With billions wagered on big game, advocates push for problem gambling resources
Schenectady — As sports gambling anticipates a record $16 billion in wagers for Sunday's Super Bowl, a New York Congressman is proposing a bill that would eliminate mobile sports betting advertisements.
Democratic Congressman Paul Tonko says he's concerned about what he calls the unregulated environment in sports betting, and the frequency of mobile sports betting advertisements can be harmful, especially for young people.
"I'm just trying to do this as precautionary thing so that we're not damaging individuals early in life for those at risk for gambling, saturating them with this advertising," Tonko says.
Some gambling addiction organizations say they've received nearly 30 percent more calls related to problem and gambling addiction since New York State went to mobile gambling in January 2022, with the New York Gaming Commission also seeing increases in calls to 877-8-HOPENY.
"The advertising by mobile sports wagering companies has resulted in unprecedented exposure for the HOPE line, and I'm encouraged people are using it ," Robert Williams, Executive Director of the New York State Gaming Commission, says.
New York State made $709 million in revenue from online sports gaming in 2022, with $6 million going to problem gambling education and treatment. Jim Maney, Executive Director at the New York Council on Problem Gambling, says that's not enough.
"The amount of money we need is a tremendous amount of money," he says. "I called for 21 million dollars, three percent of what the state gets would be about 21 million. [The State] doesn't do a lot of work in the prevention of problem gambling, we do a lot of work in bullying, alcohol substance abuse, but not problem gambling."
If you need support, call 1-877-HOPENY.
