WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy, will convene a subcommittee hearing regarding sports betting and gaming integrity on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET.
This hearing will examine the rapid expansion of sports betting in the United States and its growing impact on the integrity of games. Since the recent advent of prediction markets and the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, what was once a tightly restricted sports gambling industry has evolved into a $165 billion market allowed in 39 states and the District of Columbia.
Alongside the expanding availability of sports gambling, the growth of cases regarding athlete performance manipulation and the sharing of insider information to win sports bets has tarnished numerous American sports leagues, including the NBA, MLB, UFC, MLS, and the NCAA.
In light of these threats to the integrity of sports, the hearing will gather testimony on whether the current framework adequately thwarts attempts to rig outcomes or if additional action is necessary to ensure transparency, fairness, and integrity.
Upon announcing the hearing, Senator Blackburn said: “Fair play is the foundation of American sports, but recent match-fixing scandals in professional sports have put a spotlight on the risks facing the integrity of competition. As traditional online betting platforms and new entrants like prediction markets continue to intersect with sports, we need a clear understanding of how these platforms operate and what they mean for the integrity of the game. This hearing will examine how we strengthen oversight, protect the credibility of competition, and address the growing exposure of young people and children to betting platforms.”
Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said: “Fans shouldn’t have to wonder if their favorite player missed a buzzer-beater or dropped a touchdown pass because of a secret bet. Unfortunately, recent episodes have planted that seed of doubt and raised questions about whether changes are necessary to integrity in sports. I look forward to a productive conversation about the state of sports betting in the United States.”
Witnesses:
- Mr. Bill Miller, President & Chief Executive Officer, American Gaming Association
- Ms. Mary Beth Thomas, Executive Director, Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
- Mr. Scott Sadin,Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Integrity Compliance 360
- The Honorable Patrick McHenry, Senior Advisor, The Coalition for Prediction Markets
An additional witness may be announced at a later date.
Hearing Details:
WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing titled “No Sure Bets: Protecting Sports Integrity in America”
DATE: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
TIME: 10:00 a.m. ET
LOCATION: Committee Hearing Room, Russell 253
LIVESTREAM: The hearing will stream live on the committee website and YouTube.
MEDIA: Reporters interested in attending should contact their respective media gallery to RSVP.
- Senate Daily Press: 202-224-0241 or senate_press_gallery@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Periodical Press: 202-224-0265 or periodicals@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Photographers: 202-224-6548 or press_photo@saa.senate.gov
- Senate Radio/TV: 202-224-6421
###