Poll Finds Most New Yorkers Don’t Believe Online Sports Betting Is Good for State

A new poll from Siena University in Upstate New York finds that the vast majority of the public thinks the state made a bad bet by legalizing online sports betting.

The Siena Research Institute polled 814 New York residents between July 1-8, 2026, to gauge their opinions on the state’s regulated sports betting industry. Their answers revealed that less than one in four (23%) think online sports gambling is “good for New York.”

Naturally, sports bettors were more favorable to online sports betting, with 49% saying it’s a net positive for the state. Just 14% of non-sports bettors and 16% of those aged 50+ expressed positive views for online sports gambling.

“We are seeing a generational gap in those who participate in and support sports betting,” said Siena University Associate Director of Data Management Travis Brodbeck. “Not only are many young New Yorkers placing bets of their own, but they also view the issues surrounding sports betting through a different lens than older residents.”

Legal online sports betting began in New York on Jan. 8, 2022.

Varying Views

New York quickly became the richest sports betting state in the country upon launch.

In the state’s 2025/2026 fiscal year that ended in March, bettors staked over $26.1 billion on sports online, with oddsmakers keeping almost $2.6 billion of the wagers. Sports betting revenue generated more than $1.3 billion in state taxes, money allocated for public education.

New York sports betting is unquestionably benefiting schools, but many New Yorkers don’t think the industry should be allowed to push its betting products during live sporting events on television.

The Siena University Poll asked the sample if they strongly or somewhat agree that online sportsbooks should not be allowed to advertise during televised sporting events. Forty-three percent of the general population agreed, with 36% of sports bettors in support, too. Forty-five percent of non-bettors and 50% of those aged 50+ also backed an ad ban.

However, the majority of the sample didn’t express concerns about seeing the commercials and in-game talking points.

“The majority of bettors are unbothered by TV ads for online sportsbooks and express minimal concern over live-game betting commentary,” Brodbeck reported.

NY Sports Betting Expands Despite Prediction Markets

Despite worries about sports prediction markets, New York’s online sportsbooks continue to see business grow.

The $26.1 billion in 2025/2026 handle represented a 9.25% year-over-year increase. Gross sports revenue from online sportsbooks surged 21.2%.

The New York State Gaming Commission and NY Attorney General Letitia James have warned consumers to refrain from making sports prediction market trades on claims that the online platforms lack responsible gaming safeguards, are only loosely regulated, and pay no state taxes or licensing fees.