US Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY, said in a statement that Washington needs to act as sports betting ads lure people – especially teenagers and young adults – into 먹튀검증 an addictive habit. That’s why he filed the Betting on Our Future Act.

As stated in the bill, Tonko wants “to prohibit the advertising of sportsbooks on any medium of electronic communication subject to the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission.” In a fact sheet his office produced, that would include television and radio commercials, as well as online advertisements.

The excessive, uncensored promotion of these sites needs to be put in check,” Tonko said. “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 he modeled his legislation after the federal law that bans cigarette advertising.

This isn’t Tonko’s first gaming-related bill. Previously, he worked closely with US Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., over several years on legislation that would ultimately become the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.

Concerns About Exposure

Sports betting is now legal in 36 states and operational in 33, plus the District of Columbia. Mobile wagering is currently available in 23 states and in DC.

Sports betting operators have faced heavy scrutiny in recent months. The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced it will punish four operators for violating advertising and responsible gambling standards. Caesars Sportsbook has already agreed to pay a $150K fine, while BetMGM, DraftKings, and Penn Sports Interactive face similar or larger fines.

A New York Times exposé late last year cast a light on some of the practices sportsbooks have employed to promote their brands and attract new customers. That included signing partnership deals with such institutions as the University of Colorado, Louisiana State University, and Michigan State University.

It’s not just college-age students who are at risk, according to Tonko. He believes the flashy ads with high-profile celebrities and former athletes make sports betting seem appealing to an even-younger crowd.

 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,” the lawmaker said. “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.”