BREAKING: Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii has just announced plans to propose federal legislation in 2026 aimed at regulating sports prop betting across the United States. This urgent move comes as sports betting continues to surge following the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that opened the door for states to legalize betting at their discretion.
According to journalist Pablo Torre, who broke the news on social media, Senator Schatz is currently engaging with sports leagues, player associations, and sportsbooks to develop comprehensive regulations. His goal is to not only manage prop bets but also to tackle the rising issue of illegal offshore sportsbooks.
In a statement to Torre, Senator Schatz emphasized the necessity of this legislation, stating, “We’re working on legislation to stop the kind of prop betting that gives a single bad actor the ability to manipulate a specific, singular outcome for a big payout. This is about protecting fans and restoring public trust in sports.”
This proposed legislation arrives at a time when the sports betting industry is experiencing explosive growth, with prop bets—wagers on specific events within games—gaining significant popularity. However, this trend has sparked controversy. The NFL has been proactive, recently issuing a memo to team officials advocating for limits or outright bans on prop bets. In a similar vein, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged the Casino Control Commission to eliminate prop betting from the legal roster of permissible wagers.
While many states have embraced the opportunity to legalize sports betting, the lack of federal oversight has led to inconsistent regulations. Schatz’s proposed legislation could unify these rules, aiming to establish a safer and more reliable betting environment for fans and players alike.
As discussions continue, the outcome of Senator Schatz’s efforts remains to be seen. Stakeholders in the sports industry will be closely monitoring these developments, as the implications could reshape the landscape of sports betting in America.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.
