In a move aimed at addressing the growing concerns over gambling addiction, New York’s governor, Kathy Hochul, signed into law new legislation that mandates stronger warnings in gambling and sports betting advertisements. The legislation, S1550/A1118, requires all gambling-related advertisements, including those for mobile sports wagering, to include clear warnings about the potentially harmful and addictive effects of gambling.

This move expands on previous regulations. New York previously required only the display of a problem gambling hotline number and didn’t cover online gambling.

The legislation also mandates that the New York State Gaming Commission collaborate with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to ensure that all gaming-related advertisements prominently display a hotline for problem-gambling assistance.

“I want New Yorkers to be able to safely enjoy the activities they love, while proceeding with caution when necessary, Hochul said 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.”

The passage of this legislation comes at a time when New York’s gambling industry is flourishing. After the 2013 constitutional amendment that authorised commercial casinos, the state has expanded its gambling offerings in rapid succession. But online casino legislation remains elusive.

New York sports betting takes off

The introduction of sports betting, following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the federal ban on sports wagering, opened the door to a new era of gaming. Initially restricted to in-person wagering at casinos, sports betting in New York took a quantum leap in January 2022 when online sports betting became legal.

Mobile sports betting quickly became a significant revenue source for the state. New York emerged as the largest sports betting market in the country. It raked in over $746m (£562.5/€675.5m) in tax revenue from wagers in 2022. Last year, that figure increased to $861.8m.