Empire State Adds New Restrictions on Sports Betting Advertising

The Empire State is setting a new standard for gambling advertising.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new bill into law that placed restrictions on how sports betting operators can advertise. Bill S1550/A1118 will force all gambling-related ads to include more responsible gaming messaging. Each ad must feature a clear and easy to hear warning, which will include the potential harm of gambling addictions.

The new law comes as concerns continue to build over the spiking rates of problem gambling in the US. Many legislatures have pointed to sportsbook operators' aggressive advertising techniques as a primary cause of the spike. That has led to several bills being proposed to bring that to an end, but New York is the first to make a significant change.

Before the recent change, sports betting operators were only required to display information on the problem gambling platform. Other states have similar laws, but that could soon change.

“I want New Yorkers to be able to safely enjoy the activities they love while proceeding with caution when necessary, Governor Kathy Hochul shared via press release. “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.”

Now, the New York State Gaming Commission will work with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to create wording for the advertisements, ensuring they meet the new legal standard.

Bill Passes Soon After SAFE Bet Act Introduced

A new bill called the SAFE Bet Act was proposed a few weeks before New York’s new law was enacted. The bill includes a complete overhaul of how the industry is regulated, moving control over to the federal government. While many support increasing regulations around the industry, some believe this proposal goes too far.

Opponents of the bill claim it would waste all the time and resources states spent to set up their own sports betting regulations.

While the bill is unlikely to pass, it could spur more states to follow New York’s lead to avoid more support forming for federal regulations.