Lawmakers in the United States are advancing a new bill designed to curb gambling advertising Targeting at minors, as concerns grow over the rapid expansion of sports betting marketing across digital channels.
New proposal targets youth-focused gambling ads
Two U.S. senators are collaborating on legislation aimed at limiting the exposure of minors to sports betting promotions online. The proposed Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act seeks to establish a federal ban on gambling advertisements directed at underage users on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
The bipartisan initiative is being led by Katie Britt and Richard Blumenthal.
Significant penalties proposed
Under the bill, enforcement authority would be granted to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), with fines reportedly reaching up to $100,000 per violating advertisement. However, the proposal would exclude broadly viewed sports broadcasts and content actively searched by minors.
Growing debate around gambling advertising
The initiative comes amid increasing concern over the scale of sports betting advertising in the U.S., where legalized sports gambling has expanded across most states over the past decade. Critics argue that existing restrictions by states and social media platforms have proven insufficient.
The proposal has also sparked support among sports fans, many of whom argue stronger safeguards are needed to address gambling exposure and protect vulnerable audiences.
