The NYS Responsible Play Partnership, a coalition of gaming industry stakeholders and organizations dedicated to promoting responsible gambling practices, has proposed new regulations for mobile sports betting in New York State. The partnership, which includes representatives from the state’s gaming commission, gaming operators, and problem gambling advocacy groups, aims to enhance consumer protection and promote responsible gaming behavior in the rapidly growing mobile sports betting industry.
The proposed regulations would require mobile sports betting operators to implement strict responsible gaming measures, including age verification procedures, self-exclusion tools, and responsible gaming information and resources. Operators would also be required to establish a robust responsible gaming program that includes training for employees to identify and assist problem gamblers, as well as partnerships with problem gambling treatment providers.
In addition to responsible gaming measures, the partnership’s proposed regulations would also address advertising and marketing practices in the mobile sports betting industry. Operators would be required to adhere to strict guidelines for advertising, including prohibitions on targeting minors, false or misleading advertising, and aggressive marketing tactics. The regulations would also mandate clear and prominent disclosure of the risks associated with gambling, as well as information on where to seek help for problem gambling.
The NYS Responsible Play Partnership’s proposed regulations come at a time of rapid expansion in the mobile sports betting industry in New York State. In January 2022, the state legalized mobile sports betting, allowing licensed operators to offer online sports betting to residents. With the launch of mobile sports betting in New York, the partnership sees an urgent need to strengthen consumer protection measures and promote responsible gaming in order to mitigate the risks of problem gambling.
The proposed regulations have already garnered support from key stakeholders in the gaming industry, including major mobile sports betting operators and problem gambling advocacy groups. Many industry leaders see the regulations as a necessary step towards ensuring the long-term sustainability of the mobile sports betting industry in New York State, as well as the well-being of consumers.
The NYS Responsible Play Partnership is currently working with state lawmakers and regulatory authorities to finalize and implement the proposed regulations for mobile sports betting. The partnership is hopeful that the regulations will help to create a safe and responsible gambling environment for New Yorkers who choose to engage in mobile sports betting. As the industry continues to evolve, the partnership remains committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and protecting consumers from the potential harms of problem gambling.
