BREAKING: Federal legislation targeting the regulation of sports prop betting in the United States may be proposed in 2026, according to Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii. This urgent development was reported by journalist Pablo Torre, who shared that Schatz is actively consulting with sports leagues, player associations, and sportsbooks to create a framework for stricter oversight of prop bets.
Senator Schatz’s initiative comes as sports betting surges in popularity across the U.S., following the Supreme Court’s decision in 2018 that paved the way for legalization. As states implement or reject sports betting regulations, concerns about the integrity of the game and the influence of illegal offshore sportsbooks have intensified.
In a statement to Torre, Schatz emphasized the rising billion-dollar sports betting industry, 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.”
Prop bets, which allow customers to wager on specific events within a game rather than the final outcome, have drawn scrutiny. The NFL has previously expressed concerns, with a memo sent to team officials stating their commitment to engage with lawmakers to limit or prohibit prop betting altogether. In a similar vein, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine urged the Casino Control Commission to remove prop bets from the list of legal wagers.
The potential for federal regulation comes at a critical moment when the sports betting landscape is evolving rapidly. With varying state regulations and the rise of microbetting, the need for comprehensive legislation is becoming increasingly clear.
As discussions progress, all eyes will be on Senator Schatz and his efforts to introduce this landmark legislation. Stakeholders across the sports and betting industries will be closely monitoring developments, as this proposal could reshape the future of sports betting in America.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as further details emerge.
