New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is pushing for stricter regulations on advertising by online sportsbooks, in an effort to protect consumers and prevent problem gambling.
Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, has introduced a bill that would extend the current restrictions on retail gambling advertisements to online sportsbooks. The lawmaker argues that the rise of online gambling in recent years has made it easier for people to place bets, leading to an increase in problem gambling and addiction.
Under the proposed bill, online sportsbooks would be required to include prominent warnings about the risks of gambling in their advertisements, similar to the warnings currently found on cigarette packaging. Additionally, the bill would prohibit online sportsbooks from targeting minors with their ads, as well as from using celebrities or prominent athletes to promote their services.
Addabbo believes that these measures are necessary to protect vulnerable individuals from the potentially harmful effects of gambling addiction. He points to research that shows a correlation between high rates of gambling advertising and problem gambling, and argues that the state has a responsibility to regulate the industry in order to protect its citizens.
The lawmaker’s efforts have been met with both support and criticism from various stakeholders. Proponents of the bill argue that it is a necessary step towards curbing problem gambling and protecting consumers, while opponents believe that the regulations may be unnecessarily restrictive and could stifle competition in the online gambling market.
If the bill is passed, New York would join a growing number of states that have implemented stricter regulations on gambling advertisements in recent years. Addabbo hopes that his proposed legislation will serve as a model for other states looking to address the issue of problem gambling in the online sports betting industry.
In the meantime, online sportsbooks in New York will continue to operate under the current regulations, which do not include specific restrictions on advertising content. However, if Addabbo’s bill is passed, it could have far-reaching implications for the industry and set a precedent for other states to follow suit.
