New York residents remain divided over online sports betting, with 39% describing it as bad for the state and 22% viewing it positively. A further 31% expressed a neutral opinion, according to polling conducted by the Siena Research Institute.
One in four respondents said they had placed a sports bet during the previous 12 months. The figure includes bets made through online platforms, casinos, bookmakers and informal wagers with friends or family. Online sportsbooks were used by 84% of those who had bet, while 54% wagered with friends or family, 41% used casinos and 24% placed bets through bookmakers.
Participation was highest among men aged between 18 and 49. More than half of that group, 53%, reported placing a sports bet during the year, with 92% of these using an online sportsbook.
Travis Brodbeck, Associate Director of Data Management at Siena Research Institute, says: “We are seeing a generational gap in those who participate in and support sports betting.
“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.”
Public opinion was almost evenly divided over sportsbook advertising during televised sport, with 44% supporting advertising and 43% opposed. However, 52% said commentators discussing odds and wagers during live broadcasts was bad for sport.
Attitudes also varied according to participation. Almost half of active bettors, 49%, said online sports gambling benefited New York, compared with 14% of non-bettors. Among residents who had not placed a bet, 45% viewed online sports gambling negatively.
The poll surveyed 814 New York residents between July 1st and 8th and had a margin of error of 3.7%.
