To amend the Commodity Exchange Act to prohibit event contracts based on terrorism, assassination, war, gaming, illegal activity, election outcomes, government activities, or other activities determined by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to be contrary to the public interest, and to allow States to exempt themselves from the prohibition on gaming contracts.

# HR 7840 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would amend federal commodity trading laws to ban contracts that allow people to bet money on certain high-risk events, including terrorism, assassination, wars, illegal activities, and election outcomes. It would also give the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC)—the federal agency that regulates futures markets—authority to prohibit other types of event contracts it deems harmful to the public interest. The bill includes an exception allowing individual states to opt out of the ban on gaming-related contracts if they choose. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects financial traders and brokers who would be prohibited from offering these types of prediction contracts. It applies to any event contracts traded on U.S.

commodity exchanges or markets. By restricting betting on sensitive events like elections and acts of violence, the legislation aims to prevent financial speculation on harmful or destabilizing scenarios. The state exemption for gaming contracts allows states flexibility to permit betting-related contracts within their borders if they decide to do so. **Current Status** HR 7840 is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was sponsored by Republican Representative Blake Moore of Utah.