New York strengthens regulations on gambling advertising

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation aimed at enhancing responsible gambling messaging in all forms of wagering, including online platforms. The bill, S1550/A1118, mandates that all gambling and sports betting advertisements, including those for mobile sports wagering, must feature clear warnings about the risks of gambling addiction.

Previously, New York’s regulations required only the inclusion of a problem gambling hotline number, and did not extend to online gambling. The new law strengthens these rules by requiring collaboration between the New York State Gaming Commission and the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to ensure that all gaming-related ads prominently display a hotline for problem-gambling assistance.

In a press release, Governor Hochul stated, “I want New Yorkers to enjoy the activities they love safely, with appropriate caution when needed. I’m confident that this legislation will provide greater access to safety resources to help protect against addiction.”

This legislation comes as New York’s gambling industry continues to grow, especially following the 2018 Supreme Court decision that allowed sports betting to expand nationwide. While sports betting was initially limited to casinos, New York’s online sports betting market, which launched in January 2022, has since become the largest in the U.S., generating $861.8 million in tax revenue in 2023, up from $746 million in 2022. Despite this growth, online casino legislation has not yet been passed.