US Senators introduce legislation on online gambling ads
The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit companies from targeting minors with sports betting advertising.
US.- US Senators Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal have introduced legislation that would prohibit online advertising platforms from displaying sports wagering advertisements to minors. The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit social media companies and other advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting through online advertising.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing the rules, which would begin one year after enactment. Failure to comply could result in civil financial penalties.
Repeat offenders would be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which could impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement that promotes sports gambling to minors.
Senator Britt said: “The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring. We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions. Our legislation takes a critical step towards addressing this problem before it worsens. Our next generation is our greatest asset, and it’s our responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect them from online dangers whenever we can—which is exactly what this bill does.”
Senator Blumenthal added: “Sportsbooks and prediction markets are treating young people like a gold rush, flooding the internet with advertisements and promotions to hook them on gambling when they’re young. High schoolers, even middle schoolers, are now gambling on their phones as never before, losing real money and creating life-altering addiction. The GAME Act would create a nationwide ban on targeted advertising of gambling to kids, backed with the force of punishing fines.”
