Bill to block sports wagering on college campuses fails after debate over enforcement and consequences

Chairman Clemens presented House Bill 17-68 to prohibit sports wagering on public higher-education campuses and to require campus servers and venues to block access or geofence wagering platforms on game days. Clemens cited studies and statistics he said show high rates of sports betting among 18-to-22-year-olds and argued the measure would protect students, financial-aid resources and student-athletes from abusive behavior tied to wagering.

Members questioned whether universities already have policy tools and whether the bill would simply shift illegal activity off campus. Representative Martin said universities could possibly take administrative action but others noted the bill’s intent is to reduce on-campus, spontaneous wagering. After debate on enforcement, scope and possible unintended consequences — including concerns that illegal bookies would continue operations off campus — the clerk recorded the vote as "3 ayes, 4 nos" and the bill failed to advance.