Advertising rules for NY sports betting operators became codified into state law after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S1550 and Assembly Bill A1118 on Tuesday.
This legislation solidifies state gaming rules, which require NY sports betting apps to include the state’s problem gambling hotline number in ads. New York sportsbooks already follow these rules and the new law does not specify any additional messaging that must appear.
“New York State recognizes the importance of responsible gaming practices and has strong safeguards in place to protect and educate bettors,” New York State Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer said in a press release. “While the Gaming Commission already requires sports wagering operators to include problem gambling messaging on all advertisements, we are encouraged that this common-sense measure has been codified into state law.”
NY sports betting ad rules
New York State law already required casino and lottery ads to include problem gambling assistance messaging.
The New York State Gaming Commission and Office of Addition Services and Supports (OASAS) will continue to monitor sports betting ads for compliance.
Gambling advertisements must meet specific size and legibility requirements for the problem gaming helpline, depending on where they are displayed.
Advertisements under the microscope
New York regulators are not the first to crack down on sports betting ads.
Ohio sports betting regulators do not allow sportsbooks to advertise promotions as “free bets” or “risk-free” when customers must bet their money first. In Massachusetts, all logos at stadiums for MA sportsbooks must include “21 and over” language.
Federal legislation introduced last month calls for limiting advertisements to specific times and spaces to avoid underage audiences.
Addiction hotline statistics
According to data provided by OASAS, the New York addiction hotline received 777 contacts, either by call or text, through the first six months of 2024.
The total includes people struggling with all forms of addiction, including problem gambling, drugs and alcohol. The figures also include contact on behalf of someone struggling with addiction. The state agency provided data on total contacts from prior years:
- 2023: 3,043
- 2022: 3,397
- 2021: 2,698
“More people than ever are able to access gambling, so as these opportunities increase, it is important that we continue our efforts to educate New Yorkers about the risks associated with problem gambling and where they can find help and support,” OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said.
NY sports betting financials
In-person NY sportsbooks started taking bets in June 2019, and online sports betting in New York followed in January 2022.
Since NY sports betting apps started taking bets, customers have staked $49.21 billion. With an industry-leading 51% tax rate on mobile revenue, Albany has collected more than $2.2 billion in proceeds from online sports betting.
The state contributes $6 million annually to support problem gambling initiatives, $5 million to youth sports programs, and the rest to education aid.