The U.S. sports betting market is abuzz with the contentious SAFE (Supporting Affordability and Fairness by Empowering States) Sports Betting Act. Unsurprisingly, leaders of the industry have come out against the measure, which many fear could set things back. The SAFE Act adds a new slew of regulation to potentially alter the landscape of sports betting industry. From customer deposits to online advertising to federal supervision. This may be the start of what is likely to end up being a battles that could span a decade or more between the industry and regulators. But those running a Pay Per Head (PPH) bookie business will want to keep abreast of how this plays out. Especially since it is unlikely to impact the bottom line anytime soon.
What is the SAFE Act?
A relatively new bill, the SAFE Act seeks to maintain a consistent standard of regulation all across the nation. Until now, sports betting market has been regulated largely at the state level, and 38 states have some form of it had already passed betting industry laws. Many in the industry consider the addition of fed oversight to be unwarranted. Given that state-based regulations have been successfully operating for years.
The SAFE Act’s customer deposit limitations is one of the most significant components of the proposed act. New rules would make it so customers could only make five deposits in a 24-hour period. No longer be allowed to make credit card payments to fund their sportsbook. The measures are designed to encourage ‘responsible’ gambling but are widely regarded across the industry as overkill.
Los operadores también enfrentan un gran problema con las restricciones publicitarias. El proyecto de ley prohíbe la publicidad durante los eventos deportivos en vivo y entre las 8 a.m. y las 10 p.m. Lo que limita gravemente la capacidad de la industria para atraer nuevos clientes. Cory Fox, vicepresidente de asuntos gubernamentales de FanDuel, expresó su preocupación por estas restricciones. Advirtió que podrían empujar a los clientes hacia sitios de apuestas ilegales en el extranjero, perjudicando así al mercado legal.
I could carry for advertising restraints. Deposit limits and affordability checks for higher bets raised questions in the minds of many people as to whether the bill was really workable or would it actually, help the industry or it hurt it.
Industry Leaders Speak Out Betting Industry
The SAFE Act immediately faced resistance. David Rebuck, former head of New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement. Emerged as one of its loudest critics. He directly criticized the federal government, arguing that it lacks sufficient expertise in the sector. According to Rebuck, state-based regulatory models already work, leaving no reason for federal intervention.
Rebuck no es el único que critica la interferencia federal; otros en la industria también han expresado públicamente que el enfoque actual funciona bien. “Simplemente me parece incorrecto”, dijo Rebuck durante un seminario web, “que crean saber más que nosotros sin colaborar en soluciones.” Muchos en la industria de las apuestas comparten ese temor y consideran que la Ley SAFE representa una intromisión innecesaria.
Another source of controversy stems from the government’s track record in handling illegal offshore sportsbooks. Although state regulators continue to crack down on these operations, illegal betting market sites still flourish. The American Gaming Association (AGA) notes that bettors wager billions of dollars on illegal markets every year. Critics of the SAFE Act argue that if the federal government truly wants to safeguard consumers. It should focus on shutting down illegal operators rather than expanding regulations on legitimate ones.
What Can Pay Per Head Bookies Expect on Betting Industry?
At this time, Pay Per Head bookies show little concern for the SAFE Act, since it directly impacts their day-to-day operations. The bill remains in its infancy and faces a difficult road through Congress, especially as industry leaders strongly oppose it. Election-year politics and the general legislative logjam will likely complicate any progress on the bill.
That being said, PPH bookies must stay informed as the situation develops. While it’s still business as usual for now, they should actively prepare for potential changes from the SAFE Act. That’s by delivering the best possible betting experience to their clients. The battle between regulators and the betting industry has only just begun. With the outcome uncertain, bookies must stay alert and ready to adapt as events unfold.
