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The NBA and WNBA have announced a new responsible gaming campaign addressing sports betting and prediction markets, with a particular focus on young adults.
The campaign will emphasize that sports knowledge does not eliminate the risk of losing money.
The Oct. 13 announcement said the campaign was developed with the National Council on Problem Gambling.
It will launch during the 2026-27 NBA season, although the leagues have not announced a specific debut date.
Campaign warns against treating wagering as income
The campaign will warn against treating sports betting or prediction market trading as a source of income. It will also address time and spending limits and the risks of using money participants cannot afford to lose.
The leagues said betting or trading that becomes difficult to control can affect mental well-being and relationships with family and friends. The campaign will cover recognizing those problems and knowing when to seek support.
A new advertisement will run across social media and television through NBA, WNBA, and partner channels. The campaign will direct fans toward responsible gambling information and resources for finding help.
Pennsylvania regulators highlight younger adults’ access
Pennsylvania regulators have also raised concerns about younger adults’ access to prediction markets. These platforms offer contracts based on whether an event happens, such as a team winning a basketball game.
Customers can lose the amount paid for a contract if their chosen outcome does not occur. Although the products can resemble sports betting, they operate under different regulatory systems and may offer different player safeguards.
In an April 30 letter to federal regulators, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) Executive Director Kevin O’Toole highlighted differences in minimum ages. Pennsylvania’s licensed sportsbooks require players to be at least 21, while O’Toole said prediction market exchanges commonly allow participation beginning at 18.
That makes those products accessible to younger adults who cannot legally place bets through a Pennsylvania sportsbook.
State protections do not automatically cover prediction markets
Pennsylvania’s regulated online sportsbooks must provide tools to help customers control their gambling. These include limits on deposits, wagering or time spent playing, along with temporary breaks from betting.
The PGCB also offers voluntary self-exclusion programs, which allow people to ban themselves from covered gambling activities. Separate programs cover different activities, so applicants should review which exclusions they need.
The board’s self-exclusion website explains the available programs and enrollment process. People can enroll online or through a PGCB office.
However, the PGCB’s guidance states that its programs apply only to licensed gaming providers in Pennsylvania. Players should not assume that enrolling will also block access to a prediction market account.
Customers using prediction markets should check the platform’s own exclusion policies and available controls. The protections they use at a Pennsylvania sportsbook do not necessarily extend to another betting or trading account.
Recognizing warning signs and finding support
Support is also available for people concerned about their own gambling or a loved one’s gambling. Warning signs identified by the PGCB include hiding gambling, increasing bets for excitement, and jeopardizing work or relationships.
Pennsylvania residents can find responsible gambling information covering warning signs and available support. Anyone seeking help can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET for free, confidential assistance available 24 hours a day.
