New York Lawmakers Push New Limits on Sports Betting

Lawmakers in New York are pushing for new limits on sports betting, with a new proposal before the State Assembly seeking to ban in-play betting. It is just the latest of a growing number of bills aimed at tackling gambling-related harm in the state. 

Assembly Bill A9343, introduced by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, would ban live betting in the New York sports betting market. Rosenthal cited a study from 2024 by the National Council on Problem Gambling that found 20 million people reported showing at least one indicator of problem gambling behavior during the year, including 19% of online bettors. 

Further research has linked in-play wagers to higher risks. An analysis by Optimove Insights revealed that bettors place larger wagers during live events, and a 2018 Journal of Gambling Studies paper reported that 78% of those betting live were identified as problem gamblers. 

The bill could be taken up in the next legislative session in January and is one of several gambling-related measures being considered. 

Another proposal would prevent mobile sportsbook operators from offering counseling or treatment services directly, instead requiring them to direct people to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Additionally, a separate proposal includes restricting certain types of New York sportsbook promos and banning betting advertisements during event coverage. 

Sweepstakes casino ban becomes law

While lawmakers debate further restrictions on sports betting, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has already signed a major gambling bill into law. On December 5, 2025, Hochul signed off on S05935A, banning all online sweepstakes casino games in New York.

The bill, sponsored by State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, was quickly passed through the Legislature, passing the Senate in June and receiving a unanimous vote in the Assembly. 

Those who operate sweepstakes can now face fines of up to $100,000 per violation, and could also lose New York sports betting or gaming licenses, or be barred from getting one in the future. 

The legislation comes after legal action by Attorney General Letitia James, who issued cease-and-desist letters to sweepstakes casinos that she accused of violating the state constitution by requiring players to purchase virtual coins for a chance to win something of value. The state already doesn't have a legal market for New York online casinos.

By the middle of last year, 26 sweepstakes casino operators had received enforcement letters, and major social gaming company Virtual Gaming Worlds had left the New York market. New York now joins several other states that have enacted similar bans.

Industry groups, including the Social Gaming Leadership Alliance, have criticized the move, arguing it removes popular entertainment options and cuts out hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity in the state. However, state officials say the ban reflects a broader effort to tighten oversight and prioritize consumer protection as gambling options continue to evolve.