New York Passes Bill to Regulate Gambling Warnings for Mobile Sports Betting

July 10, 2024 General Gambling News by Marija Djenic

In recent years, the world of gambling in New York has undergone a significant transformation. Mobile sports betting, once a fringe activity, has surged in popularity, drawing in countless new participants eager to try their luck. Amid this rapid growth, concerns about the potential for gambling addiction have also risen. To address these concerns and ensure responsible gambling, a new bill has been passed aimed at integrating online gambling formats into existing regulations for gambling warnings. This legislation is a proactive step towards safeguarding those who are most vulnerable to the pitfalls of gambling addiction.

Expansion of Gambling Access

Tail. Clyde Vanel has been a key advocate for the new legislation. He has observed firsthand how access to gambling in New York has expanded rapidly. Casinos, once the primary venues for gambling, have seen their dominance challenged by the rise of mobile and online platforms. This shift has made gambling more accessible than ever before, allowing individuals to place bets from the comfort of their homes. Vanel recognizes that while this expansion brings economic benefits and entertainment value, it also necessitates updated regulations to protect vulnerable populations.

“We want to make sure people have help, and one of the major issues is information,” he said. “Gambling is, generally speaking, a safe activity. A lot of people engage in gambling, and we’re trying to make sure it’s done responsibly.”

A cornerstone of the new bill is its focus on strengthening advertising regulations. In the past, advertisements for gambling often highlighted the excitement and potential rewards but paid less attention to the risks. The new legislation mandates that all advertisements for mobile sports betting include clear warnings about the dangers of gambling addiction. Specifically, it requires that the Office of Addiction Services and Supports hotline for problem gambling be prominently displayed in all advertising materials, ensuring that help is just a phone call away for those who need it.

The bill is particularly timely given the increasing number of people engaging in mobile sports betting. Vanel noted that more and more individuals have taken up this activity in the past three years, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. With this increased accessibility comes a heightened risk for addiction, as the ease of placing bets on mobile platforms can make it harder for individuals to recognize and manage their gambling habits.

“More and more people just in the past three years are engaging in this activity,” he said. “We’re excited about that but we want to make sure we’re concerned about it too.”

The legislation aims to ensure that those using mobile platforms have access to the same level of support and information as traditional gamblers. By including the problem gambling hotline in all advertisements, the bill seeks to create a consistent message across all gambling formats: responsible gambling is essential, and help is always available.

Support from the Industry

Interestingly, the bill has garnered support from the gambling industry itself. The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents major companies like FanDuel and DraftKings, has voiced its approval of the measure. In a statement to Spectrum News 1, a spokesperson for the Alliance emphasized their commitment to responsible gaming practices. They noted that member companies already include the 1-877-8-HOPENY phone number in all advertising and have supported the Gaming Commission’s efforts to regulate gambling responsibly.

“Our companies are committed to responsible gaming practices to help ensure that New Yorkers play responsibly and believe that anyone who needs help should get help,” The Alliance said in a statement to Spectrum News 1. “That is why our members proudly include the 1 -877-8-HOPENY phone number on all advertising, that is why we supported the Gaming Commission’s regulatory efforts in this area, and that is why we supported this legislation to codify the Gaming Commission’s practices into the law.”

The bill assigns a crucial role to the State Gaming Commission, which will be responsible for providing licensed gambling operators with resources and guidelines on how to present information related to problem gambling. This includes ensuring that all promotional materials clearly display the problem gambling hotline. The goal is to create a unified and effective approach to gambling advertisements across all platforms, thereby making it easier for individuals and their families to access the support they need.

Source: ”Bill would ensure help hotline appears on mobile sports betting advertising in New York state”. Spectrum Local News. July 08, 2024.