New York Lawmaker Wants Retail Gambling Ad Rules Extended to Online Sportsbooks
In a move that could have significant implications for the burgeoning online sports betting industry in New York, State Senator Robert Jackson has proposed legislation that would extend current restrictions on gambling advertisements seen in retail locations to online sportsbooks.
The bill, which is currently making its way through the state legislature, seeks to address concerns about the potential impact of aggressive marketing tactics used by online sportsbooks on vulnerable populations, including minors and individuals with gambling addiction.
Under the proposed law, online sportsbooks would be subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to brick-and-mortar casinos, which are prohibited from advertising within a certain distance of schools, churches, and other sensitive locations. Additionally, the bill would require online sportsbooks to include responsible gambling messaging in all of their advertisements.
Senator Jackson, who represents the 31st district in Manhattan, believes that extending these restrictions to online sportsbooks is essential to protecting New Yorkers from the potential harms associated with excessive gambling. “We’ve seen the devastating effects of problem gambling in our communities, and we must do everything we can to prevent it from spreading further,” he said in a statement.
The proposed legislation has already garnered support from several advocacy groups, including the New York Council on Problem Gambling and the National Council on Problem Gambling. These organizations have long been vocal about the need for stricter regulations on gambling advertising, particularly in online spaces where it can be difficult to monitor and control.
However, not everyone is on board with the bill. Some industry stakeholders argue that limiting advertising opportunities for online sportsbooks could stifle competition and hinder the growth of the industry in New York. They also point out that the bill could potentially infringe on the First Amendment rights of businesses to promote their products and services.
Despite the opposition, Senator Jackson remains steadfast in his commitment to passing the legislation. “We cannot allow profit-driven companies to jeopardize the well-being of our citizens,” he said. “It’s time to put safeguards in place to ensure that online sports betting remains a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment for all New Yorkers.”
If the bill is successful, New York would join a handful of other states, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, that have implemented similar restrictions on online gambling advertising. It remains to be seen how the online sports betting industry will respond to these potential changes, but one thing is clear: the debate over the regulation of online gambling is far from over.
