NY Gaming Regulator Urges Sports Leagues to Push for Betting Limits

The New York State Gaming Commission is urging sports leagues to implement stricter betting restrictions due to rising integrity concerns in American sports. In an open letter released Wednesday, the NYSGC reminded league commissioners that they can formally petition the regulator to restrict or eliminate problematic wager types. While none have done so, the Commission made clear it expects the situation to change.

Some Wager Types May Be More Susceptible to Manipulation

​This announcement follows a string of gambling-related investigations involving professional and collegiate athletes, shaking fan confidence. Regulators argue that existing safeguards have worked. Suspicious patterns are reported, alleged manipulation exposed, and perpetrators punished. However, authorities also acknowledge that their oversight has limits. That’s where leagues come in.

According to the Commission, leagues are well-positioned to monitor players, spot vulnerabilities, and propose targeted fixes. The letter calls on leagues to take further action and formally request expanded bans on player proposition bets. The NYSGC noted that it already prohibits many of the most controversial props, but signaled it may implement broader bans if leagues make such a request.

The leagues that oversee the day-to-day activities of their players serve an important role in preserving the integrity of the sport and wagers.

​NYSGC letter

​The NYSGC is also conducting its own review of individual player prop bets and single-game multi-leg player parlays that could be more vulnerable to manipulation. Prediction markets have also drawn the attention of New York regulators. State Attorney General Letitia James recently noted that prediction market operators may offer lacking consumer protections.

Fan Confidence May Be Dwindling

​New York’s regulatory structure gives the state significant leverage. The Commission has the power to determine which sports, leagues, and wager types are allowed. According to the regulator, such centralized control enables a swift response to any integrity concerns. The NYSGC noted it would move “with alacrity” on any league request, even bypassing the typical 60-day regulatory timeline.​

Although we have yet to receive any such request from any league, we strongly encourage – and expect – each of your leagues to avail yourselves of this tool.

​NYSGC letter

Public sentiment regarding sports wagering is also shifting. A recent Ipsos survey found that nearly half of Americans believe sports betting undermines game integrity. Many even fear that gambling interests may influence outcomes. Fans are also increasingly dissatisfied with the prevalence of betting content during games, arguing that such content pulls focus away from the sport.

Leagues now face a balancing act. While sports betting partnerships represent a significant revenue stream for leagues, regaining fan trust can be a long and arduous process. By urging leagues to request betting limits, New York regulators are advocating for shared responsibility and accountability, keeping games clean and fans happy.