What does Preamble of BETS OFF Act do?

This bill is formally titled 'A bill to ban certain types of wagers.'

What does SHORT TITLE. of BETS OFF Act do?

This bill is formally titled the 'Banning Event Trading on Sensitive Operations and Federal Functions Act'.

What does DEFINITIONS. of BETS OFF Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Specified event” is defined as an act of terrorism, an assassination, a war, or an event meeting specific criteria related to non-financial characteristics and control over the outcome. The criteria for a 'specified event' includes actions by governmental entities, where the outcome is entirely controlled by a person, or known in advance by a person. “Wager” is defined as risking something of value on an event's outcome, with an expectation of receiving something of value based on a specific result. The definition of “wager” excludes insurance meeting certain conditions under state, foreign, or federal law. Insurance is excluded from the definition of 'wager' if it is lawful and the insured holds an insurable interest.

What does PROHIBITED CONDUCT. of BETS OFF Act do?

This section prohibits placing, accepting, or facilitating the placement or acceptance of a wager regarding a specified event. The Attorney General may bring a civil action for injunctive relief against individuals violating the prohibition. Violations of the prohibition are considered unlawful.

What does AMENDMENTS. of BETS OFF Act do?

This section amends several sections of the United States Code to incorporate references to conduct prohibited by section 3(a) of the BETS OFF Act. Section 1952(b)(i)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to include conduct prohibited by section 3(a) of the BETS OFF Act. Section 1955(b) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to include conduct prohibited by section 3(a) of the BETS OFF Act in two separate paragraphs. Section 5362(1) of title 31, United States Code, is amended to include conduct prohibited by section 3(a) of the BETS OFF Act. Section 5c(c)(5) of the Commodity Exchange Act is amended to prohibit listing or clearing agreements, contracts, transactions, or swaps involving specified events as defined in section 2 of the BETS OFF Act.

What does SEVERABILITY. of BETS OFF Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If a portion of the Act is deemed unconstitutional, the remaining provisions and their application to other individuals or circumstances will remain in effect.

What does EFFECTIVE DATE. of BETS OFF Act do?

This Act will become effective 30 days after its enactment.

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BETS OFF Act

Last updated: 3/17/2026 · Introduced: 3/17/2026

Author: Christopher Murphy (D-CT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill prohibits wagering on 'specified events,' which include acts of terrorism, assassinations, wars, and events where the outcome is entirely controlled or known in advance.
The bill amends existing federal laws related to illegal gambling and financial transactions to incorporate the prohibition of wagers on specified events.
The Attorney General can seek court orders to prevent individuals from placing, accepting, or facilitating wagers related to these specified events.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7955(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 5 more.

7 sections

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