Representatives Jamie Raskin and Andrea Salinas have put forth the Ban Gambling on Elections Act on December 18th, an initiative aimed at outlawing betting on American elections. This legislative action arises from concerns about how political gambling might affect the integrity of elections and public trust in democracy. For further details, you can check the [Ban Gambling on Elections Act](https://raskin.house.gov/2024/12/raskin-salinas-introduce-legislation-to-ban-gambling-on-u-s-elections).
This proposal aligns with similar efforts by Senator Jeff Merkley, seeking to modify the Commodity Exchange Act to eradicate election wagering.
Raskin highlighted the necessity for public confidence in voting systems, criticizing election betting as an activity that transforms democratic participation into mere speculation. He emphasized that democracy thrives on clear and reliable voting processes and remarked that betting introduces complications through odds and gambling influences.
### Election Betting Undermines Democracy
Salinas shared this perspective, arguing that betting on elections could encourage interference and manipulation, potentially destabilizing democratic foundations. She also pointed out the societal harms associated with gambling addiction and committed to continuously supporting resources to combat this issue.
She expressed, “Betting on elections sets a perilous precedent, encouraging malicious parties to tamper with our electoral systems. We must avoid gambling with our democracy by stopping this kind of wagering unless we precisely understand the possible repercussions.”
— Rep. Andrea Salinas
Read the [complete article here](https://www.casinoreports.com/house-bill-ban-election-betting/).
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