Prohibits mobile sports wagering operators from providing counseling, therapy, and treatment services for bettors in New York

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jeremy Zellner says this is needed

Problem gambling is a growing public health concern in New York, partic- ularly with the rapid expansion of mobile sports wagering. OASAS was established as the designated state agency for addiction services, including services for problem gambling. It oversees one of the nation's largest addiction services systems with more than 1,700 prevention, treatment, and recovery programs for New York residents. OASAS makes a variety of community resources available for those affected by gambling harms, including treatment and recovery supports. Crucially, OASAS administers the credentialing for problem gambling counselors, prevention practitioners, and prevention specialists, and all services are available regardless of ability to pay. Current law requires mobile sports operators to provide links to and contact information for OASAS on their websites and platforms, but also allows operators to advertise, promote, and make referrals for coun- seling services for practitioners that are not credentialed by OASAS, are not located in New York, and are not free of cost. It also allows mobile sports operators to advertise and promote organizations and enti- ties that provide counseling and therapy services that the mobile sports operators may have a financial relationship with. This presents a poten- tial conflict between the mobile sports operator's interest in generat- ing revenue by the number of bets placed and lost versus an individual's need for help to limit or stop gambling. It also means that an individ- ual seeking help may not be connected with services located in their community or with providers credentialed by OASAS. This legislation addresses that conflict, and ensures that individuals seeking coun- seling, therapy and treatment services will receive help, regardless of ability to pay, through the state's official system of addiction care, OASAS.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.