U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) introduced landmark legislation to combat the rapid and concerning rise in youth gambling. The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act would prohibit social media companies and other advertising websites from targeting minors with sports betting through online advertising.

“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring. We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions. Our legislation takes a critical step toward addressing this problem before it worsens. Our next generation is our greatest asset, and it’s our responsibility to take the necessary steps to protect them from online dangers whenever we can—which is exactly what this bill does,” said Senator Britt.

“Sportsbooks and prediction markets are treating young people like a gold rush, flooding the internet with advertisements and promotions to hook them on gambling when they’re young. High schoolers, even middle schoolers, are now gambling on their phones as never before, losing real money and creating life-altering addiction. The GAME Act would create a nationwide ban on targeted advertising of gambling to kids, backed with the force of punishing fines,” said Senator Blumenthal.

A 2024 study found that individuals who begin gambling before the age of 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem, while 1 in 6 parents say they would not know if their child was gambling.

Senator Britt noted: “Years ago, parents could lock the door at night and assume that their children were safe. In today’s digital age, that is sadly no longer the case—dangers can enter our homes every single day through the palm of our children’s hands. Youth gambling addictions could be developing under parents’ roofs without them even knowing it, which is why it’s critical that we help parents combat this.”

Another recent study found that 45% of adolescent boys who gamble see gambling-related content online. Additionally, 59% reported that gambling-related content began appearing in their algorithms without them proactively searching for it.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would be responsible for enforcing the law, which would begin one year after enactment. Failure to comply could result in civil financial penalties and injunctive relief sought through the courts.

Under the GAME Act, repeat offenders can be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ), which could impose financial penalties of up to $100,000 for each advertisement shown to a minor that promotes sports gambling. In cases where thousands of advertisements are shown to minors, the financial penalties could become substantial.

Senator Britt has been a leading voice in combating the rise in youth sports gambling and has led two separate bipartisan letters on the issue. In October of 2025, she led a bipartisan effort urging the DOJ to take action against illegal offshore gaming operations, which often lack strong age verification procedures to keep minors off their platform. In January of 2026, she led a bipartisan letter to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urging the agency to further study the alarming rise in gambling among America’s youth.

“I’m thankful to partner with Senator Blumenthal in this bipartisan effort, and I hope our colleagues will rally around this important issue so we can get this legislation to President Trump’s desk as soon as possible,” said Senator Britt.