A new bill in New York might change how people bet on sports. Lawmakers are now talking about whether betting during games should stay legal in the state.
Responsible Gaming Efforts Fuel Call to Restrict Live Sports Bets
Linda Rosenthal, a member of the Assembly, has put forward a law that would get rid of all types of betting during games in New York’s regulated sports betting system. This bill, called Assembly Bill A 9343, would stop people from placing bets after a sports event has started. This would mean sportsbooks could offer bets before games begin.
If passed, the bill would make the New York State Gaming Commission ban live betting across the state on all platforms. This covers mobile apps, websites, and casino sportsbooks. Bets like live point spreads, real-time totals, changing moneylines, and quick prop wagers would be off-limits.
The bill’s backers see it as a way to protect consumers. The proposal’s supporting documents say that always-on, live markets can lead to rash decisions and more frequent betting, which might increase gambling problems. This push fits with wider talks about responsible gaming in Albany, where lawmakers have also looked at limits on ads and ways to fund accounts.
Worries about sports fairness seem to have an influence on the current push. Across the US, a few big investigations in professional sports during 2025 put the spotlight on micro-betting markets that zero in on single plays or moments. These events led leagues and rule-makers to think again about how some live bets could be misused through inside information or tampering.
Live Betting Restrictions Could Cut Deep Into State Tax Revenue
Money-wise, the effects could be huge. In-game betting has turned into one of the main ways sportsbooks grow, getting people more involved and making them spend more time on betting apps. Companies have put a lot of money into quick data live streaming, and fast-updating screens made just for live betting. Taking away this part would force businesses to focus again on regular bets and long-term predictions.
State finances might also feel the impact. New York charges one of the highest taxes on sportsbooks in the nation, and live betting has higher profit margins than bets placed before games. Fewer betting choices could lead to a smaller overall handle and less tax money coming in.
The Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee is now looking over the bill, which has not moved forward yet in the lawmaking process. Groups from the industry, professional sports leagues, and budget experts will also take a close look at the plan.