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New York is home to the nation’s largest online sports betting market, but a new poll suggests many residents remain skeptical about its impact.
A new survey from the Siena Research Institute found that only 22% of New Yorkers believe online sports betting is good for the state, while 39% say it has had a negative impact.
Another 31% said they fall somewhere in the middle, highlighting a public that remains divided even as legal wagering continues to generate billions of dollars in handle and significant tax revenue.
Poll reveals New Yorker’s split over sports betting’s impact
The Siena poll paints a mixed picture of public attitudes toward sports betting.
Only 22% of respondents said online sports betting has been good for New York, while 39% said it has done more harm than good. Another 31% said they neither supported nor opposed it. The poll was conducted July 1-8 among 814 New York residents, according to Legal Sports Report’s coverage of the Siena Research Institute poll.
Despite those concerns, participation remains widespread.
One in four New Yorkers (25%) said they placed at least one sports bet during the previous year. Based on New York’s population, that represents millions of adults participating in legal or informal sports wagering.
Among those who wagered:
- 84% used online sportsbooks.
- 54% bet with friends or family.
- 41% placed wagers at casinos.
- 24% said they used a traditional bookie.
The survey also found clear demographic differences.
Sports betting participation was highest among men ages 18 to 49, with 53% reporting they had placed a wager during the previous year. By comparison, only 12% of residents age 50 or older said they had bet on sports.
Attitudes toward gambling advertising also varied by age. Half of respondents over age 50 said sportsbooks should not be allowed to advertise during televised sporting events, while younger residents were significantly less likely to support restrictions.
The poll also found that 52% of New Yorkers believe commentators discussing betting odds during live games is bad for sports.
Mobile betting continues dominating New York market
Sports betting is fully legal in New York.
Retail sportsbooks launched in 2019, while statewide mobile sports betting began in January 2022. Since then, New York has become the largest legal mobile sports betting market in the United States, regularly leading the nation in wagering volume and tax revenue generated from mobile sportsbooks.
Legal betting options across New York
New Yorkers have several legal gambling options available.
Online sportsbooks: Licensed mobile sportsbooks include FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, Fanatics Sportsbook and BetRivers.
Retail sportsbooks: Bettors can also place wagers at commercial and tribal casino sportsbooks throughout the state.
Horse racing: Pari-mutuel wagering is available at racetracks, off-track betting facilities and licensed advance-deposit wagering platforms.
Lottery and daily fantasy sports: Residents may also purchase New York Lottery tickets and participate in daily fantasy sports contests where permitted.
Online casino legislation debate continues in Albany
While sports betting is firmly established, New York has yet to legalize online casino gaming.
State Sen. Joseph Addabbo has again introduced legislation that would legalize online casino gaming, including slots, table games and online poker.
Senate Bill S2614 would establish a regulated iGaming market in New York while generating additional tax revenue and directing players away from offshore operators. The measure remains under consideration during the 2025-26 legislative session.
Lawmakers are also considering responsible gambling measures, including Senate Bill S2615, also sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo. The legislation would require 1% of New York’s mobile sports betting tax revenue—no less than $6 million annually—to be dedicated to problem gambling education, prevention and treatment.
The proposal remains under consideration during the 2025-26 legislative session.
