The growing normalization of online gambling and the potential harms they pose to young Americans continues to be a concerning issue. North Carolina Congresswoman Valerie Foushee and New York Congressman Paul D.Tonko are leading the push to hold industry CEOs responsible.
The lawmakers sent letters to CEOs of several online gambling companies, including BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars Entertainment, and DraftKings, requesting a staff-level briefing with responses to a series of questions by May 29:
Here’s an excerpt from the letter:
“We are particularly alarmed by the rapid normalization of online gambling among younger Americans and the targeting of this demographic through predatory advertising. Aggressive advertising campaigns, coupled with partnerships between prediction markets and major media outlets––including CNN, CNBC, Dow Jones, and Yahoo Finance––have made it easier for younger Americans to fall victim to a culture of ‘everything is gambling.’”
In order to help find resolution regarding the potential harms online gambling is causing to youngsters, here are a few of the questions Foushee and Tonko are seeking answers to:
The letter also highlights how traditional sports gambling platforms have dramatically expanded their digital footprints. One example is Bet365’s current “Winning is Everything” campaign.
The letter follows published research results from Common Sense Media about adolescent boys’ gambling habits. More than 1,000 adolescent boys between the ages of 11 and 17 were part of the survey. The findings showed that 36% of boys gambled in the last year. The number varies from nearly a third of 11-year-olds to nearly half of 17-year-olds.
Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer elaborated on the results, noting that “our research shows that we are at a pivotal moment for boys’ well-being and their futures.”
“Without safeguards and support, many boys may be forming risky relationships with gambling before they fully understand the consequences,” Steyer said. “All of us – parents, educators, industry, and policymakers – must treat this issue with the urgency it demands.”
The lawmakers acknowledge that the legality of prediction market and sports betting platforms remains contested across at least 30 active lawsuits, but the harm to young Americans is not. As a result, they are asking the companies that have received the letter to do more. The CEOs of Kalshi and Polymarket have also received letters.
“Some of your companies have announced or considered new policies including stronger age verification processes, family accounts to identify excessive behaviours, and problem gambling self-assessments. We acknowledge these steps … But ultimately, they are insufficient.”
This isn’t the only measure being taken by politicians. A subcommittee hearing pertaining to sports betting and gaming integrity is scheduled for May 20 at 10 a.m.
