(WRGB) — A new Siena Poll finds most betting New Yorkers are using online sportsbooks, but residents don’t agree on the benefits of online sports gambling.
One in four people polled say they’ve placed a bet on the outcome of a sporting event in the last year, and a majority of them (84 percent) did so with online sportsbooks.
“Sports betting participation differs greatly by age and gender in New York. Young adults are more likely than older adults to place sports bets, and men are more likely than women to participate. Sports betting participation is especially concentrated among young men in New York,” said Associate Director of Data Management Travis Brodbeck.
About a quarter of New Yorkers also say online sports gambling is good for the state, with 22 percent of those polled voicing their support. On the other hand, 39 percent say it is bad for New York. Another 31 percent are in the middle.
There’s also a close divide when it comes to advertising during televised sporting events: 44 percent are in favor, and 43 percent are opposed. Fifty-two percent say it’s bad for sports when commentators make remarks on potential bets and odds during live games. Pollsters found that those who view betting, advertisements, and commentary in a more favorable light were more likely to be bettors themselves.