US Senators Push for Law to Shield Minors from Gambling Ads

Two US senators, Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal, have introduced the Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act, aiming to limit minors' exposure to sports gambling content online. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit gambling ads on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

Senator Britt highlighted the concerning trend of rising sports gambling among minors, particularly boys. She stated, “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 echoed similar concerns, noting that sportsbooks and prediction markets are targeting young people with gambling advertisements. He argued, “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.” Studies cited by the senators show that people who start gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop pathological gambling behavior later on. Additionally, 45% of adolescent boys who gambled had seen online gambling ads.