US senators introduce GAME Act targeting sports gambling ads shown to minors

Bipartisan legislation introduced in the US Senate would prohibit digital advertising platforms from displaying targeted sports gambling advertisements to minors, adding another proposal to ongoing federal discussions around online betting, prediction markets, and youth exposure to gambling content.

The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement (GAME) Act of 2026 was introduced by Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.). The bill seeks to establish a nationwide restriction on targeted sports betting advertisements directed at individuals under 18 on social media platforms, websites, online services, and mobile applications that meet certain size and advertising revenue thresholds.

Enforcement framework

Under the proposal, enforcement authority would fall to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts or practices under the Federal Trade Commission Act.

The legislation states that repeat offenders could be referred to the Department of Justice (DOJ) after three or more enforcement actions or settlements. Platforms referred for prosecution could face fines of up to $100,000 for each targeted advertisement shown to a minor that promotes a sports gambling platform.

The restrictions would take effect one year after enactment. Covered digital advertising platforms would include social media platforms, search engines, and digital advertising networks with more than 100 million unique monthly users or visitors that derive revenue from advertising.

The bill also defines targeted advertisements as marketing efforts directed to minors through personal information, behavioral profiling, predicted interests, or device identifiers.

Youth gambling concerns

The senators linked the proposal to concerns surrounding youth gambling activity and online advertising exposure.

“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” Britt said. “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.”

Blumenthal said: “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.”

According to the senators, a 2024 study found that individuals who begin gambling before age 18 are 50% more likely to develop a gambling problem. Another survey cited by the lawmakers found that 1 in 6 parents said they would not know if their child was gambling.

The lawmakers also referenced findings that 45% of adolescent boys who gamble reported seeing gambling-related content online, while 59% said such content appeared in their social media algorithms without actively searching for it.

Britt added: “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.”

Prediction markets remain under scrutiny

The GAME Act arrives as lawmakers continue reviewing online gambling expansion and the rise of prediction markets in the United States.

Blumenthal previously introduced separate legislation focused on prediction market oversight, including provisions related to age verification and advertising restrictions involving underage users and individuals on self-exclusion lists.

Congress has also examined insider trading concerns connected to prediction market activity. Last month, the Senate unanimously approved a resolution prohibiting senators from trading on prediction markets.

Britt has previously led bipartisan efforts related to youth gambling and offshore gaming operators. In October 2025, she joined lawmakers urging the DOJ to act against illegal offshore gaming platforms that allegedly lacked age verification measures. In January 2026, she led another bipartisan letter requesting that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study the increase in youth gambling activity in the US.

“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,” Britt said.