H.R. 9706 is a bill that mandates operators of wagering or prediction market platforms to implement facial recognition technology to verify the age of their users. The primary goal is to ensure that only individuals of legal age can participate in these platforms, which are often associated with gambling and betting activities.
Supporters of H.R. 9706 argue that the bill enhances consumer protection by preventing underage individuals from accessing wagering and prediction markets. Advocates praise the use of advanced technology like facial recognition for its potential to improve age verification processes and promote responsible gambling.
Critics of H.R. 9706 express concerns about privacy and civil liberties, arguing that the use of facial recognition technology could lead to invasive surveillance practices. There are also worries about the accuracy of such technology and the potential for discrimination, as well as the implications of requiring users to submit biometric data to participate in online betting.
The analysis of H.R. 9706 reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Josh Gottheimer's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter concerning wagering or prediction market platforms. The lobbying activity in this policy area does not indicate significant financial influence from industries directly related to the bill. The largest contributions come from organizations like Healthequity, Inc. and Mathematica, Inc., which are not directly linked to wagering or facial recognition technology. This lack of direct financial ties suggests a low risk of conflicts of interest. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists in the broader context, it does not appear to directly impact this specific legislation.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN ACADEMY OF HOME CARE MEDICINE | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $70,000 |
| MATHEMATICA, INC | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $60,000 |
| MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | $60,000 |
| ACTUM ON BEHALF OF HEALTHEQUITY, INC. | TARPLIN, DOWNS & YOUNG, LLC | $50,000 |
| COALITION FOR THE USE OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | $20,000 |
| JAMESTOWN S'KLALLAM TRIBE | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | $10,000 |
| NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | $5,000 |
| ASSOCIATION FOR MATERIALS PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE (AMPP) | ASSOCIATION FOR MATERIALS PROTECTION AND PERFORMANCE (AMPP) | undisclosed |
| SYSTEMS & METHODS, INC. | CAPROCK STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| HEALING LODGE OF THE SEVEN NATIONS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| TIGERSWAN | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| LWRC INTERNATIONAL, LLC | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NATIVE VILLAGE OF EYAK | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Josh Gottheimer, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
