California Eyes Restrictions on Betting Ads Targeting Minors

The Rise of Betting Advertisements in California

If you follow sports, you’ve likely noticed a surge in advertisements for betting apps on various platforms such as television, social media, YouTube, and even within sports venues.

Concern Over Exposure to Inappropriate Audiences

Two lawmakers in California have expressed serious concerns about these betting ads reaching young and vulnerable audiences. They believe the exposure to such content is increasingly inappropriate and harmful.

Betting Seen as Skill-Based Rather Than Gambling

Assemblymember Mia Bonta shared her personal experience during a press conference, emphasizing how easily minors encounter gambling-related content. She pointed out that kids do not have to seek out this material; it often finds them and their peers. She noted that this type of advertising is cleverly presented as skill-based, involving sports knowledge and the fun of earning money, rather than traditional gambling.

Her husband, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, supports this view strongly. Last year, he threatened legal action against various online platforms offering sweepstakes, prediction markets, and fantasy sports.

New Legislation to Safeguard Minors

In response, Mia Bonta and Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo have proposed a bill aimed at preventing fantasy sports and prediction market platforms from targeting minors with advertisements or allowing them to use these services.

Expanding Betting Platforms and Their Impact

Popular apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, and PrizePicks continue to grow rapidly, while emerging platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi offer betting options on everything from sports outcomes to political events.

Assemblymember Schiavo expressed concern that, regardless of the name, these activities are gambling at their core, involving real money risked on uncertain results. She warned that large corporations in this industry are essentially grooming children to become lifelong gamblers.

Evidence of Growing Gambling Among Youth

Supporters of the bill cite research to back their concerns. A 2025 survey conducted by Common Sense Media revealed that 12% of boys aged 11 to 17 reported engaging in sports gambling. Some minors also participated in gambling-like activities within online games.

Current Safeguards and Their Limitations

While companies often require users to confirm their age and sometimes use identity verification technologies, lawmakers argue these measures are insufficient. Many minors manage to circumvent these protections and access betting platforms.

An Ongoing Battle Ahead

Advocates of the proposed legislation anticipate strong resistance from the gambling industry, particularly given the sector’s rapid growth and significant market size.