The Washington Post Editorial Board has issued a stark critique of legalized sports betting in the United States, labeling it a "terrible bet" that has failed to deliver on its promises.

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision striking down PASPA, 39 states and Washington, D.C. have legalized sports betting. However, the Post argues that the industry's promised benefits have fallen short:

Key criticisms include:

• Predatory practices targeting losing bettors while limiting successful ones
• VIP programs encouraging problem gamblers to chase losses
• Modest tax revenues that have disappointed state expectations
• Continued presence of illegal betting markets
• Rising sports scandals and athlete harassment
• Inadequate consumer protections

The Editorial Board calls for congressional intervention, pointing to pending legislation like the SAFE Bet Act, which proposes:

• Banning sports betting ads during peak hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Prohibiting advertisements during live sports events
• Implementing affordability checks for high-volume bettors
• Banning credit card use for online sportsbooks

This critique comes as the industry faces increasing scrutiny over its rapid expansion and impact on public health, with calls growing for stronger federal oversight of sports betting operations.

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