The esports betting landscape in New York faces a potential upheaval as a new legislative bill targets the heart of modern wagering. Bill A9343, introduced by Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, seeks to implement a complete ban on “in-play” sports wagers. If passed, this would prohibit all casinos and mobile sports wagering operators from accepting bets once a match has begun.
This proposal arrives at a time when live betting constitutes a massive portion of the market. In the United States, in-play wagers typically account for nearly 50% of all betting volume. For esports titles like League of Legends and Counter-Strike, where dynamic odds shift with every round and objective, live betting is often the primary way fans engage with the action.
The Argument for the Ban
Assembly Member Rosenthal’s primary justification for the bill centers on consumer protection and public health. The legislation argues that the instant gratification and fast-paced nature of in-play betting encourage problem gambling behaviors.
In her legislative justification, Rosenthal wrote that the state has an “obligation to protect consumers” and that the bill is necessary to address “concerning public health trends.” The goal is to slow down the betting process, removing the impulsive element that defines live wagering.
Economic Impact on New York
The financial implications of such a ban would be staggering. New Yorkers are currently the most active bettors in the country. In the fiscal year 2024 alone, residents wagered nearly $24 billion on sports. That number is projected to surpass $25 billion for FY2025.
With live betting estimated to drive over $10 billion of that annual volume, the state stands to lose a significant chunk of tax revenue. New York currently imposes a 51% tax rate on sportsbooks, which generated over $1 billion for the state last year. Removing in-play options would likely decimate these figures.
Prediction Markets Also Under Fire
Bill A9343 is not the only piece of legislation targeting the industry. Another proposal, Assembly Bill A9251 (also known as the ORACLE Act), seeks to ban “speculative positions” on prediction market platforms.
Introduced by Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, this bill aims to prohibit wagering on:
- Athletic event markets
- Political markets
- Catastrophic event markets
While the ORACLE Act targets prediction markets specifically, the inclusion of “athletic event markets” creates ambiguity regarding whether esports competitions would fall under this umbrella.
What This Means for Esports Fans
For esports enthusiasts, the passage of Bill A9343 would effectively end the ability to bet on live match outcomes, map winners, or specific in-game events like “First Blood” or “Baron Nashor kills” once the game starts.
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee for discussion. Given the massive tax revenue generated by the current system, the bill is expected to face significant opposition from industry stakeholders and sportsbook operators. However, the push for stricter consumer protections remains a powerful political motivator.