed bill aimed at curbing the influence of sports betting on college athletes and preventing the proliferation of gambling advertisements during games is gaining traction in Congress.
The bill, introduced by Representative Mark Johnson (R-Ohio), would ban sports betting ads during televised sporting events and prohibit bets on college athletes. The aim of the legislation is to protect the integrity of college sports and prevent athletes from being targeted by gambling interests.
Under the proposed bill, sports betting ads would be banned during all televised sporting events, including college games. The bill would also prohibit bets on college athletes, in order to prevent any potential conflicts of interest or manipulation of games.
Johnson, who has been a vocal critic of the rapid expansion of sports betting in recent years, believes that these measures are essential to safeguard the integrity of college sports.
“College athletes are already under immense pressure and scrutiny, and introducing sports betting into the mix only adds to that burden,” Johnson said in a statement. “We must ensure that our student athletes are not exploited or manipulated by gambling interests.”
The bill has received support from several key stakeholders, including college athletic organizations, anti-gambling groups, and some lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. However, it is facing pushback from the gambling industry, which has been a major beneficiary of the recent legalization of sports betting in many states.
Critics of the bill argue that it infringes on individual freedoms and could drive sports betting underground, where it would be harder to regulate and monitor.
Despite the challenges ahead, Johnson remains optimistic about the bill’s prospects.
“We cannot afford to sit idly by while the integrity of college sports is compromised,” Johnson said. “This bill is a vital step in the right direction, and I am confident that we can work together to ensure its passage.”
The bill is currently being reviewed by the House Judiciary Committee, with a vote expected in the coming weeks. If successful, it would be a significant victory for those concerned about the impact of sports betting on college sports and the well-being of student athletes.