Proposed Restrictions on Sports Betting Activity
New York lawmakers are taking a serious look at tightening sports betting regulations with a new proposal that could reshape the market. Assembly Bill A7962, introduced by Assemblymember Robert Carroll, proposes sweeping changes designed to curb excessive gambling behavior. At the core of the bill are new restrictions: players would be limited to a $5,000 deposit and wager cap over a 24-hour period. Once lifetime deposits surpass $2,500, the bill would require players to actively acknowledge reaching that threshold before continuing to bet, pushing a “responsible gaming” checkpoint into the customer experience.
In addition to financial restrictions, the bill proposes significant changes to advertising. Sportsbooks would be prohibited from using terms like “bonus,” “bonus bets,” or “no sweat bets” in their promotions. Ad placements would also be banned during live sporting events and restricted to specific hours (8 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time), addressing concerns that aggressive marketing can contribute to problem gambling.
Industry Impact: A Double-Edged Sword?
If passed, these rules would dramatically shift the dynamics of New York’s sports betting landscape. On one hand, they could bolster responsible gaming initiatives and limit risky behavior among bettors. This might help regulators and operators present a more socially responsible image at a time when public scrutiny is high.
On the other hand, there are real concerns that such strict limits could stifle the industry’s growth. New York’s mobile sports betting market generated $23.9 billion in handle and over $2 billion in gross revenue in 2024 alone. Operators fear that sharp restrictions on deposit and advertising practices could drive bettors to neighboring states or offshore sites, where protections are far weaker. Given how competitive the U.S. market has become, this could have unintended consequences, shrinking New York’s substantial revenue base.
Furthermore, critics argue that an across-the-board deposit limit may disproportionately affect casual bettors less than the high-value players who drive a large share of operator revenues. Some industry voices advocate for more personalized responsible gaming tools rather than blanket restrictions.
A Precedent-Setting Moment?
Whether the bill moves forward remains to be seen—it must still pass through the Senate, reach the Floor Calendar, and ultimately be signed by the Governor. But the debate it sparks is significant. New York could become a model for other major states looking to recalibrate their sports betting markets between profit and protection.
States like Massachusetts are already examining operator behavior around limiting players, while others like Illinois and Ohio are opting for tax hikes instead of tightening player behavior rules. New York’s proposal suggests a new frontier of regulation, where player well-being is weighted even more heavily than state revenue growth.
For now, operators, legislators, and responsible gaming advocates will be watching New York’s next moves closely. Whatever the outcome, the national conversation around sports betting regulation is poised to evolve in 2025 and beyond.
