119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 9706
H.R. 9706, the "Facial Recognition to Protect Children Act," requires operators of online wagering and prediction market platforms to use facial recognition technology to verify that users are at least 18 years old before allowing access to betting services. The bill limits data collection to what is necessary for age verification and requires platforms to delete facial data once it is no longer needed, with the Federal Trade Commission responsible for enforcing these requirements as unfair or deceptive practices. The legislation also expands the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's authority to review and prohibit prediction market contracts involving illegal activity, terrorism, violence, or other harmful outcomes, while establishing new consumer protections including mandatory disclosure, anti-money laundering requirements, and self-exclusion programs for retail participants. The bill creates an Advisory Council on Consumer Protection that will meet quarterly to assess investor safeguards and marketing practices, and establishes an Office of the Retail Advocate to help individual investors with complaints and conduct annual reporting to Congress. These requirements apply to all licensed gaming facilities, online sports betting platforms, and prediction market operators offering services to the general public.