SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (WRGB) — As March Madness tips off and millions of fans fill out brackets and place bets, New Yorkers may be surprised to learn there are key restrictions on what they can wager on especially when it comes to local college teams.
Even as sports wagering has grown by more than $100 billion over the last few years and apps such as FanDuel and DraftKings have become more accessible, New York state rules still prohibit betting on in-state college teams.
“New York State regulations prohibit wagering on in-state colleges, so this year is Hofstra, Long Island University, St. John’s, and of course, our local Siena,” said Ken Bates, sportsbook manager at Rivers Casino.
That means fans in the Capital Region looking forward to Siena’s matchup with Duke cannot place wagers on Siena through legal New York sportsbooks. Attempts to search for Siena on sports betting apps do not produce betting options for the team.
There are also limits on what kinds of bets can be placed on college games in New York. “You can bet on the game, you can bet on the total, you can bet on half-time scores and quarter scores, but there’s no prop betting on any team, any individual players in New York state,” said Michael Belsky, a partner at Tully Rinckey.
Attorneys also warned that, beyond understanding the regulations, bettors should recognize the risks of gambling and how easy it can be to do so irresponsibly.
“All it takes is you pick up the phone, you go to the sports betting app, and you just keep moving,” Belsky said. “Here’s a hundred dollars, move it from your account and you keep moving and moving and moving, all your paycheck is gone, and then you go home, and you can’t pay your bills, can’t pay your mortgage, can’t pay your heat and lights.”
