Controversial Legislation Targets Popular Betting Format
New York's 2026 legislative session has kicked off with a flurry of gambling-related proposals, headlined by a controversial bill that would eliminate one of the most popular features in modern sports wagering: in-play betting.
Assembly Bill A09343, introduced by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal and now under review by the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, would impose a complete prohibition on live sports betting throughout New York State—a move that could dramatically reshape the landscape of America's largest sports betting market.
The Technical Details of A09343
The legislation specifically amends Section 1367 of New York's Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law to prohibit licensed operators from accepting any "in-play sports wagers" from bettors located within state boundaries.
More significantly, the bill redefines "sports wagering" in state law, removing in-play betting from the list of permitted wagering formats. This would restrict sportsbooks to offering only pre-game markets—traditional point spreads, moneylines, totals, and parlays placed before the opening whistle.
If enacted, the prohibition would take effect immediately, creating a sudden and dramatic shift in how New Yorkers engage with legal sportsbooks.
The Financial Stakes
The timing of this proposal is particularly noteworthy given New York's dominant position in the American sports betting landscape. The Empire State has established itself as the nation's highest-grossing sports betting market, with multiple months in 2025 exceeding $2 billion in handle.
Industry data indicates that in-play wagering now represents approximately 50% of all sports betting handle in the United States, while in more mature European markets, that figure exceeds 60%. The format has become the cornerstone of modern sportsbook offerings, with operators investing heavily in technology that enables real-time odds adjustments and rapid bet settlement.
"Eliminating live betting would fundamentally alter the economics of regulated sports wagering in New York," explained an industry analyst who requested anonymity to speak candidly. "The question becomes whether players would accept a pre-game-only environment or simply shift their action to unregulated channels that continue offering in-play options."
The Responsible Gambling Argument
Proponents of the ban argue that in-play betting—with its rapid-fire nature and constant engagement—creates heightened risks for vulnerable players. The format allows bettors to place dozens of wagers during a single game, potentially accelerating problem gambling behaviors and making it easier to chase losses.
The bill aligns with a broader push toward enhanced player protections in New York's gambling sector. Assemblymember Carrie Woerner has introduced separate legislation requiring operators to direct players seeking help to the state's Office of Addiction Services and Supports rather than private treatment providers that might have financial relationships with gambling companies.
This follows a 2024 law mandating that all gambling advertisements in New York include warnings about addiction risks and potential harms.
Part of a Broader Regulatory Wave
The in-play betting prohibition represents just one element of an active gambling policy agenda taking shape in Albany. Other significant proposals include:
- Legislation that would prevent sportsbooks from limiting successful or high-volume players, introduced by Assemblymember Alex Bores
- Multiple advertising restriction bills, including one that would ban sportsbook promotions during live sports broadcasts and another prohibiting ads between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. during game broadcasts
Meanwhile, expansion efforts continue on parallel tracks. State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has introduced legislation to legalize online casino gaming (iGaming), while Assemblymember Woerner has filed both a companion iGaming bill and separate legislation establishing a regulatory framework for online poker.
Industry Response and Next Steps
The sports betting industry is expected to mount significant opposition to the live betting ban. Major operators have consistently argued that robust regulated markets with competitive product offerings provide the best protection against offshore sites and illegal bookmakers.
"Taking away in-play betting would be like telling a restaurant they can only serve appetizers, not entrées," said a gaming executive familiar with New York operations. "It's become the core product that players expect."
All gambling-related bills currently remain in committee for review. The legislative session runs through June, giving lawmakers several months to debate and potentially modify the proposals before any final votes.
If enacted, New York would become the first state with legal mobile sports betting to specifically prohibit in-play wagering—a precedent that could influence regulatory discussions in other jurisdictions.
