New York Lawmakers Target In-Play Sports Betting

New York’s sports betting market could be heading for one of its biggest shakeups yet. A newly introduced proposal would ban in-play wagering statewide, cutting off one of the fastest-growing and most popular betting options available to fans.

The bill, introduced by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, would prohibit casinos and mobile sportsbooks from accepting live bets once a game has already started. If passed, New York would become the first major US sports betting market to eliminate in-play wagering.

Why NY Lawmakers Are Targeting Live Betting

In-play betting has exploded in popularity over the past few years. It allows bettors to react to what they see in real time, whether it is a momentum shift, an injury, or a sudden scoring run. For sportsbooks, it has also become one of the most lucrative parts of their platforms.

Rosenthal argues that the same features that make live betting exciting also make it risky. Her legislative justification cites studies showing higher wager sizes during live events and a strong link between in-play betting and problem gambling behavior. One widely cited academic study found a disproportionately high percentage of live bettors were classified as problem gamblers compared with those who place only pregame wagers.

From her perspective, accessibility and speed are the core issues. Live betting is available at all hours and encourages rapid decision-making, which can make it harder for some players to control spending.

How the Live Betting Ban Would Work

Under Assembly Bill A.9343, sportsbooks would still be allowed to offer traditional pregame betting. Once the opening whistle blows, however, betting markets would shut down for that contest. No live point spreads, no next-score props and no real-time microbets.

Supporters of the bill say the change would reduce harm without eliminating sports betting. Critics argue it would significantly reduce consumer choice and deal a major blow to state tax revenue, since live betting accounts for a large share of total handle.

The proposal is expected to be taken up when the next legislative session begins this month.

Live Betting Ban Part of Broader Gambling Reforms

The live betting ban is not happening in isolation. Multiple lawmakers from both parties have introduced bills aimed at tightening New York’s sports betting rules.

One proposal would require sportsbooks to direct anyone seeking help for gambling problems exclusively to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, rather than third-party providers with potential financial ties to operators. The goal is to centralize treatment and avoid conflicts of interest.

Advertising has also become a major target. Several bills would restrict when and how sports betting ads can appear, including outright bans during live sporting events or broad time-based limits during daytime and evening hours. Lawmakers backing those efforts point to sharp increases in betting ad spending alongside rising calls to problem gambling hotlines.

Integrity Concerns Fuel Support for Betting Limits

Recent sports betting scandals across professional leagues have further stoked the debate. Isolated incidents involving microbets and single-play props have raised questions about how easily certain markets can be manipulated.

Other states have already taken steps to limit specific bet types following integrity concerns. New York lawmakers appear to be watching those developments closely as they consider broader reforms.