Bill > S05537

This bill prohibits mobile sports wagering operators and platforms from sending push notifications or text message notifications that solicit sports wagers or deposits to users. The legislation, known as the "regulating addictive notifications act," aims to address public health concerns related to gambling addiction by preventing intrusive digital messaging that can trigger impulsive betting behavior. The bill defines push notifications as automatic electronic messages that appear on a device when the sports betting app is not actively open, which can potentially exploit moments of user vulnerability. The legislative intent emphasizes that mobile sports betting increases the risk of problematic gambling, particularly among young people and vulnerable populations, by making betting constantly accessible and reducing barriers to responsible gambling. By preventing these notifications, the bill seeks to mitigate harmful effects of risky betting, including potential financial ruin, mental health issues, family destruction, and in extreme cases, self-harm or suicide. The prohibition will apply to all mobile sports wagering platforms operating in New York and will take effect immediately upon passage.