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Lawmakers in New York have introduced Assembly Bill A11414, a piece of legislation that would require online sportsbooks in the state to enact “fair play” provisions to protect bettors from unforeseen instances that affect wagers.
Brought by Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn Wright, if passed, it would direct the New York State Gaming Commission to develop regulations regarding “fair play” standards for sports betting operators in instances where a disruption impacts a bet.
Bill highlights requirements for refunds and bet adjustments
New York continues to work to protect sports bettors, and Assembly Bill A11414 would provide firm guardrails against instances during sports events that could affect a wager’s outcome. This comes in the form of establishing categories of bets that are eligible for “adjustment, refund, or voiding” when an injury or disruption occurs that alters the outcome of a bet.
Other than injuries, disruptions could include player withdrawals, event cancellations, suspensions, and statistical or scoring corrections.
The bill language states that the enacted policies must apply “without requiring action by an authorized sports bettor where reasonably predictable,” and that the standards must be applied in a consistent and nondiscriminatory manner.
These policies must be clearly disclosed prior to a bet being placed on a sports betting platform.
Bill awaits formal hearing date
Introduced last week, the clock is ticking on A11414.
New York’s Assembly gavels out on June 4, leaving just a little over a week for it to be voted out of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee and brought before the full Assembly. Then it would have to be passed by the Senate.
If passed, A11414 could serve as a model for other states to follow.
