Gaming Lobbyists Push to Carve Sports Betting Out of Federal Crypto Legislation

U.S. gaming industry groups are lobbying lawmakers to carve out sports betting and casino-style prediction markets from pending federal crypto legislation, arguing that these products should not be treated under a financial-instruments framework. The reports say the industry wants Congress to use the legislation’s structure to bar such markets from falling under the relevant crypto/derivatives rules ^{[1] [2]}.

Multiple outlets report that the push is tied to the status of the “Clarity Act” as it moves through Congress, with one account stating the bill has advanced through the Senate Banking Committee and is awaiting a full Senate floor vote. The coverage also notes ongoing scrutiny and enforcement actions by state authorities involving platforms including Kalshi and Polymarket, alongside questions raised about whether the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has appropriate authority over sports wagering contracts ^{[3] [4]}.