Senators introduced legislation to create the Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibiting sports betting advertisers from targeting minors
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) cosponsored bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Katie Britt (R-AL) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to combat the rapid and concerning rise in youth gambling. The RES
“As online advertising becomes increasingly targeted and sophisticated, we need commonsense protections that keep gambling promotions away from our youth,” said Senator Curtis. “By prohibiting sports betting advertisers from targeting minors, our bipartisan legislation would help protect kids, support parents, and ensure technology is used responsibly.”
“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” said Senator Britt. “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 toward 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.”
“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,” said Senator Blumenthal. “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.”
Background:
A 2024 study found that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem, while 1 in 6 parents say they would not know if their child was gambling. Another recent study found that 45% of adolescent boys who gamble see gambling-related content online. Additionally, 59% reported that gambling-related content began appearing in their algorithms without them proactively searching for it.
The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing the law, which would begin one year after enactment. Failure to comply could result in civil financial penalties and injunctive relief sought through the courts.
Under the GAME Act, repeat offenders can be referred to the Department of Justice, which could impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling. In cases where thousands of advertisements are shown to minors, the financial penalties could become substantial.
https://www.curtis.senate.gov/press-releases/curtis-cosponsors-bipartisan-legislation-to-protect-youth-from-targeted-gambling-ads/