US Senators want to stop minors from seeing gambling ads

• Two US senators are pushing for stronger safeguards aimed at reducing minors’ exposure to gambling-related content online, particularly across major social media platforms
• The proposed legislation reflects growing concern in Washington over the increasing visibility of sports betting promotions and their potential impact on younger audiences
• Lawmakers backing the measure argue that existing protections are insufficient, as debate continues over how gambling advertising should be regulated in the digital age

A pair of senators, outspoken in their criticism of the gaming industry, have put forward a new bill that is looking to limit the indirect exposure of minors to sports gambling content.

Sens. Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal, the latter of whom has been pushing harder for the regulation of not just the gaming industry but also prediction markets, seek to create a new federal framework that will prohibit ads on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, the Wall Street Journal originally reported.

The new law, called the Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act, seeks to build on existing safeguards, which critics have called ineffective, with social media platforms often criticized over their alleged choice to turn a blind eye to illegal gambling ads.

Senator Britt argued that the rise in sports gambling among minors, and especially boys, has been a worrying trend that needs to be addressed and stemmed. In a statement on her website, the senator argued:

"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."

Her colleague, Sen. Blumenthal, was of a similar opinion that the "gold rush" for sportsbooks and prediction markets has been a veritable threat to the well-being of young people. The senator argued that the companies behind those products were not always discriminating in their target of gambling audiences.

"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."

The senators have also cited relevant studies and research, with one particular 2024 study indicating that people who start gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop pathological gambling behavior later on.

The senators argued that parents need help to help their children steer clear of these products, with another study cited by the pair stating that 45% of adolescent boys who ended up gambling had seen online gambling ads.

This is why Sens. Britt and Bluementhal said that more needed to be done in order to aid parents in keeping their children safe, and a federally mandated law would be a huge way to influence and put pressure on advertisers and gambling companies, as well as social media platforms, to shield vulnerable consumers, especially children.

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