Sports betting advertisements in New York will have to include much stronger warnings about the dangers of problem gambling thanks to a raft of new regulations recently signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul. The new provisions mandate that gambling ads, including those for casinos, must include the number to a problem gambling hotline and a very specific warning about the dangers of online gambling.
Under the terms of the bills Governor Hocul signed, the State Gaming Commission will be mandated to cooperate with the Commissioner of Addiction Services on the warnings to insure that they are visible.
While the new rules aren’t likely to be popular with sports betting and casino operators, they found plenty of support among state leaders and politicians.
Governor Hochul praised the bill in a press release saying, “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. 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.”
State Senator Leroy Comrie emphasized the importance of improving the rules as sports betting takes off in New York adding, “New York residents have access to various gambling options, including casinos, racetracks, the lottery and sports betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings. 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.”
Legislation S1550/A1118 will go into effect at the first year.