A new statewide survey shows New Yorkers are still deeply split on whether online sports betting is a good thing, even as participation keeps growing and the market is bringing in substantial tax revenue.
Poll Finds More New Yorkers View Sports Betting as a Negative
In early July, a survey of more than 800 residents found a higher percentage of respondents view online sports betting as detrimental, rather than beneficial, to the state. Some 40% of participants said the activity had a negative effect, while just over 20% thought it was positive. A sizeable portion indicated it has made little difference.
Betting continues to be widespread despite mixed perceptions. Approximately 25% of residents said they had bet on at least one sporting event in the last year. The big winners among those that did were digital platforms, with the vast majority opting for licensed online sportsbooks. Informal betting channels are also popular, including betting amongst friends, casino betting and notably unregulated bookmakers.
Another concern is the continued use of illegal bookies, who operate outside state regulation and without consumer protections like age verification, responsible gambling tools, and guaranteed payouts. The results suggest that demand for underground options has not been completely eliminated by legalization.
Older Residents Push Back Against Sports Betting’s Growing Presence
On the issue of whether sportsbooks should be allowed to advertise during televised games, respondents were almost evenly divided. However, a vast majority said they were uncomfortable with commentators discussing odds or potential bets in real time, suggesting many viewers feel gambling has become too embedded in the viewing experience.
It seems that age is an important factor in attitude. Older residents were far more likely to oppose both sports betting and its promotion during live events. However, younger adults were more accepting of wagering and less critical of its presence in broadcasts.
The gap, the researchers said, is indicative of larger differences in behavior and perspective. Younger people are more inclined to bet and have a positive attitude about the industry. The older respondents are more circumspect, however, especially in terms of advertising and the integration of betting in sports coverage.
There appears to be a similar split between those who actively bet and those who do not. Casual bettors usually view gambling as a benefit to the state and are generally less concerned about ads or in-game commentary. Those who do not bet, however, are more likely to have a negative view of the industry and support stronger restrictions.
The findings come as New York continues to lead the US in sports-betting revenue with billions bet each year and more than a billion dollars in tax revenue funneled toward public programs. Still, the prevailing public sentiment seems to be that financial success has not fully alleviated concerns about the industry’s broader social impact.
