New York Begins 10-Year Gambling Study as Addiction Bill Advances

New York has launched a decade‑long study to better understand gambling behaviours across the state. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the initiative, which will be overseen by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).

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The project will reach adults 18 and older in every region, using surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather data on gambling habits, risks, and community awareness. The findings will guide future prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

Hochul stressed the importance of using evidence to shape policy, saying, “New York State remains committed to helping those impacted by problem gambling, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or where they live. We look forward to gaining valuable insight into the gambling behaviors of New Yorkers as part of this effort… This effort will help ensure we’re using real data to guide smart, targeted investments that protect New Yorkers and strengthen access to care.”

The study is designed to track long‑term trends and provide a clearer picture of how gambling affects communities.

Hochul continues to fight for responsible gambling

Governor Kathy Hochul has kept responsible gambling at the center of her agenda, using her 2026 State of the State address to push for stronger protections.

She directed the New York State Gaming Commission to act against underage gambling by making sure young people cannot download betting apps, create accounts, or use accounts set up by others. Hochul also asked the Commission to explore new technology that could help identify people at risk and connect them with support.

Her proposals go further, previewing sweeping measures that would block sports wagering operators from using AI to target bettors, set activity triggers requiring operators to check in on customers, and introduce new safeguards to protect those legally allowed to gamble from potential harm.

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The Commission has already drafted language for these rules and is accepting public comments until May 15, 2026.

“As we’ve seen gambling opportunities increase, so has our responsibility to ensure that those facing gambling harms have prompt access to help. This survey will help direct resources where they are needed most and help guide future gaming policymaking to ensure that New York State always prioritizes responsible gambling practices,” stated Brian O’Dwyer, New York State Gaming Commission Chair.

Prediction markets also on the agenda

Hochul’s focus on gambling oversight also extends to prediction markets, with the governor recently signing Executive Order No. 60, which bans New York State employees from using insider information to profit on prediction markets.

The order makes clear that public officials must act in the interest of the people, not their own wallets. Hochul wrote that “the maintenance of public trust is founded on the principle that public servants are charged with using their positions to benefit the public good,” stressing that government decisions should never be shaped by personal financial gain.

The order applies to state officers, employees, and public authority members appointed by her office and comes as prediction platforms grow in popularity, allowing wagers on politics, military affairs, and social events. New York has also taken legal action against major platforms such as Coinbase and Gemini Titan, accusing them of running illegal gambling operations.

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