New York Considering Major Crackdown on Sports Betting

Lawmakers are considering making some big changes to New York’s sports betting market in 2026.

The Assembly currently has a trio of bills that would enact a wide range of new regulations for sportsbooks. Each proposal seeks to help curb the growth of problem gambling. 

The table below shows the bills the chamber is currently reviewing, along with their proposed changes.

The New York Senate is also considering a major change to SB 10400, which would ban sportsbooks from advertising on billboards. State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, who sponsored the bill, confirmed the goal is to help ease the temptation for bettors struggling with addiction. The ban would also help limit the number of underage residents who are exposed to sportsbook ads.

The state remains the largest mobile sports betting market in the US, posting a $2.17 billion handle last month alone.

States Are Looking for Help to Fight Problem Gambling

New York is one of several states currently considering legislation to help fight problem gambling and other issues affecting bettors. However, many of those proposals are falling short despite more lawmakers acknowledging the growing problem of the gambling crisis.

The biggest issue for responsible gambling bills is the impact they would have on the tax revenue states generate from sports betting. Many use those funds to help support school systems, clean water projects, and other crucial areas. That means that while a crackdown would help fight problem gambling, it would simply shift the harm to another population.

As a result, New York is not expected to pass all of the bills currently being considered. However, even passing one could have a significant impact without slashing the industry's tax revenue.