New York Bill Requires Help Hotline on Mobile Betting Ads

More than two years have passed since New York launched its legal mobile sports betting market. Since then, the state surpassed many records for handle and revenue set in other states that have offered the activity for years.

The unquestionable expansion came together with concerns about the potential negative impact of excessive betting. Amid the growing fears of gambling harm, lawmakers in New York passed a bill about the regulation of sportsbook ads recently.

The bill was passed unanimously by the New York State Senate and required betting and gambling advertisements to include informative messages about the addictive nature of gambling. In addition, the bill required such advertisements to include a gambling hotline number that consumers can use to access support and treatment services in New York.

Now, according to a recent report, the Sports Betting Alliance, a coalition of legal sports betting platforms, revealed that its members support responsible gambling practices and are in favor of displaying the gambling helpline as a part of advertisements. The alliance consists of legal betting operators, including industry giants DraftKings and FanDuel, among others.

In a statement released by Spectrum News 1, the Sports Betting Alliance explained: “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 coalition added that its members are proud to include the helpline 1-877-8-HOPENY as part of its advertisements. Finally, the Alliance said that it supports the efforts of the gambling regulator in the state, the New York State Gaming Commission, which is why it also backed the initiative to include responsible gambling messages in the regulations.

Betting Ads Regulations Contribute to Responsible Gambling Efforts

Rep. Clyde Vanel, one of the supporters of the bill that proposed the inclusion of warnings as a part of gambling ads, was recently interviewed by Spectrum News 1 and spoke about the importance of access to information, amid the expansion of gambling.

He said that gambling is “generally speaking, a safe activity,” and many people already enjoy it without any issues. However, Vanel added that the efforts of lawmakers seek to ensure that everyone enjoys the activity responsibly.

He spoke about the exponential expansion of betting over the last few years. Vanel added: “We’re excited about that but we want to make sure we’re concerned about it also.” Finally, he said that the recently passed bill seeks to provide the required support not only for gamblers but for their families too.