A new bill introduced by New York Assemblyman Clyde Vanel aims to extend the state’s advertising restrictions for retail gambling facilities to the online sports betting sector. The bill, known as A10658, proposes to update Section 1363 of the New York Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, and Breeding Law to include “mobile sports wagering licensee” alongside “gaming facility licensee.” This move is part of a broader effort to ensure that online sportsbooks adhere to the same advertising standards as retail casinos and racetracks.
Stricter Advertising Regulations
The proposed bill seeks to impose stricter advertising regulations on online sportsbooks. Currently, New York’s retail casinos and racetracks must ensure that their advertisements are factual, not misleading, and clearly state any conditions. Ads cannot depict anyone younger than 21 gambling and must display the facility’s name and the problem gambling helpline. If approved, Vanel’s bill would extend these rules to mobile sportsbooks, ensuring that online gambling ads are held to the same standards as their retail counterparts.
The bill also includes provisions to tighten the language about the depiction of minors in gambling ads and requires the display of responsible gambling messaging. These changes are aimed at protecting vulnerable populations and promoting responsible gambling practices. The bill has been referred to the Racing and Wagering Committee, and if passed, it will become effective 90 days after the governor signs it into law.
Impact on Online Sportsbooks
The extension of advertising restrictions to online sportsbooks is expected to have a significant impact on the industry. Online sportsbooks will need to review and potentially revise their advertising strategies to comply with the new regulations. This may involve removing certain terms and phrases from their marketing materials, such as “free,” “risk-free,” and “free of risk,” which were banned by the New York State Gaming Commission last October.
Additionally, online sportsbooks will need to ensure that their ads do not depict minors and prominently display responsible gambling messages. These requirements may increase the cost and complexity of advertising for online sportsbooks, but they are necessary to protect consumers and promote responsible gambling. The bill’s passage would mark a significant step towards aligning the advertising standards for retail and online gambling in New York.
Broader Implications for the Gambling Industry
The proposed bill has broader implications for the gambling industry in New York and beyond. By extending advertising restrictions to online sportsbooks, New York is setting a precedent for other states to follow. As more states legalize online sports betting, there is a growing need for consistent and comprehensive advertising regulations to protect consumers and ensure fair play.
The bill also highlights the ongoing efforts to regulate the gambling industry more effectively. In addition to advertising restrictions, there are discussions about regulating other aspects of online gambling, such as igaming. New York Sen. Joseph Addabbo has introduced legislation to regulate igaming, which is currently under review in the Senate Committee. If passed, these regulations would further align the standards for retail and online gambling, creating a more cohesive regulatory framework for the industry.
