As the U.S. sports betting market continues to grow at a rapid pace, managing responsible gambling and ensuring effective oversight is becoming a major concern. In a recent public statement, Hardie Davis Jr., Former Georgia State Representative, called on individual states to remain in charge of sports betting regulation, arguing that state-level control is the most effective way to protect players and promote responsible gaming.
With legal sports wagering now available in most parts of the country, lawmakers are under increasing pressure to try to balance economic growth with strong consumer protections. Davis’s comments reflect a growing belief that local regulation, rather than federal control, offers a more practical and responsive approach to managing sports betting while keeping responsible gambling a top priority.
The question of who should regulate sports betting has been debated since the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. That decision removed the federal ban on sports wagering and gave individual states the power to legalize and regulate betting within their own borders.
Since then, state gambling laws have developed quickly. Each state has introduced its own licensing rules, tax models, and responsible gaming standards. While this has allowed states to create regulations that suit their local needs, it has also led to differences in oversight and consistency across the country.
Davis’s stance on sports betting is based on the idea that states are better suited than federal authorities to regulate gambling responsibly. He believes state regulators have a stronger understanding of key factors such as:
According to former Augusta Mayor Davis, keeping authority at the state level allows regulators to act quickly when new issues arise. This includes responding to aggressive advertising, underage gambling risks, or sudden increases in problem gambling reports. State-level accountability also means lawmakers remain directly answerable to the communities affected by gambling-related harm.
Davis believes that by managing betting locally, states can easily create responsible gambling campaigns and prevention programs that reflect the real needs of their populations. This is much better than relying on broad federal policies that may not fit every region.
Responsible gambling has become a central part of modern sports betting laws in the United States. State-led regulation allows for stronger and more targeted responsible gaming initiatives, including self-exclusion programs, betting limits, and clear access to support resources on betting platforms. Several states have already introduced measures to prevent problem gambling, such as:
Organizations like the National Council on Problem Gambling continue to stress the importance of early intervention, education, and easy access to help. State regulators are often best positioned to act quickly in these areas. Local oversight also makes it easier to track gambling data, spot harmful trends early, and adjust policies before problems escalate. This flexibility helps protect consumers while allowing the industry to operate responsibly.
State control of betting laws has a major impact on the wider betting industry. Operators must meet different regulatory requirements depending on the state, which can increase compliance costs. However, it also encourages higher standards for player protection. For many major US sportsbooks and online casinos, strong responsible gambling practices are essential for retaining licenses and earning public trust.
From a player’s perspective, strong state oversight builds confidence in legal betting platforms. Bettors are more likely to use licensed operators when they know rules are enforced and safeguards are in place. Davis’s position suggests that responsible gambling and business growth do not have to conflict. With effective state regulation, the industry can grow in a way that supports innovation while keeping player safety front and center.
Looking ahead, former Augusta Mayor Davis’s vision points toward a future where states continue to lead sports betting regulation, supported by cooperation rather than direct federal intervention. While some national standards may still be discussed, state governments are likely to remain the main drivers of gambling policy.
If states keep prioritizing responsible gaming initiatives, the industry could see better problem gambling prevention and stronger public trust. At its core, Davis’s message is clear: protecting players must remain central to the growth of sports betting. By empowering states to lead, the U.S. can maintain a regulated betting market built on responsibility, accountability, and long-term sustainability.
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