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Betting on Wildfires? Congress Acts | Spokane News
Congressman Michael Baumgartner has introduced a bill to ban federally regulated prediction markets from offering bets tied to wildfire events—like how many acres will burn or if evacuations will happen—after over $1.2 million was wagered on the Palisades and Eaton fires in 2025, which displaced tens of thousands and destroyed hundreds of homes. Though no evidence links betting to arson, Baumgartner argues profiting from disaster is unacceptable and needs proactive federal action. Critics note the bill targets symptoms—not gambling addiction—and calls for DOJ collaboration to investigate…
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