Press Release  ATTORNEY GENERAL CAMPBELL ANNOUNCES PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP TO ADDRESS THE HARMS OF YOUTH GAMBLING ON SPORTS

Boston — Today, during Problem Gambling Awareness Month, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced the formation of a new public-private partnership, the Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition, to raise awareness of the laws, risks, and public health harms associated with sports betting and gambling among young people. Founding members of the Coalition include the Attorney General’s Office, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health, Civic Action Project, NCAA, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots and New England Revolution. 

The Coalition will develop an evidence-based education, training and health curriculum targeted at middle school, high school and college-aged young people, ages 12-20, throughout the Commonwealth. The Coalition will also collaborate with sports media and licensed gaming operators to further communicate the risks of gambling.  

It is illegal in Massachusetts for anyone under the age of 21 to wager on sports or casino gaming. The recent legalization of online sports betting, where individuals can wager via mobile phone or computer, has, however, made gambling more accessible to young people and increased concerns about problem gambling among that age group.  

“Because Massachusetts has entered a new era with sports betting now literally available at your fingertips, it is critical that we raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity, particularly for young people,” said AG Campbell. “This coalition brings together the business, professional sports, nonprofit and responsible gaming communities to best achieve one common goal: better protect and educate young adults across the Commonwealth.” 

“The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has built on the important standards the legislature established to prevent those under 21 from accessing gambling platforms or being directly targeted with gambling advertising with nation leading regulations,” said Commissioner Bradford Hill. “Licensed operators in Massachusetts understand the expectations and requirements set by the Commission to ensure the strongest possible technical protocols and how critical it is that youth do not have access to gamble. Stakeholders must work together to ensure technical blockades are in place to prevent direct access, and education exists to inform youth and their families about the risks associated with gambling.” 

According to national data from the NCAA, 58 percent of 18 to 22-year-olds have engaged in at least one sports betting activity. The NCAA’s 2023 survey also found that print, radio and television advertisements influence, and often reinforce, betting activity. Approximately 63 percent of young people recall recently seeing or hearing advertisements that encourage sports betting activities and 58 percent of those indicated they are more likely to bet after seeing these ads. 

“The NCAA is committed to protecting the well-being of student-athletes and the integrity of collegiate competition from the harms of sports betting,” said NCAA President Charlie Baker. “The Association is proud to work with Attorney General Campbell and the Gaming Commission, and Boston’s pro teams to extend our reach and educate more young people about sports betting risks. I am thankful the Attorney General is bringing the right people to the table to work on this issue.” 

There are significant public health harms associated with gambling, especially for young people. The Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health has found that teenagers who gamble are more likely to be dependent on alcohol and illegal substances and experience depression than their peers who do not gamble.  

“Sports betting and related advertisements have inundated our sports venues, broadcasts, and products, and kids are watching and consuming the whole time.  We need to provide a counterbalance to these adult messages through strong and enticing educational materials and programs.  I applaud this Coalition for the initiation of this health-focused effort,” said Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health CEO Marlene Warner. 

If you or a loved one is experiencing problems with gambling and needs support, there are resources available. Please call 1-800-327-5050 or visit https://gamblinghelplinema.org/ to speak with a trained specialist. The helpline is free, confidential and available in multiple languages. Additional resources for the prevention of problem gambling are available, here. 

Statements of Support: 

"As a former Chair of the Mass Gaming Commission, I congratulate the Attorney General for pulling together all the relevant parties, public and private, to address the challenging issue of youth sports betting. Taken together, these organizations have the authority, the means and the mandate to keep sports betting legal and safe. That kind of collaboration is at the heart of the Civic Action Project’s work, and we are proud to be part of this Coalition" - Steve Crosby, Co-Founder, The Civic Action Project 

“The New England Patriots and the New England Revolution are proud to support Attorney General Campbell’s efforts to protect youth across the Commonwealth from the harms associated with sports betting and gambling by partnering together and joining the Youth Sports Betting Coalition. We look forward to the collaborative work ahead as we ensure the health and safety of young people by promoting awareness and education through this effort under Attorney Campbell’s leadership.” - Jonathan Kraft, President, The Kraft Group 

“We are grateful to be part of the important conversation this coalition brings to the table with the stakeholders best positioned to have the greatest impact. The Red Sox are proud to leverage our platform, along with the other pro sports teams, to raise awareness and provide education for young people to understand the risks associated with sports betting and set them up to make smart, informed decisions.” - David Friedman, EVP, Legal & Government Affairs, Boston Red Sox 

“Sports betting may have age restrictions, but we know young people find their way around them and that when they start young, they are at a disproportionately higher risk for problem gambling. This is why I am so grateful Attorney General Campbell has formed this coalition in an effort to educate young people as to the dangerous consequences of gambling, particularly sports betting. Education, matched with other preventative efforts such as stricter sports betting advertising restrictions, will help protect young people from an industry looking to them as its next market.” - State Senator John F. Keenan

###