New York bill would require warning in gambling ads

The bill, introduced into the State Senate by Democratic senators Leroy Comrie and Luis R Sepúlveda, has not yet been voted on.  

Specifically, the amendment “requires all advertisements for gambling and sports betting to include warnings about the potential harmful and addictive effects of gambling; requires the state gaming commission to cooperate with the commissioner of addiction services and supports to ensure that all advertisements for gaming activity state a problem gambling hotline number”.  

The amendment also proposes to include mobile sports wagering licences into the advertisement requirement.  

If the motion passes, it will take effect sixteen days after it becomes a law.

Ohio marketing violations

As part of its regulations when it legalised sports betting, Ohio brought in similar rules requiring advertisements to “clearly and conspicuously” contain a helpline number and a message to prevent problem gambling.

Ohio updated these laws on 30 December 2022, and instructed operators to ensure their ads were in line with this new requirement by 1 January 2023.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) reported that operators BetMGM, Caesars and DraftKings violated the states advertising laws and the regulator is seeking a $150,000 (£126,000/€143,000) fine from each.