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H.R. 8723119th CongressIn committeeLatest action May 11, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
The plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
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
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.
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.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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.