US Senate Sports Betting Hearing Diverted by Transgender Sports Debate
A US Senate hearing initially convened to discuss the Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act (SAFE Bet Act) took an unexpected turn on December 17, as two senators shifted focus to the contentious topic of transgender athletes in college sports.
During the hearing, Senators John Kennedy of Louisiana and Josh Hawley of Missouri redirected discussions, raising questions about the inclusion of transgender athletes in women’s college sports. Their questioning was aimed at NCAA President Charlie Baker, overshadowing the session’s primary agenda on gambling regulations.
Kennedy questioned Baker on the NCAA’s policies, citing recent incidents involving women’s volleyball teams forfeiting matches over the participation of a transgender player. “Why don’t you stand up and take a leadership position?” Kennedy demanded, further adding, “Why don’t you stand up in front of god and country and say, ‘Federal law is wrong’ and ban biological males from playing in women’s games?”
Hawley joined with equally forceful remarks, claiming the NCAA’s stance was indefensible. Both senators spoke over Baker and interrupted his responses, prompting Committee Chairman Dick Durbin to intervene and restore order after several minutes.
Despite the heated exchange, Baker remained composed, reiterating that the NCAA follows existing federal court rulings, which allow transgender athletes to compete in line with their gender identity.
Gambling Regulations Debate
The hearing was intended to explore the SAFE Bet Act, a proposed federal law that would introduce stricter regulations on sports betting. Among the bill’s provisions are federal oversight of sports wagering, bans on college-player prop bets, and tighter advertising guidelines.
Critics highlighted an imbalance in the hearing, with no representative from the gambling industry present. Joe Maloney of the American Gaming Association (AGA) expressed disappointment, stating, “Today’s hearing notably lacked an industry witness.”
Several witnesses expressed conditional support for the bill, including NFL Players Association representative Johnson Bademosi, who shared concerns about harassment faced by college athletes. “Players are targeted by gamblers who seek inside info or put on pressure to perform,” he noted, underscoring the mental toll on athletes.
Other witnesses offered contrasting views. Former New Jersey regulator Dave Rebuck argued that states, not the federal government, are best equipped to oversee sports betting, while gambling addiction advocate Harry Levant described the current gambling environment as dangerously flawed. Levant, a recovering addict, called for stricter measures to protect vulnerable individuals.
The hearing underscored sharp divisions on both gambling regulations and the inclusion of transgender athletes in college sports. While no immediate action was taken, the session served as a platform for impassioned debate. With the SAFE Bet Act still under consideration, these discussions are likely to shape future policy directions.
