The late Sen. Orrin Hatch passed away on April 23. On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed a resolution honoring Sen. Hatch. (Photo: KSL TV)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Senator Orrin Hatch and New York senator, Chuck Schumer, introduced a bill Wednesday to allow the federal government some regulation in sports betting.
The Sports Wagering Market Integrity Act of 2018 will require the Department of Justice to meet minimum standards for every state that allows sports betting.
It creates safety measures to protect consumers and according to the senators it will help preserve the integrity of the sport.
“This bill is the first step toward ensuring that sports betting is done right in the states that choose to legalize it,” Hatch said. “Just as importantly, it provides protections for states that choose not to go down that path.”
Schumer says he is a lifelong sports fan and he treasures the purity of the game.
“That is why I believe the time is now to establish a strong national integrity standard for sports betting that will protect consumers and the games themselves from corruption,” Schumer said.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned a bill written by Hatch in 1992 that had prevented states from authorizing or licensing sports betting.
However, some professional sports are seem to be in favor of this new legislation. The NFL has expressed its support and ESPN reports the NCAA has given its approval as well.
If enacted, the bill would outlaw betting on amateur sporting events, excluding the Olympics and of course college sports.
With the current Congress session coming to a close it may require a major push to get the bill through.