Legislation proposing a prohibition on college proposition bets introduced in the Congress unveiled
Feds Want to Ban Prop Bets on College Athletes? Exploring the PROTECT Act
Hey there, sports fans! Let's dive into a prospective bill that's making some noise in the sports betting world – the PROTECT Act. But first, let's clarify something: There's no federal PASPA (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) ban on sports betting anymore since 2018.
So, what's this PROTECT Act all about?
The bill, officially known as the "Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust for Student Athletes Act" or the PROTECT Act, was introduced on Feb. 25, 2025, by first-term Congressman Michael Baumgartner of Washington. He also sits as the chair of the College Sports Caucus.
According to a press release, Baumgartner asserted that sports gambling on college campuses has seen a significant surge in recent years. However, note that it's essential to separate facts from assumptions as the bill's impact and scope are yet to be thoroughly explored.
Now, some may question, is there a previously known PROTECT Act concerning sports betting or college athletes? Well, not exactly, at least not in the context we're discussing. The major federal law governing sports betting was PASPA. But remember, post-2018, the Supreme Court annulled PASPA, allowing states to regulate sports betting.
When it comes to college sports, concerns about the repercussions of legalized sports betting persist, such as considerations regarding athletes' integrity and protection. However, there isn't currently any federal PROTECT Act specifically targeting these issues. Most rules protecting college athletes in betting matters are established through NCAA regulations, state laws, or proposed legislation, none of which bear the PROTECT Act name.
So there you have it – the rumblings about a possible PROTECT Act meant to restrict prop bets on college athletes. Although it has been introduced, we'll have to wait and see how it unfolds. Keep your eyes peeled for updates on this intriguing development in the sports betting landscape!
The PROTECT Act, introduced by Congressman Michael Baumgartner in 2025, aims to address the perceived surge in sports betting on college campuses, specifically focusing on prop bets. Currently, there isn't a previous PROTECT Act concerning sports betting or college athletes that closely aligns with this new bill.
