Senate committee releases two bills aimed at gambling advertising and self‑exclusion procedures

The committee released two related bills meant to address harms associated with legal gambling.

S 23 56 directs the Division of Gaming Enforcement to study language requirements for gambling advertisements, to develop alternative wording intended to be more effective for people struggling with compulsive gambling, and to restrict the placement of certain advertisements (for example, near schools or on platforms frequented by younger users). Senator McKeon, who spoke in support, said the bill aims to make warnings and placement more effective for the roughly 5% of people who become compulsive gamblers and compared the measure to past limits on tobacco advertising.

S 23 62 would require that individuals on the self‑exclusion list view educational and counseling videos before they may be removed and would permit qualified third parties—such as family members with financial ties or guardians—to request exclusion for someone. Senator McKeon described third‑party exclusion as analogous to red‑flag firearm laws in that it places an administrative process and hearing between a third‑party request and action rather than creating an automatic exclusion.

Both bills were released by voice/roll call; the clerk recorded affirmative votes from a majority of members present. Andrew Park was listed as opposed for both measures but did not testify. Committee discussion focused on protecting vulnerable users and on the administrative mechanics of third‑party exclusion requests.

The legislation would direct regulators to develop specific language and procedures; the committee did not produce final text for placement restrictions or video content during the hearing.