In a move aimed at preserving the integrity of American democracy, Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Andrea Salinas (D-OR) introduced the Ban Gambling on Elections Act on Wednesday. This legislation, the House counterpart to a Senate bill championed by Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), seeks to prohibit all forms of wagering on U.S. elections by amending the Commodity Exchange Act.
The proposal comes as betting on political outcomes has reached unprecedented levels, raising concerns about its impact on public trust and the potential for election interference. According to estimates, nearly $930 million was wagered during the 2024 election cycle across major platforms. This included bets on the presidential race and numerous congressional contests, marking a dramatic escalation in election-related gambling.
Speaking about the risks posed by election betting, Rep. Raskin emphasized the importance of protecting the electoral process. “Our democracy depends on transparent and reliable systems for casting and counting votes, not the spectacle of high-stakes gambling,” Raskin said. “Reducing elections to financial wagers erodes public confidence and threatens the legitimacy of outcomes.”
Rep. Salinas echoed these concerns, warning of the potential for corruption and manipulation. “Betting on elections creates dangerous incentives for bad actors to interfere with our democratic processes,” Salinas remarked. “This isn’t entertainment—it’s a risk to the integrity of how we choose our leaders.”
The proposed legislation directly addresses gaps in existing laws governing commodities and futures markets, ensuring that political betting is explicitly outlawed. Advocacy groups such as Public Citizen have thrown their weight behind the initiative, with government affairs lobbyist Craig Holman stating, “Elections are the foundation of democracy and should never be reduced to a game of chance for personal profit.”
Dennis Kelleher, CEO of Better Markets, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the broader implications of unchecked election betting. “The very act of voting is sacred,” Kelleher said. “Allowing gambling on election outcomes undermines its seriousness and invites exploitation.”
Beyond concerns over democratic integrity, lawmakers pointed to the growing societal issue of gambling addiction. As sports betting and online gaming have gained widespread acceptance, addiction rates have also risen. Salinas noted that while gambling has become a permanent part of American entertainment, its negative effects cannot be ignored. The proposed legislation aims not only to halt election betting but also to promote resources for gambling addiction treatment and research.
Public reaction to the bill has been largely supportive, with many praising it as a necessary safeguard in an era of increasing skepticism about election security. However, the legislation is not without potential opposition. Critics may argue that the proposal imposes undue restrictions on personal freedoms and the burgeoning gaming industry. Supporters counter that the stakes—both figuratively and literally—are too high to risk allowing electoral processes to be influenced by gambling interests.
The Ban Gambling on Elections Act represents a proactive step in addressing this emerging threat to democratic norms. As the bill advances through Congress, its outcome will be closely monitored by policymakers, industry stakeholders, and citizens concerned about the integrity of future elections.
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