Two New York legislators this week introduced a bill to require all gambling and sports betting advertisements in the state to include warnings about the potential harmful and addictive effects of gambling.
Democrats Luis R. Sepulveda and Leroy Comrie on Thursday introduced Senate Bill S1550, which also would instruct the state gaming commission to ensure all advertisements include New York's problem gambling hotline number (1-877-8-HOPENY).
The bill has not yet been voted on. If it passes, it would take effect 16 days after it becomes law. Ohio passed similar rules requiring gambling advertisements to be “clearly and conspicuously” labeled with the helpline number and a problem gambling message when that state finalized its sports gambling regulations last year.
Increased focus on problem gambling
Problem gambling and operators' marketing techniques have been hot topics among New York legislators as the gaming commission begins the process of sorting through proposals for three downstate casino licenses in coming weeks. In December, New York state Sen. Pete Harckham'proposed legislation directing the gaming commission to come up with rules and regulations regarding what the bill called “predatory” mobile sportsbook bonuses.