Poll: Few New Yorkers Believe Online Sports Betting Is Good for State
More New Yorkers see the state's legalization of online sports betting as a mistake than an advantage, according to a recent Siena College survey.
Between July 1–8, 2026, 814 New Yorkers were surveyed by the upstate New York-based Siena Research Institute to find out what they thought of the state's regulated sports betting market. Less than one in four respondents (23%) believe that internet sports betting is "good for New York," according to their responses.
Naturally, 49% of sports bettors believed that online sports betting was a net benefit to the state. Just 16% of people over 50 and 14% of non-sports bettors had favorable opinions about online sports gambling.
“We are seeing a generational gap in those who participate in and support sports betting,” said Siena University Associate Director of Data Management Travis Brodbeck.
“Not only are many young New Yorkers placing bets of their own, but they also view the issues surrounding sports betting through a different lens than older residents,” Brodbeck added.
Legal online sports betting commenced in New York on Jan. 8, 2022.
Different Perspectives
After its introduction, New York swiftly rose to the top of the nation's sports betting rankings.
Over $26.1 billion was wagered on sports online during the state's 2025–2026 fiscal year, which concluded in March. Of that amount, oddsmakers kept nearly $2.6 billion. More than $1.3 billion in state taxes, which are used for public education, were earned by sports betting.
Unquestionably, New York sports betting helps schools, but many New Yorkers believe that the industry shouldn't be permitted to advertize its betting goods on television during live sporting events.
The participants in the Siena University Poll were asked if they strongly or somewhat agreed that online sportsbooks shouldn't be permitted to run advertisements during live sporting events.
36% of sports bettors and 43% of the general public agreed. Forty-five percent of non-bettors and 50% of those aged 50+ also backed an ad ban.
The bulk of the sample, however, didn't voice any worries about the advertising and in-game talking points.
“The majority of bettors are unbothered by TV ads for online sportsbooks and express minimal concern over live-game betting commentary,” Brodbeck reported.
Despite prediction markets, New York sports betting is growing
New York's internet sportsbooks are still expanding despite concerns about sports prediction markets.
The $26.1 billion handling in 2025–2026 was an increase of 9.25% from the previous year. Gross sports income from online sportsbooks climbed 21.2%.
Due to allegations that the online platforms lack responsible gaming measures, are only weakly regulated, and do not pay state taxes or licensing fees, the New York State Gaming Commission and NY Attorney General Letitia James have cautioned consumers against engaging in sports prediction market trades.
