New York Mandates Addiction Warnings on Gambling Ads

Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a new bill into law that imposes stricter regulations on gambling advertisements in New York. The legislation, S1550/A1118, requires that all advertisements for gambling and sports betting must include warnings of the addictive and harmful effects of gambling. This legislation now extends previous requirements that required gambling advertisements to display a problem gambling hotline number.

The Measure Should Bolster Existing Consumer Protections

The new legislation comes as New York prepares to issue three new casino licenses for the downstate region, which will vastly expand the state’s gambling footprint. The law also ensures that mobile sports betting advertisements are subject to the same regulations as other gambling-related promotions, hopefully helping reduce cases of problem gambling.

The law tasks the New York State Gaming Commission to collaborate with the Commissioner of Addiction Services and Supports to ensure all gambling ads also clearly promote resources for problem gamblers. Governor Hochul highlighted the significance of the new restrictions, hoping New Yorkers would enjoy improved safety when betting.

“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.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Brian O’Dwyer, chair of the New York State Gaming Commission, praised this newest update. He described Hochul’s policies as “smart and responsible,” hoping they would reinforce the state’s commitment to responsible gaming practices. New York offers a variety of services to help those struggling with gambling addiction, from residential and outpatient programs to recovery support services and access to regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers.

New York’s Gambling Expansion Is Still on the Cards

Despite this new legislation, delays continue to mount regarding the long-awaited process of issuing downstate casino licenses. Although the New York State Legislature approved up to three licenses back in 2022, the Gaming Commission has indicated that it is unlikely to complete its final decisions before December 2025 at the earliest.

This slow progress has frustrated some lawmakers like State Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who argue that fast-tracking the casinos could bring significant economic benefits like $1.5 billion or more in license fees. Despite such assurances, many locals appear less than thrilled at the prospect of a nearby casino, with many proposals facing significant pushback.

Despite facing rising pressure to complete the casino license expansion, Governor Hochul remains cautious, preferring to focus on consumer safeguards and protections. The new law signals a clear priority that in New York, gambling expansion should go forward with due care to public health and addiction prevention.