Lawmakers Seek Ban On Gambling Ads Targeting Minors

Sens. Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) are introducing legislation Thursday that would federally prohibit digital gambling advertisements aimed at people under 18, targeting concerns that social media platforms are hooking children on betting.

The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act would ban ads promoting sports betting on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. It comes amid a surge in sports betting and prediction markets, where minors are frequently exposed through targeted ads, video games, influencers, podcasts, and offshore sites despite age restrictions on major platforms.

The Federal Trade Commission would enforce the ban, with penalties of up to $100,000 per violating advertisement. The bill carves out exceptions for broad-audience ads during sporting events and content that minors actively search for.

While many states and major social media companies already maintain similar bans, critics argue those measures lack strong enforcement and sufficient penalties, rendering them ineffective.

The legislation reflects growing alarm among child-safety advocates about a burgeoning gambling addiction crisis among youth, fueled by the constant presence of betting promotions across online platforms and live sports.