Congressman Tonko Renews Push For SAFE Bet Act
Mike Goodpaster Published 25/08/2026
Unhappy with FanDuel's response to the recent Bryce Harper incident, Congressman Paul Tonko is using this matter as fuel to reignite the debate over the SAFE Bet Act. New York's Tonko and Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal are co-sponsors of the bill that would install better safeguards for bettors and place more restrictions on how sports betting sites can interact with their customers. It would also fund problem gambling education and treatment.
The bill was originally introduced in March. However, it stalled on the floor of Congress. It has faced strong opposition from pro-gambling lobby groups and the American Gaming Association.
The FanDuel/Harper incident raises serious concerns about betting site VIP programs
Congressman Tonko is renewing his push for passage of the SAFE Bet Act. He's seeking to use the recent episode involving a video recording made by Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Harper. The video was made for Cameo. Instead, a FanDuel VIP manager wound up sending it to a customer. The idea was to entice a problem gambler to wager more money. The problem gambler wound up with more than $1.5 million in gambling losses.
In this episode, both Harper and the FanDuel customer appear to be unwitting participants. FanDuel sought to downplay the incident.
“We are committed to fostering a culture of responsible gaming and protecting our customers,” a FanDuel statement said, according to reporting by the Los Angeles Times. “Unlike illegal offshore sportsbooks, FanDuel employees are trained to recognize and flag signs of problem gambling and offer resources and tools, and we continue to review and strengthen our policies to ensure we have the industry’s strongest consumer protection initiatives.”
Tonko views it as an indication that FanDuel's responsible gambling program is not working. He would like to see betting sites eliminate VIP programs.
Tonko feels that the SAFE Bet Act will provide gambling guardrails for players
The entire episode is providing Tonko with a new launching pad. He's looking at returning the SAFE Bet Act to the front burner in Congress. Among the key objectives of this legislation would be to create mandatory national baselines to curb predatory gambling tactics, while allowing states to manage local programs. It would treat online sports betting addiction as a public health crisis similar to tobacco or alcohol regulations.
Another measure in the proposal would prohibit sportsbooks from airing or displaying advertising during live sporting events. The bill would also restrict promotional inducements like "no sweat" bets or bonus credits. It would also eliminate the use of AI to track individual betting habits for personalized promotions or to generate risky micro-bets.
"The choice before you is now explicit," Tonko said in a statement. "Either engage directly with Congress to establish mandatory federal guardrails that restore integrity and protect the public or stand in opposition and accept responsibility when the next scandal breaks and more families and lives are destroyed.”
Congressman accuses betting sites of predatory practices
Tonko has been going after online betting sites since 2023. He is accusing them of using predatory advertising practices. He feels they are using these ads to lure players into betting more than they can afford to lose.
"Whether they offer 'risk-free' or 'no sweat' bets, or simply too-good-to-be-true promo offers, the sportsbook industry has been ruthless in pursuit of customers to get hooked on its product," Tonko said in a statement. "Everyday Americans now can’t seem to escape the daily barrage of promotions enticing them into the world of gambling.
"If betting companies, leagues, and states won’t do more to curb the surge in problem gambling, the federal government must step in."
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