U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) introduced legislation this week to combat the rapid rise in youth gambling.
The bipartisan legislation by Britt and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), 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 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 in court.
Under the GAME Act, repeat offenders can be referred to the Department of Justice, which may impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement that promotes sports gambling and is shown to a minor. In cases where thousands of advertisements are shown to minors, the financial penalties could become substantial.
In announcing the GAME Act, Britt described the advertising aimed at young boys as "jarring."
“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” Britt outlined. “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.”
A release from Britt's office noted, "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 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, according to Britt's office.
Alabama's junior U.S. Senator lamented the easy access minors had to gambling.
“Years ago, parents could lock the door at night and assume that their children were safe. In today’s digital age, that is sadly no longer the case—dangers can enter our homes every single day through the palm of our children’s hands," Britt stated. "Youth gambling addictions could be developing under parents’ roofs without them even knowing it, which is why it’s critical that we help parents combat this.”
“I’m thankful to partner with Senator Blumenthal in this bipartisan effort, and I hope our colleagues will rally around this important issue so we can get this legislation to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible,” she added.
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