In most states where it is legal, the minimum age to place a bet on a sporting event is 21. However, there are several that allow individuals as young as 18 to make a wager.

Tonko cited statistics from the International Center for Youth Gambling Problems & High-Risk Behaviors, which estimates that up to 80% of high school students have risked money through gambling.

Tonko Says Operators Use Predatory Tactics

Regulated sports betting has become a big business across the country in a relatively small amount of time. According to the American Gaming Association, sportsbooks, both retail and online, generated more than $6.5 billion in gross gaming revenue through the first 11 months of 2022. That was a 65.4% increase from the same time span in 2021.

In states where online wagering is allowed, the vast majority of bets and revenue come from bets placed on mobile apps and websites.

As sports betting has expanded across the country, so, too, have calls to addiction helplines. Tonko’s fact sheet notes that the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network took 270K calls in 2021, a 45% increase from the previous year.

The congressman accused the sports betting operators of using predatory tactics in their efforts to lure new customers to their apps and sites. He added that this weekend’s Super Bowl broadcast will be a big one for sportsbooks.

“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.

According to a BIA Advisory Services forecast last August, online gambling operators were expected to spend $1.8 billion on local advertising in 2022. That’s more than 60% of those companies’ advertising dollars.

BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel – widely considered the top four operators in the US – have also embraced national advertising. Commercials featuring the Manning family, Jamie Foxx, Kevin Hart, and Rob Gronkowski air during most broadcasts of major sporting events.

BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings didn’t respond to requests for comment on Thursday. A FanDuel spokesperson said the company won’t comment on the legislation.

Analysis: Does the Bill Have a Shot?

Lawmakers file thousands of bills during the two-year congressional sessions. Very few of those bills will actually make it through the entire legislative process to become law. Often, filing a bill is a way to show they’re taking a stand on an issue and want to see it gain more attention.

With Republicans being the majority party in the House, it makes it harder for a bill led by a Democrat to make it through. However, gaming issues tend to bring together factions from both parties. So, the bill may gain support, especially if more raise concerns about sports betting operators.

If that happens, I would expect a significant response from the operators and the American Gaming Association (AGA). Any move to restrict or regulate advertising would almost certainly be met with resistance, especially since the AGA has repeatedly called on Washington to do more to stop offshore books and illegal gaming operators.

The bill may also serve as a wake-up call for the industry 토토사이트 to take more initiative and self-police itself. Some, like FanDuel doing away with using the phrase “risk-free,” have taken steps. But clearly, more is needed.