The nation’s most prominent sports betting market is ramping up its efforts regarding responsible gambling.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law S1550/A1118 on Oct. 1, mandating that all gambling and NY sports betting advertisements include warnings about the potentially harmful and addictive effects of gambling.
Bill aims to protect New Yorkers, promote safe gambling
The state’s efforts to promote responsible gambling in New York have continued to increase since its first mobile sportsbooks launched in January 2022. Since that time, lawmakers have passed several laws focusing on curbing deceptive promotional tactics, such as terms like "risk-free” in situations that weren’t truly risk-free.
It also passed legislation confirming that mobile sports betting advertisements were subject to the same regulations as all other gaming-related advertisements, a law that S1550/A1118 build on. The previous law required all gambling advertisements to:
- Include problem gambling warnings
- Clearly and conspicuously post a problem gambling hotline number
These stipulations remain in place in addition to the new bill’s requirements.
Assembly Bill A1118 and Senate Bill S1550 elevate the state’s investment into responsible gambling resources while requiring operators to do the same with their advertising.
"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 press release.
"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.”
https://www.playny.com/gov-hochul-signs-bill-requiring-warning-new-york-sports-betting-ads/