New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed a groundbreaking bill requiring all gambling advertisements in the state to include a disclosure about the risks associated with gambling. The bill, which was introduced by Senator Joe Addabbo and Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, aims to address the growing concerns about the impact of gambling on vulnerable populations, including young people and those with gambling addictions.
The new law, known as the Gambling Risks Disclosure Bill, mandates that any advertisement for a gambling product or service must include a warning about the potential risks of gambling. The warning must be prominently displayed and clearly state that gambling can be addictive and lead to financial harm. Additionally, the advertisement must provide information on resources for individuals who may be struggling with gambling addiction.
Governor Hochul praised the bill as an important step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the gambling industry. She emphasized the need to protect consumers, especially those who may be more susceptible to the harmful effects of gambling.
“This bill sends a strong message that we are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and protecting our residents from the dangers of addiction,” said Governor Hochul. “By requiring gambling advertisers to disclose the risks associated with their products, we are empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their gambling habits.”
The Gambling Risks Disclosure Bill has received widespread support from advocacy groups and lawmakers who believe that it will help to raise awareness about the potential dangers of gambling. Senator Addabbo, who has long been a champion for gambling reform, hailed the bill as a crucial measure to safeguard vulnerable individuals in the state.
“Gambling can have serious consequences for individuals and their families, and it is essential that we take proactive steps to mitigate these risks,” said Senator Addabbo. “By requiring advertisers to include warnings about the dangers of gambling, we can help prevent addiction and protect those who are most at risk.”
The bill is set to go into effect immediately, with advertisers required to comply with the new disclosure requirements for all future advertisements. Failure to include the necessary warnings could result in fines and other penalties for companies that violate the law.
Overall, the Gambling Risks Disclosure Bill represents a significant milestone in efforts to promote responsible gambling practices and protect consumers from the potential harms of gambling. With Governor Hochul’s signing of the bill, New York is taking a proactive stance on addressing the risks associated with gambling and ensuring that individuals have access to the information they need to make informed choices about their gambling habits.