In a bold legislative move, New York Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal has introduced Bill A 9343. If passed, it would ban all in-play (live) sports betting across the state.
This proposed legislation, if enacted, would reshape the landscape of sports betting in New York by prohibiting any wagers placed after an event has started.
As the state's sports betting market flourishes, this bill has sparked discussions on consumer protection, market dynamics, and economic implications.
The news hits on the heels of the New York Gaming Facility Location Board recommending all three finalists for downstate casino licenses
What the New York Sports Betting Bill Entails
Bill A 9343 seeks to amend the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law, introducing a new subdivision that directs the Gaming Commission to enforce a ban on "in-play sports wagers."
This initiative would effectively strip all live betting options from New York's statutory definition of permitted wagers, leaving only pre-game options such as singles, parlays, and moneylines.
This expansive prohibition covers all channels, meaning live markets will no longer be available on mobile apps, websites, or at retail sportsbooks within casinos.
The scope of the bill is significant, as it aims to abolish various in-game markets, including live spreads, totals, updated moneylines, and all forms of microbets and quick-cycle props—features heavily promoted by New York operators as engagement tools.
Reasons Behind the Live Sports Betting Bill in New York
Rosenthal’s memorandum portrays the bill as a measure to enhance consumer protection and promote public health.
It emphasizes that the constant availability of in-play markets is linked to higher-risk gambling behavior and larger average bet sizes compared to pre-game wagering. This measure forms part of a larger responsible-gambling initiative being pursued in Albany, which includes previous bills on advertising limits and addiction warnings on gambling ads.
Moreover, the proposed ban resonates with national concerns about sports integrity, as the rise of live and micro-bets has brought fears of match-fixing and insider information into sharp relief.
Potential Market Impact
Should Bill A 9343 pass, the impact on New York's sports betting market could be profound.
Live betting has emerged as one of the fastest-growing segments in this space, significantly contributing to user engagement and the popularity of same-game parlays. Loss of this segment would compress available inventory, session length, and ultimately, operator revenue.
Operators would need to pivot toward pre-game markets and longer-term futures, thus undermining years of investment in low-latency data feeds, live streaming integrations, and in-app UX features designed to enhance the live-betting experience.
Additionally, state tax revenues could experience a downturn since in-play and micro-bets tend to support higher effective hold rates and incremental handle.
What's Next For The New York Sports Betting Bill?
Assembly Bill A 9343 currently resides with the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, yet to advance beyond its initial stage.
Compared to the more modest proposals in neighboring New Jersey, which concentrate only on microbets, this comprehensive ban faces formidable opposition from operators, leagues, and fiscal conservatives reliant on New York's substantial sportsbook tax yields.
At this juncture, the bill may serve as a strategic warning signal that Albany is now scrutinizing live-betting design. Whether it serves as a negotiation tool to implement narrower protective measures or remains a declaratory gesture will depend on the unfolding legislative dynamics of the 2026 session.
In short, the introduction of A 9343 has ignited crucial conversations around responsible gambling and consumer protection in New York.
As stakeholders analyze its potential ramifications, it remains to be seen whether the bill will redefine the state's sports betting environment or mark merely a regulatory footnote.
