Congress proposes bill to protect college athletes from illegal bettors

College athletes across the United States are reporting a surge of harassment from illegal sports bettors, with threats and hate messages flooding social‑media accounts and messaging apps. The problem has been highlighted by several high‑profile cases, including a Division I football player who received death threats after a game, and a basketball recruit who was stalked by a bettor who claimed to have “betting on her future.” The incidents have been documented by journalists and athlete advocacy groups, and they have sparked a call for federal action.

The rise of illegal betting coincides with the rapid expansion of online wagering. After the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting in 2018, states legalized sportsbooks, but millions of dollars still flow through unlicensed sites. These sites reward users with anonymity and the promise of quick money. Because the bets are illegal, the operators do not register players or keep records. Athletes, who often have no legal recourse, are left vulnerable to targeted harassment from bettors who feel they can get away with it.

Legislators and experts are proposing a national banned‑bettors registry that would require any person who is found to have placed an illegal bet to be listed and barred from future gambling activity. The bill would also give athletes the right to sue harassers for damages. According to a recent analysis by the Sports Law Institute, about 4 % of the $1.5 billion in illegal sports‑betting revenue in 2023 was linked to targeted harassment of athletes. Representative Maria Lopez, a member of the House Committee on Commerce, said the bill would protect “young people who are already under pressure to perform.” The NCAA has called the issue a “serious threat to athlete safety.”

If the bill moves forward, it could be introduced in the next congressional session. A hearing is slated for early next year, where athletes, legal scholars and industry experts will testify. Should it pass, the registry would create a database that could be accessed by law enforcement and courts, making it harder for bettors to hide behind anonymity. The legislation would also signal to the sports industry that athlete welfare is a priority, potentially reducing the mental‑health toll that harassment can impose and preserving the integrity of collegiate competition.