New York Congressman Calls for Crackdown on Sports Betting Ads

Democratic Rep. Paul Tonko has announced that he has introduced the “Betting on our Future Act”. If passed, the legislation would make it illegal to advertise sportsbooks anywhere in the US on television, radio, the internet, or any other form of electronic communication under federal regulation.

“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,” Tonko said in a press release.

“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 says now is the time to act, citing the growth of sports betting in the US. More than 30 states have now legalized event wagering, and handle across the US is reaching new highs. Meanwhile, a fact sheet supplied by Tonko’s office said the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network took approximately 270,000 calls in 2021, up 45% from the previous year.

“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,” Tonko said in the release.