Congress Bill on Mobile Sports Betting Ads Draws Opposition
'Betting on Our Future' Bill Sitting in Subcommittee

Congressman Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) introduced the “Betting on our Future Act” right before the Super Bowl. The proposed legislation bans all online and electronic advertising of sports gambling in the U.S. When introducing the Congress bill on mobile sports betting ads, Tonko said it was for younger people.
“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,” he said. “The excessive, uncensored promotion of these sites needs to be put in check.”
Tonko states he modeled his legislation on the Public Health Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969. That act banned tobacco advertising.
Tonko pointed out to the rise in sports betting popularity over the past few years. He used a Pew Research poll than showed 20% of American adults bet on sports in 2022. He did say calls to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network increased 45% in 2021. But he didn’t specify how much of that increase was due to sports betting. The increase in people who have legal access to sports betting will lead to an increase in calls. Some newcomers have unrealistic expectations and think the latest sports betting system will make them rich.
The Congress bill on mobile sports betting ads was introduced in the U. S. House of Representatives on Feb. 9. The House referred it to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. On Saturday, Feb. 17, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce sent it to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology. That was the last action taken on the bill.
American Gaming Association Not in Favor
Not surprisingly, there were those who didn’t agree with the Congress bill on mobile sports betting ads.
“The American Gaming Association (AGA) and our members adamantly oppose any legislation that seeks to ban or limit casino gaming advertising, including for legal sports betting,” said AGA Senior Vice President Chris Cylke.
Cylke said banning their advertising will reduce awareness of legal sports betting options in the U.S. That will only benefit “illegal, offshore sportsbooks to the detriment of consumers and communities.”
“The proposed legislation would violate well-established free speech protections and undermine the expertise of more than 5,000 state and tribal gaming regulators across the country,” he said.
Cylke said there has never been more money invested in responsible gaming and problem gambling resources than there is now. He believes Congress needs to tackle the offshore sportsbooks instead.
“Congress should instead focus its attention on combatting the predatory and pervasive offshore illegal market that offers no responsible gaming measures, age verification or problem gambling resources,” he said. “We appreciate Representative Tonko’s interest and will continue to work to ensure a sustainable legal marketplace that puts consumer protections first.”
Cylke pointed out the AGA’s “Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering” sets a standard for marketing and advertising. The industry-wide program is overseen by the Code Compliance Review Board, which consists of five members. One of the two chairs is Dr. Jennifer Shatley, who also serves as a Consulting Partner for the Responsible Gambling Council.
The AGA’s “Responsible Marketing Code for Sports Wagering” is updated on a regular basis. The latest updates occurred on March 28, 2023 and banned the use of “risk free” from advertising. Other gambling news also shows the code implemented several additional protections for college students.
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