Governor Kathy Hochul has thrown the dice on a landmark law that tightens the noose on gambling advertisements in New York. This fresh legislation, known as S1550/A1118, mandates that all gambling and sports betting ads must prominently display warnings about the game of odds’ most shadowy side—addiction and harm. This move is like adding another layer to the safety net, building upon earlier rules that required a lifeline in the form of a problem gambling hotline number.
Strengthening the Safety Net
New York is gearing up to deal a fresh hand with its plan to grant three new casino licenses in the downstate region, a move set to significantly broaden the state’s gambling landscape. This law ups the ante by ensuring that mobile sports betting ads come under the same scrutiny as all gambling promotions, aiming to curtail the double-edged sword of problem gambling.
The onus is now on the New York State Gaming Commission, working in tandem with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports, to ensure that all gambling adverts also spotlight resources for problem gamblers. Governor Hochul underscored the importance of these new guardrails, envisioning a future where New Yorkers can place their bets with a greater sense of security.
“With this new bill signed, I’m confident that New Yorkers will have ready access to the safety resources they need to shield themselves from the chains of addiction.”
— New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
Brian O’Dwyer, the chair of the New York State Gaming Commission, hailed Governor Hochul’s latest maneuver as both “smart” and “thoughtful,” placing a good bet on reinforcing the Empire State’s commitment to responsible gaming practices. New York rolls out a full house of services assisting those wrestling with gambling addiction, ranging from residential to outpatient programs and offering recovery support alongside regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers.
Keeping the Expansion Gamble on Track
Even with this vigilant legislation on the books, the clock is ticking slowly on the eagerly anticipated issuance of downstate casino licenses. Despite the green light for up to three licenses given by the New York State Legislature back in 2022, the Gaming Commission foresees the likelihood of having all chips in play by December 2025 at the earliest, keeping hopeful investors and restless stakeholders on tenterhooks.
This drawn-out process has irked some lawmakers, notably State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who champion the notion that a speedy rollout of casinos could bring in a jackpot worth at least $1.5 billion in license fees. Yet, despite such rosy projections, the local populace remains skeptical about having a casino pop up in their backyard, with numerous proposals meeting fierce resistance.
While the heat is on to fast-track the casino license expansion, Governor Hochul plays her cards carefully, with a focus on safeguarding consumer interests. This new legislation sends a clear signal that, in the world of New York gambling, the expansion can continue, provided it strides hand in hand with public health vigilance and addiction prevention efforts.
