PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WCAX) – New York’s legal sports betting industry is showing no signs of slowing down, bringing in record state revenues while prompting concerns over problem gambling.
“It’s probably one of the best places to be for football season,” said Elijah Lancaster, an employee at Hobies Sports Den in Plattsburgh, which was gearing up to welcome crowds for Thursday night’s game.
Fans include families, fantasy football players, and the growing number of those placing a wager on the games.
“With the more sports betting that we got going on, everybody gets a good pie out of it, and there is nothing wrong with that,” Lancaster said.
“If the customers hook me up with a parlay, I am going to do it while I am on shift and use it as my tip,” said Sam Betrus, who also works at the sports bar.
And 2025 was a banner year for sports betting in the Empire State, according to the New York State Comptroller’s Office. “The introduction of mobile sports betting has really provided a jolt to these revenues and increased tremendously in the last few years,” said Deputy Comptroller Maria Doulis.
State revenue for sports betting jumped about 78% in the last three years, with mobile betting hitting over $1.3 billion. The average amount for betting last year was $3,500, which is about $42 per wager.
But rising gambling revenue also brings an increase in problem gambling calls. The Comptroller’s Office points to a roughly 8% increase in calls from those seeking help, a number officials want to keep an eye on. “We feel like greater attention needs to be given to both improving the data collection and focus on how to curb some of the potential for that addiction,” Doulis said.
Contact the New York Problem Gambling Hotline if you are struggling with gambling.
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