New York Proposes Betting Ban for Bettors Who Harass Athletes

Lawmakers in New York State are considering legislative proposals that would ban sports betting and participation in other forms of gambling for individuals who harass or threaten athletes, SBC Americas reports.

The measures target bettors and fans who issue threats or abusive messages toward players, coaches, or referees — including online — in response to match outcomes or losing wagers.

Two identical bills are under consideration: Senate Bill SB 7482 and Assembly Bill AB 7903. Such parallel introductions are a standard legislative practice in the United States and require approval by both chambers of the state legislature.

Under the proposals, offenders would be designated as prohibited bettors, effectively barring them from placing legal wagers in the state.

The New York State Gaming Commission would be responsible for imposing such bans, while individuals designated as violators would retain the right to appeal the decision.

At present, Assembly Bill AB 7903 has advanced through the relevant committee and has been scheduled for a final vote. The Senate version, SB 7482, is still awaiting further consideration. For the measures to take effect, both bills must be passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor.

Gambling Park notes that similar measures are already in force in other U.S. states. Ohio, West Virginia, and Wyoming have previously introduced betting bans for individuals who harass athletes, granting regulators the authority to exclude such bettors from the legal market.