New York governor signs gambling advertisement legislation into law
Governor Kathy Hochul has passed regulations that means all gambling adverts will need to feature warnings regarding the potential harmful impacts of participating in wagering
Governor of New York State, Kathy Hochul, has signed off on legislation that will require all gambling and sports betting adverts to include warnings regarding the potential harmful and addictive effects of wagering.
Legislation S1550/A1118’s focus is to ensure adverts feature warnings on gambling-related harms is a bolstering of previous regulation which required companies to include a problem gambling hotline number.
The measure will also require the New York State Gaming Commission to work alongside the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to ensure all gaming-related adverts continue to promote a hotline number.
The new legislation clarifies that mobile sports wagering adverts will be subject to the same regulations applied to other gaming-related advertisements.
“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,” explained Governor Hochul.
She went on to issue an optimistic update on the impact the new legislation could have, adding: “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.”
Brian O’Dwyer, New York State Gaming Commission chair, said: “New York State recognizes the importance of responsible gaming practices and has strong safeguards in place to protect and educate bettors.
“While the Gaming Commission already requires sports wagering operators to include problem gambling messaging on all advertisements, we are encouraged that this common-sense measure has been codified into state law.
“By signing this bill, Governor Hochul continues to deliver smart and responsible gaming policies that help support our state.”
This update comes just short of five months after the New York State Senate first passed the bill that would require operators to include warnings about gambling-related harms in advertising materials.
On May 30, Leroy Comrie’s Senate Bill 1550 was backed unanimously by a vote of 57-0.
The bill, which Govenor Hochul signed into state law on October 1, outlined that the state of New York invests just $1m a year into public service announcements related to problem gambling.
That is despite the fact that 10 million people in the US are impacted by gambling harms, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Months on from his bill being backed by the New York Senate, Senator Comrie thanked those who’d been instrumental in getting it passed.
“New York residents have access to various gambling options, including casinos, race tracks, the lottery, and sports betting platforms like FanDuel and DraftKings, Comrie said.
“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.
“I thank my colleague, Assembly member Clyde Vanel, for working with me and our colleagues to get this passed, and Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”