Senate Bill Would Ban Sports Betting Ads That Target Minors
Mike Goodpaster Published 26/05/2026
A bipartisan bill introduced in the United States Senate calls for a complete prohibition on sports betting ads targeting younger audiences. Sen. Katie Britt, a Republican from Alabama, and Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, are the co-sponsors of the Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act of 2026, also known as the GAME Act.
The specific objective of the bill would be "to prohibit covered digital advertising platforms from displaying targeted advertisements directed to a minor that promote sports gambling platforms." If passed into law, the Federal Trade Commission would be put in charge of enforcing the law.
This Senate Bill would halt what lawmakers view as a disturbing trend
Among members of the U.S. Senate, Britt and Blumenthal have built reputations for being outspoken about the dangers of gambling.
“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” Senator Britt said in a statement. “We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions."
The Senators are referring to their bill as "landmark legislation."
"Our legislation takes a critical step toward addressing this problem before it worsens," Britt said. "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.”
The Federal Trade Commission would be responsible for enforcing the law associated with this bill. Any betting site found to have committed multiple violations would be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ). Repeat offenders could face fines as high as $100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling.
Studies show the impact of sports betting on a younger audience
Some recent studies focusing on the impact of gambling on underage individuals have revealed disturbing trends.
A 2024 study found that people who begin gambling before turning 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem. The same study indicated that one in six parents says they would not know if their child was gambling.
Another recent 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.
“Years ago, parents could lock the door at night and assume that their children were safe," Britt said. "In today’s digital age, that is sadly no longer the case—dangers can enter our homes every single day through the palms of our children’s hands.
"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.”
Blumenthal feels that the explosion of gambling opportunities is overwhelming to young people
Blumenthal feels that sportsbooks and prediction market sites are specifically aiming at young people. He sees the goal as indoctrinating gambling as a natural progression into the lives of America's youth.
“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,” Blumenthal said in a release. “High schoolers, even middle schoolers, are now gambling on their phones as never before, losing real money and creating life-altering addiction."
Bet $10, Get $150 in Bonus Bets If You Win
+10
- 20+ sports available for wagering
- Pre-match and in-play betting
- Unique features like live streaming and boosted odds
up to 100€ Bet Credits
Find out more on bet365's website
- Over 20 sports
- Extensive betting markets
- Live betting feature
New Users – Get $350 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed - When You Bet $5 for 7 Days!
+8
- Deep market coverage across major U.S. sports and leagues
- Same Game Parlay builder is fast and easy to use
- Live betting interface updates quickly with real-time odds