New York Sports Betting Bill Aims to Change Injury Ruling for Player Props
A New York sports betting bill is being introduced to create a level playing field for player props.
Under the new proposals, player props on injured stars would be voided. Sportsbooks would be required to offer a refund or free bet under the new rules.
At a Glance:
- Bill A11414 would change sports bets on injured players
- Sportsbooks would be required to void props on injuries
- Rules change by operator; law would standardize the rules
- Gambling ad block also on the cards
New York bill to promote ‘fair play in sports wagering’
The new bill, A11414, highlights a change in the rules on injured players.
Introduced by New York Assembly member Jordan Wright, the bill would require online sportsbooks to void prop bets on injured players. Currently, season props on player performance are classed as losing wagers if the player gets injured.
Under the new law, such bets would be classed as “voids,” and stakes returned.
However, there are concerns that sportsbooks may remove these types of bets altogether. That could force customers to seek more liberal market choices at offshore betting sites.
Standardized rules on injured player bets
The move to standardize existing rules comes from a different approach taken by New York’s sportsbooks.
For example, DraftKings Sportsbook offers an “Early Exit Eligible” option on single bets for injured players.
You receive bet credits, rather than lose the entire stake, if the game is "Early Exit Eligible."
However, BetMGM Sportsbook classifies player injuries as losses. For example, you would lose your four-leg player prop parlay if one of your picks got injured.
Billboard gambling ads to go under new proposals
In addition to the new sports betting bill in New York, senators introduced a bipartisan proposal to fine companies advertising gambling products to individuals under 18.
The Gaming Advertisement to Minors Enforcement Act (GAME) will prevent gambling advertising targeting under-18s.
The Federal Trade Commission will impose fines of up to $100,000 per offense.
“The rise in sports gambling among minors, particularly among young boys, is jarring,” said Sen. Katie Britt in a statement.
“We know targeted advertising from gambling and prediction market websites can serve as the gateway to dangerous habits that too often become crippling addictions.”
New York continues to strengthen betting industry integrity
New York officials continue to look at ways to enforce safety in the state’s online gambling industry.
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul wants the New York State Gaming Commission to look at introducing biometric verification.
The state may introduce tools, including facial recognition, to make it harder for underage gamblers to access mobile sportsbooks.
“From day one, one of my highest priorities has been keeping kids and our most vulnerable safe in a rapidly changing digital world, and that includes risks posed by online gambling,” she said in a statement.
“By engaging tools like biometric age verification, establishing stronger prevention and treatment, and applying the same vigilance to online betting that we have brought to social media and AI, we will build on our progress to protect New Yorkers from predatory and addictive technologies.”
NY sports betting: Quick facts
- Sports betting was legalized in January 2022
- 21+ players can legally place wagers through regulated apps
- In-person betting available at commercial casinos
- Major sportsbook brands include BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel
