Published on: May 19, 2026, 09:37h.
Updated on: May 19, 2026, 10:00h.
- A New York legislator aims to prohibit gambling advertising on billboards
- The legislative proposal would also ban ads for alcohol and tobacco
- Researchers indicate a link between alcohol abuse and gambling disorders
The recent legislative initiative by a Democratic senator in New York could lead to the removal of gambling and sports betting billboards throughout the state.
Drivers navigating the Northeast often encounter a barrage of gambling advertisements as they enter jurisdictions where such activities are permitted. Frustrated by this, a New York legislator is calling for a state-wide initiative to curb this overwhelming presence of gambling marketing.
State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (D-Bronx, Westchester) is introducing Senate Bill 10400, aimed at modifying New York’s General Business Law to disallow advertising for alcohol, tobacco, nicotine, gambling, and sports betting on billboards.
This legislation targets any outdoor advertising visible from roadways, sidewalks, parks, or other public venues.
Fernandez’s definition of gambling encompasses activities including casinos, parimutuel betting, fantasy sports, lotteries, sweepstakes games, prediction markets, and other ventures that involve wagering money in pursuit of valuable returns.
Concerns About Addiction
Fernandez leads the New York Senate’s Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee and also participates in the Joint Senate Task Force on Opioids, Addiction & Overdose Prevention.
Gambling addiction is frequently correlated with other forms of substance abuse, particularly with alcohol. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism indicates that those grappling with problematic gambling often also experience alcohol-related issues.
Research from the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Department of Psychiatry found that problematic gambling is commonly accompanied by alcohol use disorders and that shared brain mechanisms may predispose individuals to both conditions.”
Fernandez asserts that restricting advertising channels for alcohol and gambling entities could potentially diminish these overlapping issues.
SB10400 has been forwarded to the Senate Consumer Protection Committee for initial evaluation. The committee emphasizes its role in protecting “New York’s 19.5 million consumers from exploitation in the marketplace.”
Expanding Industry
New York stands as one of the most lucrative gaming markets in the United States.
In 2025, the state recorded a gross gaming revenue exceeding $5.72 billion, a figure representing losses incurred by players at four casinos, seven racinos, two video lottery casinos, and through online and retail sports betting. This total does not account for losses related to the New York Lottery, charitable gambling, or parimutuel activities.
New York’s commercial gaming revenue was the fourth highest in the country, surpassed only by Nevada ($15.79 billion), Pennsylvania ($7.7 billion), and New Jersey ($6.98 billion).
The gaming sector in New York is poised for further expansion as the state granted three downstate casino licenses last December. Major developments for multi-billion-dollar casino resorts are currently in progress in Queens and the Bronx.
Resorts World New York City, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park in Queens, and Bally’s Bronx are anticipated to capture a portion of the casino revenue that currently flows to New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.