New York Highlights Problem Gambling Risks as March Madness Betting Surges

As March Madness draws closer, New York has raised awareness over the growing risks of problem gambling ahead of the tournament and efforts to help

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: March 10, 2026 12:55 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Long Island University Sharks guard A.J. Neal, Jr. shoots as we look at New York highlighting problem gaming during March Madness. Photo by Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

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March Madness is fast approaching, and with March being Problem Gambling month, authorities are stepping up their responsible gambling campaigns.

Officials and gaming operators in the New York sports betting market are increasing efforts to address problem gambling as betting activity rises during the college basketball postseason.

The state has recorded rapid growth in sports wagering since legalizing mobile betting. This includes a 62% increase in online wagers compared with the market's first full year in 2022.

According to reports, residents are now betting an average of $72 million daily. The spike in wagering has also drawn attention to the potential risks associated with increased gambling access. New York reported a 16% year-on-year rise in online sports betting activity, highlighting the scale of participation across the state.

With that, there's an increasing effort to expand education, prevention, and treatment initiatives. The effort comes as policymakers weigh additional safeguards while national sports organizations continue to raise concerns about the expansion of betting-related markets tied to college athletics.

Officials warn that while legal betting generates tax revenue and consumer protections, it also creates conditions where gambling addiction may develop if safeguards are insufficient.

Casinos and state agencies are responding with new prevention initiatives. Programs emphasize early intervention, including offering responsible gaming information and directing patrons toward counseling services when needed.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has also suggested additional measures to improve the state's response to problem gambling. These include proposals to increase prevention programs, make it easier to access treatment, and monitor gambling trends. There is also talk of implementing regulations on the practices of aggressive marketing and age verification on gambling websites.

NCAA pushes back against prediction market branding

Concerns about sports betting involving college sports have been raised at the national level. In February, the NCAA asked the prediction market platform Kalshi to stop using the phrase "March Madness" in connection with its offerings.

The organization stated that the use of the trademarked term created the impression that the NCAA was affiliated with the platform. The association said it had already raised similar concerns and requested the immediate removal of its trademarks from prediction market apps.

The controversy reflects the NCAA’s overall stance on prediction markets and college sports. The NCAA's President, Charlie Baker, has stated that prediction markets are currently unregulated and outside the rules traditional sportsbooks must follow.

The NCAA has also criticized player prop wagers, arguing they increase the risk of harassment and pressure directed at student-athletes. Prediction market platforms offer contracts based on outcomes that can resemble those types of wagers.

Reports indicate Kalshi has begun removing the tournament phrase in some places, although it remains visible in others. Regulators at the Commodity Futures Trading Commission could require the company to fully comply if trademark concerns persist.

The platform previously removed markets tied to college football transfer portal activity after backlash in December, signaling a willingness to adjust offerings following public criticism.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.