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Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer Calls on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to Address Youth Gambling

Millions of families will watch the Super Bowl this weekend, which will include advertisements for sports betting companies
Topics Kids & Tech Kids' & Teens' Media Kids' Health

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 5, 2026—Ahead of the Super Bowl, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer called on National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell to be transparent with the American public about how the NFL is making decisions around gambling, what safeguards exist, and what accountability measures are in place to protect kids and families.

Steyer wrote: "In advance of the Super Bowl this Sunday, we want to be very frank with you as a committed dad and unparalleled national leader in sports about the impact of actions that you can take as the NFL commissioner on the online gambling crisis as well as the youth mental health crisis among America's young men and boys."

Steyer asked the commissioner to address the following questions:

  • Digital Access and Age Gating: What age verification systems are in place on NFL Fantasy Football platforms, given that minors participate but these platforms now heavily integrate gambling content and odds? Does the NFL require age verification before allowing users to access betting lines, prop bets, or gambling odds integrated into game statistics on NFL.com and the NFL app?
  • In-Stadium Protections: What policies govern gambling kiosk placement in stadiums to ensure physical distance from family sections, kids' zones, or youth program areas?
  • Broadcast and Streaming Safeguards: During games broadcast in afternoon time slots when youth viewership is high, are there any enhanced restrictions on gambling advertisement frequency or content? What content rating or age-appropriateness standards does the NFL apply to gambling advertisements, and who enforces them?
  • Data Collection and Minors: What safeguards prevent gambling partners from collecting data on NFL fans under 18 through shared NFL platforms, apps, or websites? Does the NFL audit its gambling partners to ensure they're not marketing to or collecting information about minors?
  • Parental Controls: What parental control options exist on NFL digital properties to block gambling-related content for accounts registered to minors? Does the NFL provide clear, accessible information to parents about how to shield children from gambling content while still accessing NFL games and content?

Steyer continued: "Your league is one of the most powerful cultural institutions in the country and the NFL has long positioned itself as a family-friendly institution. If boys are being funneled into the betting pipeline as early as 11, you are not bystanders to this problem—you are helping to architect this environment."

The full letter can be found here. Common Sense Media's research on boys and gambling can be found here.

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate for policies to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.