Tonko Introduces Legislation to Ban Predatory Sports Betting Advertising

The legislation addresses out of control advertising by sportsbooks, demands accountability for industry

WASHINGTON, DC (February 9, 2023) —Today, ahead of Super Bowl LVII, Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) introduced the Betting on our Future Act, new legislation that bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling.

“This Sunday, millions of families across the U.S. will tune in to watch the Super Bowl. Between the plays, the halftime show, and the excitement, tens of millions will be bombarded by ad after ad from DraftKings, FanDuel and others promising so called ‘risk free’ or ‘no sweat’ bets in their ruthless pursuit to get new customers hooked on their products,” Congressman Tonko said. “In the years since the Supreme Court legalized sports betting, these unfettered advertisements have run rampant, with betting companies shelling out billions to ensure they reach every screen across America. These ads pose a particularly dangerous threat to adolescents and young adults unaware of the risks involved in gambling, and to individuals prone to addiction.”

Tonko continued, “The excessive, uncensored promotion of these sites needs to be put in check. My legislation puts a halt to this dangerous practice and sends a powerful message to the online sports betting advertisers. Congress must take the necessary steps to reel in an industry with the power to inflict real, widespread harm on the American people.”

Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision to strike down a federal ban on sports betting, at least 36 states have moved to legalize gambling on sports in some capacity, with 26 states legalizing mobile sports betting. In the first ten months of 2022, Americans wagered $73 billion legally on sports, a 70% increase from last year, according to the American Gaming Association.

Modeled after the Federal Cigarette Labeling and Advertising Act, which banned tobacco advertisements, the Betting on our Future Act takes aim at harmful and pervasive online sports betting advertisements by prohibiting advertising of sportsbooks on any medium of electronic communication subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission.

The full text of the Betting on our Future Act can be found HERE.

A fact sheet on this legislation can be found HERE.

SOURCE: Congressman Paul D. Tonko.