The accessibility of NY problem gambling insurance coverage could get a big boost.
Citing a “significant rise” in problem gambling since the legalization of online sports betting, a new bill in New York seeks to help people receive treatment.
As of late 2025, New Yorkers and the state’s visitors have lost a combined $6.5 billion to New York-sanctioned sportsbooks since 2022, according to Legal Sports Report.
According to betting addiction statistics, 30-40% of online sports bettors experience some form of problems with their play. Research has shown that more than half of sports bettors have chased losses.
NY Bill to Expand Problem Gambling Coverage
Senate Bill S8352, introduced in June 2025, by Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., addressed a gap in current law. New York lawmakers were considering his bill alongside a separate proposal to restrict AI use in gambling therapy.
As of September 2025, Addabbo’s bill was still stuck in a Senate committee.
Currently, insurance providers in New York are not required to cover gambling addiction treatment provided by OASAS-certified programs unless it’s paired with a substance use disorder.
OASAS is New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports. The office oversees 1,700 prevention, treatment and recovery programs serving over 730,000 individuals per year, according to its website.
“The network of providers best able to address the issue are not able to do so,” according to a legislative memo of the bill. “Without this change, many in need of help will be unable to find it.”
James Maney, executive director of the NY Council on Problem Gambling, spoke in support of the plan in an emailed statement to Gambling Harm.
“All New Yorkers, regardless of their ability to pay, should be able to access services in their community and with practitioners that speak their language,” Maney said. “Insurance should cover these services, and the co-pay should be waived.”
Related: Ohio Is First With State-Specific Free Online Betting Therapy
How NY Insurance Law Would Be Amended
The policy proposal is short, at just a single page.
Existing New York insurance law will be amended to include the following language:
Every policy that provides medical, major medical or similar comprehensive-type coverage shall provide outpatient coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and problem gambling services.
Such coverage shall not apply financial requirements or treatment limitations to Outpatient substance use disorder benefits that are more restrictive than the predominant financial requirements and treatment limitations applied to substantially all medical and surgical benefits covered by the policy.
Editor’s note: Bolding for emphasis and paragraph break for better readability.
Some Consensus on Gambling Addiction
Addabbo’s bill followed a companion proposal in the Assembly introduced the month prior.
It appears the policy change is gaining momentum and is a point of agreement among New York lawmakers with vastly different positions on legalized online gambling.
Expanding NY problem gambling insurance coverage is a no-brainer for the state.
The author of the Assembly bill, Assemblymember Phil Steck, told Gambling Harm that he opposed the legalization of sports betting. Addabbo spearheaded legalizing certain gambling apps.
Both policymakers are Democrats.
Their legislation to expand insurance coverage could get a hearing sometime this summer.
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