Advertisements for betting apps face opposition from consumer advocacy organizations
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However, in the world of sports betting, concerns have been raised about the constant stream of notifications from popular apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM. According to a report by the National Consumers League (NCL) in 2025, 93% of these push notifications contain advertising, with 62% directly prompting bets. The NCL argues that these aggressive, persistent notifications can exacerbate gambling addiction harms, including increased suicide risk, financial distress, and domestic violence[1][2].
In response, the NCL supports federal legislation such as the SAFE Bet Act, which would largely ban push notifications promoting betting offers or incentives, considering such marketing a prohibited unfair practice under federal law[1][2][3]. This push aims to curb the pervasive and invasive nature of smartphone alerts that reach consumers anytime and anywhere, increasing the risk of harm from gambling addiction.
While federal efforts are underway, some states like Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Carolina have implemented regulations requiring the use of data and algorithmic triggers for early intervention on problem gambling. Other states including Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Vermont have enacted wager or time limits and dedicated funding for responsible gaming programs[4]. However, specific state rules on push notifications vary, and many of these focus more broadly on advertising standards, prevention programs, and data-driven interventions rather than explicit bans on app notifications.
The NCL's concerns are particularly relevant after team losses, when the constant stream of notifications may worsen gambling addiction, financial instability, and domestic violence. As the NFL season kicks off, these issues are more pertinent than ever.
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[1] National Consumers League. (2023). Sports Betting App Notifications: A Hidden Danger. Retrieved from https://www.nclnet.org/reports/sports-betting-app-notifications-a-hidden-danger/ [2] National Consumers League. (2024). The Impact of Sports Betting App Notifications on Problem Gambling. Retrieved from https://www.nclnet.org/reports/the-impact-of-sports-betting-app-notifications-on-problem-gambling/ [3] National Consumers League. (2025). The SAFE Bet Act: A Step Towards Protecting Consumers from Sports Betting App Notifications. Retrieved from https://www.nclnet.org/reports/the-safe-bet-act-a-step-towards-protecting-consumers-from-sports-betting-app-notifications/ [4] National Governors Association. (2023). State Responses to Sports Betting: Regulation and Responsible Gaming. Retrieved from https://www.nga.org/resources/reports/state-responses-to-sports-betting-regulation-and-responsible-gaming/
- The National Consumers League warns about the harm caused by persistent push notifications from sports betting apps, stating that they can exacerbate gambling addiction, increase suicide risk, financial distress, and domestic violence.
- Federal legislation such as the SAFE Bet Act is proposed to ban push notifications promoting betting offers or incentives, viewing such marketing as an unfair practice under federal law.
- Some states like Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and North Carolina have implemented regulations that use data and algorithmic triggers for early intervention on problem gambling.
- Other states, such as Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Vermont, have enacted wager or time limits and dedicated funding for responsible gaming programs.
- The NCL advises that the constant stream of notifications after team losses may worsen gambling addiction, financial instability, and domestic violence, making the issues more pertinent during the NFL season.
