New York Moves to Study Risks and Growth of Prop Bets

In New York, lawmakers have proposed new legislation to examine one fast-growing segment of the sports betting market. A proposal filed in late April would set up a special task force to study proposition wagers, especially so-called “under” bets.

Task Force Plan Aims to Examine Growth of Prop Betting

The bill, Senate Bill S10153, was introduced by Jeremy Zellner and is currently in a Senate committee that deals with gaming and wagering issues. If approved, it would establish a small independent panel to study the workings of such bets and the risks they might pose.

Proposition betting differs from traditional betting in that it is based on specific events in a game rather than the final outcome. “Under” bets go one step further by allowing bettors to wager money that an athlete will not reach a certain statistical mark, like scoring fewer points than expected or recording fewer assists.

The proposal would create a task force of four members appointed by top state officials, including the governor and legislative leaders. These people would not get salaries, but would be paid back for work-related expenses. Their appointments would have to be completed by mid-2026.

The group would have to deal with all kinds of problems. It would look at the prevalence of under bets, how much revenue they generate, and the economic role they play in New York’s legal sports betting market. The panel will also look at possible threats to the integrity of sporting events, including whether such bets create incentives for manipulation.

Prop Bet Oversight Effort Set to Address Integrity and Safety

Another major focus would be on the effect on athletes themselves. The number of reports of harassment and online abuse aimed at players has been increasing, particularly when the performance of individual players impacts the betting results. The task force is expected to explore how these pressures influence both professional and collegiate competitors.

The review would also consider consumer protection and problem gambling. The legislation points to the need to understand how bettors view these wagers and whether the need for protection can be increased. It also calls for a review of monitoring systems to detect suspicious betting patterns.

To do its job, the panel would work with regulators, industry players, researchers, and sports organizations. It would also permit the collection of public input and hearings if needed. Relevant data would need to be provided by state authorities and licensed betting operators, within legal limits.

A final report, with findings and recommendations, is expected by the end of 2026. The results would be made public and could shape future decisions about whether to impose tighter controls – or broader restrictions on proposition betting in New York.