New York Governor Enacts Law Mandating Problem Gambling Warnings in Sports Betting Ads

Governor Kathy Hochul signed joint legislation bills S1550 and A1118 into law, requiring sports betting operators to include warnings of potential harm and addictive effects of gambling in their advertisements.  The law also requires the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC) to cooperate with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to provide a gambling hotline number on all gaming ads. 

The new stipulations go into effect 60 days from Oct. 1. “Protecting New Yorkers from the dangerous and addictive effects of problem gambling and sports betting is vitally important for the prosperity of our great state,” Hochul said in a statement. “I want New Yorkers to be able to safely enjoy the activities they love, while proceeding with caution when necessary. I’m confident that with the signing of this new bill, New Yorkers will have easier access to the safety resources they need to better protect themselves from the grips of addiction.”

How it got there

The NYGC already required addictive gambling stipulations in New York sports betting ads, but legislators wanted to make it a law. 

The Senate and the Assembly introduced the companion bills in January 2023. After stalling for more than a year, the joint legislation finally passed through the Senate on May 30 and was delivered to Hochul’s desk on Sept. 20. The governor signed it into law on Tuesday. 

“We are excited that the Governor recognizes this bill as an important step forward in protecting New Yorkers that may be vulnerable to a gambling addiction,” assemblymember Clyde Vanel said. “With this new law, we are strengthening the protection of New Yorkers across our state. These new changes to the gambling advertisements law will help to promote responsible gaming practices and provide support for those who need it.”

Big business

New York has created the most lucrative sports betting market in the U.S. 

Year-to-date, the Empire State’s nine online sports betting operators have generated $13.7 billion in wagers through August. The sportsbooks have raked in $1.3 billion in revenue in 2024 with more than $650 million in taxes filling New York’s coffers.

Hochul has opposed adding iGaming to the state, despite legislative attempts by Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. to legalize online casinos and poker. 

New York Addiction Services and Supports commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said with more gambling access than ever before, it’s important that New Yorkers are educated on associated risks and provided with proper resources. 

“New York residents have access to various gambling options, including casinos, racetracks, the lottery and sports betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings,” State senator Leroy Comrie said. “It’s essential that users are informed about the risks of addiction and know where to seek help if needed. While revenue for the state is certainly important, promoting responsible gambling and safeguarding our communities is also critical.”