Tonko Responds to Arrests in FBI Sports Gambling Probe — Urges Passage of His SAFE Bet Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Paul D. Tonko (NY-20) released a statement following news of several arrests today in connection to a federal probe around illegal sports betting.

"Scandals like this are an inevitable consequence of the unchecked explosion of the sports betting industry. The constant, unfettered access to sports gambling destroys public trust in the game, while having dire consequences for countless across our nation struggling with problem gambling. Now more than ever, we need to pass my SAFE Bet Act to address the public health implications of gambling and protect the integrity of our sports. It's past time for the NBA and other professional leagues to support establishing these minimum federal safety standards and meaningfully show that they value the trust of their fans and the integrity of their sport."