Federal bill adds gambling on animal fights to list of banned acts
In committeeH.R. 8723Latest action
Sponsor: Don Bacon · Representative · NE
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: FIGHT Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8723 would make betting on animal fights a federal offense, whether done in person or via broadcast, closing a gap in existing law.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8723 amends the Animal Welfare Act to explicitly ban placing a bet on animal fighting events such as cockfighting or dogfighting. The prohibition applies whether the wager is made at the location of the fight or through a remote viewing or broadcast of the event. The bill also updates the official section title to clearly list all prohibited acts, including the existing ban on bringing children under 16 to these events.
Who does it affect?
The bill affects anyone in the United States who gambles on animal fights, in person or remotely. People who organize or attend these events were already subject to federal law under the Animal Welfare Act.
Why does it matter?
Current law left open an argument that placing a bet on a fight did not constitute organizing or actively participating in one. Adding gambling to the list of prohibited acts removes that legal gap.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 11, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 11, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.