Mobile Sports Betting in New York
Mobile sports betting has taken off in New York and it’s changing how people engage with sports. Since legalization, millions of sportsbook accounts have been created, giving fans a new way to connect with their favorite teams.
But as betting becomes more accessible, it’s also important to understand the risks and how New York is leading the way in prevention and support.
What Makes Mobile Sports Betting Different?
One of the biggest differences between online and traditional betting is how people view the experience. Online sports bettors and fantasy sports players often believe their success depends on their own skill, research, and analysis—not just chance (Winters & Derevensky, 2019). While this mindset can make betting more exciting, it can also lead to overconfidence and riskier financial decisions.
Online gamblers are also more likely to accumulate debt faster than in-person bettors. Currently, one of the most popular betting activities is in-play or live betting. Through this activity, bets are placed while a game is in progress. Due to this constant action, the risk for problem gambling increases significantly. Perhaps most concerning, 78% of people who bet on “micro events” (like who scores next) are considered problem gamblers (Winters & Derevensky, 2019).
Marketing Matters
The sports betting industry knows how to get attention. In the four months before and after legalization in New York, sportsbook operators spent an estimated $282 million on TV ads alone. This level of advertising mirrors trends in Europe, where sports betting companies typically spend 15–20% of their revenue on marketing. This marketing campaign helped desensitize the risks of betting on sports because it’s easy for the risks to get lost in all the advertising noise. That’s why strong prevention and support efforts are more important than ever.
You Are NOT Alone
If sports betting and gambling is starting to feel overwhelming, for you or someone you know or love, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. Reaching out for help isn’t giving up, it’s stepping up and empowering. It’s brave, powerful, and the first move toward a better, healthier life.
You’re Stronger Than You Think
Taking that first step to ask for help is real strength, and that strength is in you and it can change everything. Support is here, local, and confidential. Hope is real. And a better future is possible.
Connecting to Support
Raise awareness of available information and support services. If you find yourself struggling with gambling harm, or if you suspect someone you know is facing such challenges, don’t hesitate to seek help. For 24/7 support, call the NYS OASAS HOPEline at 1-877-846-7369 or text 467369. Or choose your county using our interactive map on our NYProblemGamblingHELP.org HOME PAGE to see the contact information for the Problem Gambling Resource Center (PGRC) in your region.