New York Considers Prohibiting Billboard Gambling Ads

Legislative Action to Restrict Billboard Advertising in New York

Lawmakers in New York are contemplating new legislation aimed at banning billboard advertisements that promote substances and activities known for their addictive or harmful nature. This initiative specifically targets ads related to gambling, alcohol, nicotine, and other potentially dangerous products.

Details of the Proposed Billboard Advertising Ban

State Senator Nathalia Fernandez has introduced two bills, Senate Bills 10400 and 10401, both designed to regulate advertisements for gambling, sports betting, tobacco, vaping, and alcoholic beverages. The bills were submitted on May 15 and are currently under review by the Committee on Consumer Protection.

If passed, these laws would add new restrictions to New York’s general business law concerning billboard advertisements. Senate Bill 10400 calls for an immediate prohibition on billboard ads for the specified products, applying to both traditional and digital billboards. Furthermore, it would ban promotion of gambling-related activities such as bookmaking, betting exchanges, and wagering pools.

In contrast, Senate Bill 10401 outlines a phased approach, allowing existing ads to remain until their contracts expire. Once removed, if no new advertisement replaces the former, local governments must display public messages warning about the risks associated with the previously advertised product.

Regardless of the approach, both bills would take effect promptly upon approval.

Proposal for a Task Force to Investigate Under Bets

Aside from billboard advertising regulations, New York lawmakers have also proposed forming a task force to examine the rising concerns surrounding proposition bets, particularly under bets. Introduced as Senate Bill 10153 in late April, this proposal aims to analyze the risks and expansion of prop bets and evaluate whether further legislative measures are warranted.