Bill would ensure hotline appears on mobile betting ads

A newly passed bill aims to ensure that as mobile sports betting becomes increasingly popular, online formats are included in laws that govern how warnings about gambling problems are distributed.

Rep. Clyde Vanel said access to gambling in New York state has rapidly expanded in recent years, and regulations must keep pace with that evolution to protect those who are vulnerable to gambling addiction.

“We want to make sure people have help, and one of the major issues is information,”  he said. “Gambling is, generally speaking, a safe activity. A lot of people engage in gambling, and we’re trying to make sure it’s done responsibly.”

A cornerstone of that effort is a bill passed this session that would strengthen regulations surrounding advertising, updating state law to ensure mobile sports betting and related online offerings are included in those requirements.

Vanel says it’s crucial that help reaches people who use these relatively new services, as the accessibility of mobile platforms makes those who are likely to have addiction issues even more vulnerable. 

“More and more people just in the past three years are engaging in this activity,” he said. “We’re excited about that but we want to make sure we’re concerned about it also.”

The bill specifically focuses on ensuring that the Office of Addiction Services and Supports hotline for problem gambling is included on all advertisements across all platforms, and that the State Gaming Commission provides resources to licensed corporations on how to present information relating to problem gambling and resources to the public.

“This is to make sure that people have this information, and that their family can also ensure that they have the help that they need,” he said.

In response, a spokesperson for the Sports Betting Alliance, which represents companies like FanDuel and DraftKings, told us they largely support the measure.

“Our companies are committed to responsible gaming practices to help ensure that New Yorkers play responsibly and believe that anyone who needs help should get help,” The Alliance said in a statement to Spectrum News 1. “That is why our members proudly include the 1-877-8-HOPENY phone number on all advertising, that is why we supported the Gaming Commission’s regulatory efforts in this area, and that is why we supported this legislation to codify the Gaming Commission’s practices into the law.”