St. Paul, MN—State Representative Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, successfully offered an amendment to House File 778 during debate today in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Koznick’s amendment prohibits companies from targeted advertising to individuals under the age of 21 or who are otherwise prohibited from placing wagers on sports. It also prohibits advertising in certain locations as well as bars false and misleading claims from advertisers as it relates to sports betting.
“I am grateful that House members agree that this amendment provides necessary, first step guardrails to limit the targeting of young people in advertising related to sports betting,” said Rep. Koznick. “As I have talked with constituents around our community, it is clear that many have significant concerns about targeted marketing to young people that may be struggling with problem gambling or could develop gambling addiction issues. While there is not a clear consensus on the overall sports betting issue, adding these consumer protections is a commonsense way we can work to prevent sportsbooks and others from targeting underage individuals in their advertising.”
While House File 778 was approved by a vote of 70-57, Koznick ultimately voted against the bill due to several other issues he and others raised during debate.
Koznick concluded, “There are numerous policy concerns and implications yet to be worked through. If Minnesota moves forward with sports betting, we cannot just roll the dice and hope for the best, we need to get it right.”
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