United States
United Kingdom
Summary
- The ban would affect all states across the US.
- Tonko says advertisements get customers hooked on betting products.
- The bill is based on a 1966 law on cigarette labeling and advertising.
With the Super Bowl set to take place this weekend, we expect to see a large collection of sports betting advertisements hit the airwaves. It is commonplace for gaming operators to offer ads of their products and sports betting is no exception.
One New York congressman is trying to change that, having recently introduced a measure that would ban sports betting advertising across the United States.
Betting on our Future Act
Congressman Paul Tonko of New York has decided to introduce a bill titled Betting on our Future Act. This measure would ban all online and electronic sports betting advertising across the United States. Tonko feels that the ‘risk free’ and ‘no sweat bets’ provided by sportsbooks are a way for the providers to get consumers hooked on their products.
He says since sports betting has been legalized in the US, advertisements have run rampant across the countries and companies are spending billions to push their wares. The ads are dangerous for young people who are unaware of gambling addiction and to adults who are prone to addiction.
Tonko created the new law based on legislation passed in 1966 known as the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act. The bill points out the predatory risks of sports betting advertisements and why Tonko feels a ban should be in place to reign in providers.
Information Cited in the Bill
Tonko uses many statistics in his bill to show why he feels that sports betting advertising should be banned. Calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline were up in 2021 by 45% and sports betting companies spend $500 million in 2020 for advertising.
The congressman also says that children and young people are betting at an alarming rate. He cites information from the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors as stating that 60-80% of high school students are gambling for money.
He also points out that colleges and universities are partnering with sportsbooks, which provides direct access to new gamblers that are impressionable.
It is unclear if there are other lawmakers in favor of such a ban. The tactic is one similar to those used overseas in areas like the UK, Ireland and Denmark, where legal changes have been made regarding advertising over the years.
Some areas have restrictions on when commercials can air on television as well as online. We shall see in the coming months if this bill by Tonko has any support and if the sports betting industry will be negatively affected if it passes into law.
