Two US senators introduce advertising act

The bipartisan piece of legislation aims to protect minors from targeted gambling adverts.

US senators Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal have introduced legislation aimed at protecting minors from targeted gambling advertising.

The bipartisan Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would see social media platforms allowing advertising sports betting products or services targeted at minors become a federal offense. It would also forbid prediction markets from doing the same.

Protecting the youth

“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” said Senator Britt, the Republican senator for Alabama. “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, the Democratic senator for Connecticut. 

“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.”

Enforcing the new law

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) 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 (DOJ), which could impose financial penalties of up to US$100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling.

https://www.intergameonline.com/igaming/news/two-us-senators-introduce-advertising-act