The Online Problem Gambling Act addresses problems arising from the online sports gambling industry by establishing guardrails to curb impulsive online sports betting. This measure will help prevent the excessive financial, emotional, and social harm from problem gambling and expand protections against underage gambling.
COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES TO PREVENT HARM
SB26-131: The Online Problem Gambling Act
Legalizing sports betting has made problem gambling worse in Colorado.
73% of Coloradans agree
May be at risk for problematic behavior, according to recent state provider reporting.
16% of Gambelers
THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF SPORTS BETTING
In 2019, Colorado voters legalized online sports betting, making us the third state in the country to do so. As the industry has exploded, we’ve also seen an explosion in gambling addiction. Calls for help to the state’s gambling addiction hotline jumped by nearly 50% just in the first year. At least 8 million people nationwide now struggle with a gambling addiction. This is a type of addiction, just like alcoholism or other substance-use disorders.
The Emotional and Social Harms
Addictive sports gambling has severe, negative mental health and safety consequences for individuals and their loved ones.
Legalized sports betting has been associated with a 9% increase in domestic violence.
Young People are Most Vulnerable
Existing protections against underage gambling are severely insufficient due to a lack of enforcement within the current law.
60% Of High Schoolers Report Gambling for Money in the Last Year.
The harm of sports betting also reaches young athletes.
Dire Financial Impacts on Coloradans
Sports betting can cause severe financial harm, leading people to take on debt and lose control of their spending.
Research shows significant harms from sports gambling, including reduced savings and greater debt and delinquency.
Including a 25% Rise in Bankruptcy.
Many individuals are impulsive bettors and can fall into addiction or relapse quickly.
This bill 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.
WHAT WILL THE ONLINE PROBLEM SPORTS GAMBLING ACT DO?
SB26 - 131 WOULD:
Help Us Pass SB26 - 131
Share how online sports betting has impacted you, or sign on to a pre-written letter to tell legislators to vote YES on SB 131.
This bill does not ban sports betting. It simply reduces companies' ability to target minors, creates more guardrails to protect those who struggle with gambling addictions, and strengthens regulatory oversight.
As online sports betting becomes more popular, Colorado lawmakers can put smart safeguards in place to help prevent sports gambling addiction, protect underage Coloradans, and protect the fairness of sports and the athletes who play them.
HEALTHY, RESPONSIBLE ACCESS TO SPORTS BETTING IN COLORADO
“Strengthening protections doesn’t undo voter choice — it honors that choice with healthier, safer access.”