A new bill introduced in New York will limit the language betting operators can use to advertise bonuses in the state. [Image: Shutterstock.com]
New York sports betting bill
A New York state senator wants his state to implement regulations on “predatory” sportsbook bonuses through new legislation.
Restrictions on the language used in advertising
Sen. Pete Harkham (D-South Salem) is the man leading the effort, introducing Senate Bill S9605 last week. The bill calls for restricting language used to advertise “risk-free” bets, “maximum winnings” and other terms that downplay the risk factor in gambling.
If passed, it would open up a new section of the Big Apple’s equivalent racing, betting, betting and breeding code and require the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to define more exclusive verbiage.
Evidence of harmful language
Harckham referred to findings from a series of articles in The The New York Times On the sports betting industry in his proposal. His focus was on the ethics sportsbooks follow in customer acquisition and retention.
Falling prone to a gambling addiction that could have been avoided otherwise.”
“The mobile sports betting industry uses personalized targeted advertising to attract new customers right from their homes,” said Harkham. “This means that after sports betting is legal in New York State, many people who were not previously introduced to these predatory practices will be vulnerable to a gambling addiction that could have been avoided.”
Other countries already have restrictions on how betting operators can advertise their services, which Harckham points out in his argument. In Great Britain, companies are limited in how they offer “free bet” opportunities.
In Ontario, Canada, operators are required to omit welcome bonuses in their ads. Companies that fail to refrain from making these offers may face severe penalties.
Harckham does not suggest any specific language adjustments and leaves this for NYSGC to decide. Specifically, he wants the commission to “issue rules and regulations regarding predatory sports betting bonuses in mobile sports betting.”
New York gambling scene
States across America have shown a commitment to strengthening efforts to combat problem gambling, whether it be rehab centers, raising awareness of problem gambling, or adding additional resources to help those struggling with addiction.
Harckham’s bill is not trying to increase scrutiny of sportsbooks, but it is another tool to help mitigate problems that can come from gambling.
These predatory practices lead to an increase in gambling addiction.”
“Industry officials cited their voluntary support of addiction resources as evidence that they can be trusted to operate without stricter government rules, but more safeguards need to be put in place as this report has shown that these predatory practices are leading to a rise in gambling addiction,” Harckham said.
If the bill passes through the state legislature, it will need to be signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who last week vetoed a bill that would have created an advisory committee on problem gambling.
New York sports betting started on January 8th. It quickly became a hub for sports gambling and produced record breaking records with little effort.
As of November 27, New York sportsbooks reported $14.6 billion in total handling via mobile apps and $1.2 billion in total revenue.
The New York legislative session resumes on January 4, 2023.
