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Most US states that have regulated sports betting - not all - require individuals to be at least 21 years old in order to place a wager on this year's Super Bowl. Nearly all offshore sportsbooks, Americas Bookie included, allow for those 18 and up.
In fact, only four US states permit those 18 and up to place bets with regulated sportsbooks. These include Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Washington.
Only New Hampshire and Rhode Island offers statewide mobile betting. While New Hampshire has a decent enough brand in DraftKings, that is all they offer. Thus, the competition is nearly non-existent (with the exception of the offshores and locals of course). Rhode Island's mobile product is deemed mostly inferior by any barometer.
Washington State and Montana only permit mobile betting at retail locations, which pretty much defeats the purpose.
The 18 to 21 year old population is highly sought after by offshore sportsbooks, though not necessarily targetted with advertising per se.
For one, the outlets in which to place bets are limited yet the exposure to sports gambling is probably highest within this coveted group.
It is estimated that around 31 million people will be betting on this year's Super Bowl.
According to Pew Research, between 60% and 80% of high school students report having gambled for money in the past year. That would be between friends in all likelihood as even local bookies are less inclined to take on those under the age of 18. Nevertheless, these are individuals primed to start gambling once they turn 18.
This is also among the more vulnerable groups when it comes to the potential for addiction. Operators must pay special attention to the demographic.
“We believe that the risks for gambling addiction overall have grown 30% from 2018 to 2021, with the risk concentrated among young males 18 to 24 who are sports bettors,” said Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling executive director, in an interview with Pew Research.
- Don Shapiro, Gambling911.com
