Louisiana lawmaker pushes to ban gambling ads via new bill

A similar bill has been proposed in New York State.

Louisiana Representative Shaun Mena has drafted a bill that would ban gambling ads on TV, print and on social media, according to a WDSU 6 News local report.

If passed, House Bill 727 would declare ads that promote various forms of gambling illegal.

Mena shared his thoughts on the bill with local news and said he is not seeking to ban sports betting, but is looking to protect families and those who are affected by problem gambling.

He explained further by saying, “I’m not proposing that we ban online sports betting, not at all – I just want to ban the advertisement of it.

“I’m fighting for the young men and women who are addicted to these products. Young men under the age of 35 are the largest demographic of online gambling addicts.”

However, lawmakers are not confident this bill will survive a vote. Senator Kirk Talbot shared with local news his belief that it is unlikely to pass.

He commented, “I would say, if I had to bet on it – no pun intended – that the bill will not get very far.”

However, this type of bill is not unique to Louisiana. A similar bill is on the table in New York State.

New York Representative Paul Tonko has proposed the “Betting On Our Future Act,” which would prohibit gambling advertising on radio, TV and websites.

Tonko’s bill was inspired by the Cigarette Smoking Act of 1969, according to the local report. This act made it illegal for tobacco companies to run ads for cigarettes.

During the past year, Louisiana gambling has brought in more than $200m.

Sarah Chen

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