As college sports tournaments take place on both ends of Massachusetts this week, Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced Thursday the launch of a public-private partnership to focus on youth sports betting and the risks of gambling.
The Youth Sports Betting Safety Coalition aims to raise awareness about the laws, risks, and public health hazards associated with gambling, and is aimed at 12- to 20-year-olds (approximately middle school age) through scientifically-based, evidence-based betting safety coalitions. We plan to develop an education, training and health curriculum based on until she enrolls in college and turns 21, which is the state's minimum age for sports betting and casino gambling.
“As Massachusetts enters a new era in which sports betting is literally available at our fingertips, it is important to raise awareness of the public health risks associated with this activity, especially for young people,” Campbell said. “This coalition brings together the business, professional sports, nonprofit and responsible gaming communities to best achieve our common goal of better protecting and educating young people across the Commonwealth.”
The group's founding members include the Campbell Firm, Massachusetts Gaming Commission, NCAA, Massachusetts Gaming Health Council, Citizen Engagement Project, Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England -Patriots, New England Revolution. Campbell announced the coalition Thursday night at TD Garden, where the Sweet 16 games of the NCAA men's basketball tournament will be played. The NCAA men's hockey tournament (including the University of Massachusetts vs. the University of Denver) was held Thursday afternoon at the MassMutual Center in Springfield.
“The NCAA is committed to protecting the health of student-athletes and the integrity of college athletics from the harms of sports gambling,” said NCAA President and former Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker. “The Association is proud to work with Attorney General Campbell, the Gambling Commission, and Boston's professional teams to expand our reach and educate more young people about the risks of sports betting. Thank you for bringing us to work on this issue. ”
Campbell's office pointed to NCAA national data showing 58% of 18- to 22-year-olds participate in at least one sports betting activity. The 2023 NCAA study also found that print, radio and television advertising influences and often enhances gambling activity, the AG's office said. Approximately 63% of young people surveyed recalled recently seeing or hearing an ad promoting sports betting, and 58% said they would be more likely to bet after seeing such an ad. Ta.
