New York State has launched a 10-year research programme to assess gambling behaviour and identify gaps in support services, as policymakers respond to the rapid expansion of legal wagering across the state.
The initiative, overseen by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), will collect data from residents aged 18 and older through surveys, interviews and focus groups.
The study is designed to measure the prevalence of problem gambling, track behavioural trends and evaluate public awareness of associated risks.
The move reflects a broader shift in New York’s gambling landscape following the rollout of mobile sports betting in 2022, which has generated billions in handle and tax revenue but also prompted concerns around accessibility and player protection.
Lawmakers and regulators have increasingly focused on balancing economic gains with harm mitigation measures.
Governor Kathy Hochul said the study would support “data-driven” decisions on where to expand treatment and prevention services.
OASAS currently provides outpatient and inpatient care, peer support programmes and financial counselling services in partnership with specialist organisations such as GamFin.
The research programme also aligns with recent proposals from the New York State Gaming Commission aimed at strengthening responsible gambling safeguards.
These include potential restrictions on AI-driven marketing, mandatory intervention triggers based on player behaviour and enhanced controls to prevent underage access to betting platforms.
New York’s approach mirrors a wider trend across US jurisdictions, where regulators are increasing scrutiny of online gambling operators as digital wagering continues to scale. States such as New Jersey and Massachusetts have introduced similar monitoring frameworks and player protection requirements, particularly around high-frequency betting and deposit thresholds.
Industry stakeholders have pointed to the growing need for longitudinal data as gambling participation broadens across demographics.
Long-term studies of this kind remain relatively limited in the US market, with most existing research based on shorter-term surveys or operator-reported data.
The findings from New York’s study are expected to inform future regulatory adjustments and funding allocations, particularly as the state continues to evaluate the impact of mobile wagering and potential iGaming expansion.
New York’s regulatory push has intensified in recent months, including proposals to prevent minors from accessing betting platforms and limit the use of AI in customer targeting.
The New York State Gaming Commission is accepting public comments on its latest responsible gambling proposals until May 15, 2026
