SB 131 honors voters’ choice on sports betting, while strengthening protections for healthier, safer, responsible access.
Denver, CO — Today, bipartisan legislation Senate Bill 131 was introduced by Senators Matt Ball and Byron Pelton to strengthen safeguards in sports betting to protect the mental health of kids, young people, and those experiencing gambling addiction. The bill will be sponsored in the House by Representatives Steven Woodrow and Dan Woog.
Through Proposition DD in 2019, Colorado voters legalized sports betting for those 21 and older. SB 131 honors voters’ choice by allowing the legal market to continue while strengthening protections for minors and for those who struggle with problem gambling. Nationally, over 6 million adults struggle with a gaming addiction, especially young adults and minors.
This legislation would:
- Restrict credit card use for sports gambling accounts.
- Prohibit online sports betting companies from accepting more than five deposits in a 24-hour period.
- Prohibit bonus payouts as promotional offers for placing an online sports bet.
- Eliminate mobile push notifications or text messages to solicit bets.
- Restrict sports gambling advertisements during peak viewing hours.
“Coloradans made it clear in 2019 that they wanted a legal sports betting market, but things have gotten out of hand. It’s become clear that we need guardrails on the industry,” said Sen. Matt Ball, sponsor of Senate Bill 131. “Over 60% of high schoolers reported betting on sports in the last year. We can honor the will of the voters and maintain the market while keeping a generation of kids and young adults from falling into problem gambling. This bill has common-sense reforms to protect youth from targeted advertisements and easy access to these apps, so fewer people find themselves on the edge of financial ruin or mental and social harm.”
National research shows significant financial harms arise from sports gambling, including reduced savings and greater debt, debt delinquency, and a 25% rise in bankruptcy. Additionally, approximately 16% of Coloradans who gamble may be at risk of problem gambling, according to a 2023 survey by the Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado.
“This bill is critical to help protect the health and well-being of our young people. In just the first year after sports betting was legalized in Colorado, there was a 45% increase in calls to gambling help lines in the state,” said Joshua Ewing, Executive Director of Healthier Colorado. “As the father of two young boys, I am nervous about the pressures on them and their peer group to engage in sports betting at an early age. SB 131 strengthens our sports betting framework by adding reasonable public health measures designed to minimize harm before it escalates.”
“Gambling addictions are a serious and increasing concern for Coloradans’ health. Nationally, among people with a gambling disorder, one in two will consider suicide and one in five will attempt suicide,” said Vincent Atchity, President and CEO of Mental Health Colorado. “SB 131 provides some reasonable reforms to reduce problem gambling and, in particular, young people’s access to gambling, which is key to protecting the health and well-being of Coloradans.”