A U.S. Senate subcommittee is preparing to hold a new hearing focused on the integrity of sports betting, as lawmakers respond to recent scandals and the rapid expansion of gambling platforms across the country. The session, scheduled for May 20, will bring together regulators, industry representatives, and policymakers to evaluate whether current safeguards are sufficient.

The Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy will lead the discussion under the title “No Sure Bets: Protecting Sports Integrity in America.” The hearing will be streamed publicly and is expected to address concerns tied to both traditional sportsbooks and emerging prediction markets.

The review comes at a time when sports betting has grown significantly in the United States. Since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act in 2018, legal wagering has expanded into 39 states and the District of Columbia, forming a market valued at approximately $165 billion.

Senator Marsha Blackburn, who chairs the subcommittee, said the session will examine how the industry’s growth has affected competition. “Fair play is the foundation of American sports, but recent match-fixing scandals in professional sports have put a spotlight on the risks facing the integrity of competition. As traditional online betting platforms and new entrants like prediction markets continue to intersect with sports, we need a clear understanding of how these platforms operate and what they mean for the integrity of the game. This hearing will examine how we strengthen oversight, protect the credibility of competition, and address the growing exposure of young people and children to betting platforms.”

Senator Ted Cruz also highlighted the concerns driving the hearing. “Fans shouldn’t have to wonder if their favorite player missed a buzzer-beater or dropped a touchdown pass because of a secret bet. Unfortunately, recent episodes have planted that seed of doubt and raised questions about whether changes are necessary to integrity in sports. I look forward to a productive conversation about the state of sports betting in the United States.”

Scandals and Market Growth Drive Scrutiny

Recent investigations and criminal cases have intensified attention on sports betting’s risks. Authorities have uncovered schemes involving attempts to manipulate game outcomes, including a large point-shaving operation tied to college basketball and international leagues.

According to indictments, 20 individuals allegedly participated in bribing athletes to influence game results, with payments ranging from $10,000 to $30,000. The case involved 39 NCAA players across more than 17 Division I teams and affected at least 29 games. Some of those charged had direct ties to college basketball programs during recent seasons.

Separate federal investigations have also examined alleged misconduct involving professional basketball figures. Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested as part of a probe into possible manipulation of a 2023 game, while additional cases have involved current and former NBA personnel in broader illegal gambling and poker activities.

These developments have raised questions among lawmakers about whether existing regulations can effectively prevent match-fixing, insider betting, and other forms of misconduct. The upcoming hearing will include testimony on whether stronger oversight or new rules are needed to maintain fair competition.

Prediction Markets and Policy Questions

In addition to traditional betting platforms, senators will address the growing role of prediction markets, which allow participants to trade contracts based on future outcomes. This marks the first time a Senate body has formally examined how these markets intersect with sports.

Lawmakers recently took action related to prediction markets by voting to prohibit members of Congress and their staff from participating in them. Separate legislative efforts are also underway, including a proposal from Senator Amy Klobuchar aimed at restricting government officials from using insider information to trade on such platforms.

The hearing will explore whether these newer systems present additional risks to sports integrity and how they should be regulated alongside established betting operators.

Participants scheduled to testify include American Gaming Association CEO Bill Miller, Integrity Compliance 360 CEO Scott Sadin, Tennessee Sports Wagering Council Executive Director Mary Beth Thomas, and Coalition for Prediction Markets Senior Advisor Patrick McHenry. Their input will help lawmakers evaluate the effectiveness of current frameworks and consider potential changes.

The session will also revisit issues discussed in a previous Senate hearing held in December 2024, when lawmakers debated the broader impact of sports betting and whether federal oversight might be needed in addition to state-level regulation.