New Yorkers Split on Online Sports Betting Impact, Demand Commentary Silence
A recent poll by the Siena Research Institute (SRI) reveals New Yorkers are nearly evenly divided on the effects of legalized online sports betting. Thirty-nine percent of residents agree with supporters who view it as a regulated, taxed activity that boosts fan entertainment. In contrast, 37% agree with opponents who point to increased risks of problem gambling, financial hardship, and threats to game integrity.
Despite the split over the merits of online betting, a clear majority of New Yorkers (54% to 25%) believe that sports commentators should be prohibited from discussing sports gambling and potential bets during live game broadcasts. The poll surveyed 814 New York State residents between September 15 and 22, 2025.
Fan Engagement and Wagering Habits
The poll highlights significant public interest in major sports leagues, with football maintaining a clear edge in overall fandom.
- 49% of New Yorkers identify as football fans, compared to 39% who say they are baseball fans.
- 41% of all state residents, or 79% of self-identified football fans, regularly watch football games.
- Nearly 20% of all New Yorkers, and 31% of football fans, place bets on the sport through an online sportsbook.
Baseball viewership sees a notable spike as the season progresses. While 37% of all residents watch regular season baseball games, that figure climbs to nearly 48% for the baseball playoffs and the World Series. On the betting side, 14%of all state residents, or 30% of baseball fans, use an online sportsbook to bet on baseball games.
SRI’s Director, Don Levy, noted that fans are significantly more likely to engage with wagering. “Nearly a third of fans use online sportbooks to bet on their favorite sports,” he stated.
Public Opinion on Regulation and Media
The public response to online sports betting benefits from the perspective of active users. Fans are more inclined than non-fans to see the benefits of online sports betting over the associated risks.
However, a strong consensus exists on keeping gambling talk out of live sports commentary. Levy emphasized that both fans and non-fans overwhelmingly agree that commentators should not be permitted to discuss sports gambling or potential bets during games. This sentiment reflects a desire to preserve the integrity of the live broadcast and separate the viewing experience from wagering promotion.
The poll’s results suggest that while the regulated online gambling market has found a dedicated segment of users among the state’s sports fans, the wider public remains hesitant about the potential social costs and the integration of betting into sports media.
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