More than $600 million was wagered in the first nine days (Jan. 8-16) of NY Sports Betting Apps, obliterating records for any previous state launch — and that was without the Giants or Jets playing meaningful football and the Knicks treading water.
Caesars New York led sportsbooks in New York in handle, followed by FanDuel NY and DraftKings New York. Since those three and BetRivers launched on Jan. 8, two others have gone live with a third on the way.
BetMGM New York launched on Jan. 17 and PointsBet New York went live on Jan. 24. WynnBET NY will be the next to launch.
Those first nine days pulled in more than $24 million in tax revenue for New York, due to the state’s 51% tax rate on gross gaming revenues.
With so much money leaving the pockets and wallets of New Yorkers so quickly, the state’s Gaming Commission, Office of Addiction Services and Council on Problem Gambling, have teamed up to form the Responsible Play Partnership and launched a new public service campaign, according to a news release.
Tips include “When time is up, it’s time to go” and “Set a spend limit. If you max out, walk away.” The goal is to reach New York bettors who are gambling for reasons other than entertainment and help prevent and treat compulsive gambling, the release said.
’Should Be Pursued Responsibly’
Gaming Commission Executive Director Robert Williams said in a statement, “The new advocacy campaign recognizes that gambling is a form of entertainment that should be pursued responsibly. As both a gaming regulator and operator, we want people to make responsible, informed choices and understand how setting time and spending limits can enhance the overall experience.”
The campaign also advises bettors to avoid chasing losses, reminds them that gambling is not a reliable source of income and players should not risk more than they can reasonably afford to lose.
Said Problem Gambling Council Executive Director Jim Maney: "Responsible gambling practices on both the part of the gaming industry, as well as individuals, are an important part of any prevention effort to reduce harm. We applaud the campaign for bringing attention to the fact that safety is important when it comes to preventing problems with gambling."
The campaign will run through February. In March the Responsible Play Partnership will launch a new campaign for National Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
