Baumgartner Introduces PROTECT Student Athletes Act to Safeguard Student Athletes from Exploitative Prop Bets

WASHINGTON- Congressman Michael Baumgartner (WA-05), Chair of the College Sports Caucus, introduced H.R. 1552, the Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust (PROTECT) Student Athletes Act. This legislation would protect student athletes by prohibiting prop bets related to their performance during intercollegiate sporting events. Prop bets, as defined in the bill, are wagers on specific actions or achievements by a student athlete that may or may not directly influence the outcome of the event.

"Sports gambling on college campuses has surged in recent years," said Congressman Baumgartner. "Student athletes dedicate themselves to their sport and education, and it’s essential that we protect their integrity both on and off the field. This bill doesn't ban betting on college sports games, but it targets wagers on student athletes' individual performances." Baumgartner also noted, "We are witnessing a troubling rise in harassment of college athletes on campuses, as well as an alarming increase in cases of student athletes being coerced into throwing games for financial gain."

The bill further stipulates that any violation of this prohibition will be treated as a violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act concerning unfair or deceptive acts or practices. This legislation represents a critical step in protecting the well-being of student athletes and preserving the integrity of college sports.

Read the bill text here.

Read the one-pager here.