New York is embarking on a 10-year effort to better understand how, where and why residents gamble — and how often that behavior turns into something more harmful — as state leaders confront the rapid expansion of legal betting.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday announced a statewide study that will survey and interview adults across New York to measure gambling habits, addiction rates and public awareness of risks. The results are expected to shape how the state funds prevention, treatment and recovery services in the years ahead.
The initiative, led by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, comes as gambling opportunities — particularly online sports betting — have grown significantly, raising concerns about accessibility and long-term impacts on public health.
State officials said the study will focus on adults 18 and older, using questionnaires, interviews and focus groups to gather data on gambling trends, the prevalence of addiction and how communities perceive the risks tied to betting. That information is expected to guide future policy decisions and service expansions.
Hochul framed the effort as a data-driven approach to an issue that cuts across demographics and regions.
“This effort will help ensure we’re using real data to guide smart, targeted investments that protect New Yorkers and strengthen access to care,” she said.
The study is also intended to help the state better understand how awareness campaigns and existing support systems are working — and where gaps remain. OASAS currently oversees a network of services that includes outpatient and inpatient treatment, recovery centers and peer support programs.
Regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers provide education, training and referrals, while the state also offers free financial counseling for individuals dealing with gambling-related debt. Public awareness campaigns, including the “Take a Pause” initiative, aim to encourage residents to evaluate their gambling habits and reduce risk.
The new research effort arrives alongside broader regulatory discussions about the future of gambling in New York, particularly among younger users.
In her 2026 State of the State agenda, Hochul directed the New York State Gaming Commission to strengthen safeguards aimed at preventing underage gambling and limiting harmful behaviors. Proposed measures include restrictions on betting platforms using artificial intelligence to target users, as well as requirements for operators to intervene when certain activity thresholds are met.
The commission is currently accepting public comment on those proposed rules through mid-May.
State lawmakers said the long-term study is a necessary step as gambling becomes more embedded in everyday life.
“With the rapid expansion of legal sports betting and mobile gambling, New Yorkers have more opportunities to wager than ever before,” Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said. “We cannot ignore its impact on those vulnerable to addiction.”
Officials emphasized that the study’s extended timeline is key to capturing evolving trends, particularly as technology and access to gambling continue to change.
For now, the state is encouraging participation in the surveys as they roll out, positioning the effort as a foundation for future policy — and a clearer understanding of a growing public health concern.
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