New York Governor Kathy Huchal announced the launch of a new 10-year project to assess gambling behavior and appropriate treatment services for problem gamblers. At the same time, lawmakers advanced legislation that will restrict gambling companies from recommending their own resources to help those struggling with addiction.
The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering and overseeing the decade-long gambling survey. A random sample of New Yorkers aged 18 or older will be contacted to participate in the project.
It aims to gain insight into the prevalence of problem gambling and community awareness of risks associated with gambling.
A bill proposing that OASAS hold exclusivity over problem gambling treatment was also approved by the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee.
If passed, the legislation would prohibit gambling companies from recommending any other treatment services for those seeking help for gambling problems.
Protecting New Yorkers From Gambling Harms
OASAS oversees and provides a wide range of gambling services in New York State, including community outreach programs and free financial counseling.
“As gambling opportunities continue to expand in New York State, we need to be proactive and determine where additional services may be needed to help those affected by gambling addiction,” said OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham in a press release.
The survey will run every two years. Selected residents will receive a letter or phone call inviting them to take the “New York State Well-Being & Life Survey.”
“The results of this effort will help to inform future plans and initiatives, ensuring that New Yorkers remain protected from gambling harms, and that those impacted are able to access the services they need,” Cunningham added.
New Yorkers are the biggest bettors in the country, wagering over $26 billion last year. This was a 15.8% increase from 2024, representing the Empire State’s biggest annual spike since online sports betting began in 2022.
Is Narrowing Treatment Options Beneficial?
The survey project aims to “assist in continued planning and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services within communities throughout New York.”
Yet, the proposal in Assembly Bill 9146 would limit gamblers’ access to services beyond those offered by OASAS.
Current laws already require online sportsbooks to provide links and contact information for OASAS on their websites and platforms. However, companies can also advertise, promote, and make referrals for counseling services and practitioners that are not credentialed by OASAS, not located in New York, and not free of charge.
One of the services recommended by sportsbooks such as DraftKings is Kindbridge Behavioral Health. The company claims that its services reduce problem gambling symptoms in addition to restoring overall positive mental health and resilience.
Conflicts of Interest
AB9146’s sponsor, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, however, believes that having partnerships between gambling companies and treatment services is risky.
“This presents a potential conflict between the mobile sports operator’s interest in generating revenue by the number of bets placed and lost versus an individual’s need for help to limit or stop gambling,” said Woerner.
OASAS also receives funding from gambling. New York taxes gambling companies at the highest rate in the country, taking 51% of revenue. Part of these funds is then distributed to OASAS.
The state is also proposing to legalize online casinos. If approved, estimates suggest operators could generate around $2.5 billion in revenue in their first year. This could rise to as much as $4.5 billion after a few years. Of this, the state would take just over 30%, with $11 million of that going towards problem gambling education and treatment.
“New York State remains committed to helping those impacted by problem gambling, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or where they live,” Governor Hochul said.
“We look forward to gaining valuable insight into the gambling behaviors of New Yorkers as part of this effort, as we continue to work to raise awareness of this issue. This effort will help ensure we’re using real data to guide smart, targeted investments that protect New Yorkers and strengthen access to care.”
