Since the legalization of mobile sports wagering in New York State in 2022, New York has collected billions in taxes from mobile betting. While New York has allowed legal gambling since 2013, it wasn’t until a federal ban on sports betting in 2018 was struck down that the state began retail sports betting, officially allowing it in July 2019, followed by the initiation of mobile wagering in January 2022. Since New York initially legalized sports wagering, nearly $58 billion in bets have been placed.

According to the New York State Gaming Commission, sports wagering revenue is taxed at 51% with all funds providing aid to education to New York’s public schools, except:

• $5 million annually to fund sports programs for underserved youths (administered by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services), and
• $6 million annually to fund problem gambling education and treatment (administered by the NYS Office of Addiction Services and Supports).

Despite the praise Governor Kathy Hochul has received for generating significant funds for education and youth sports via mobile betting, a more troubling statistic has emerged.

The New York State Gaming Commission reported a 26% increase in problem gambling-related calls during the first year of mobile betting. While many of these calls related to financial troubles, there are also emotional and relational consequences. Addiction to sports wagering can damage families, strain marriages and harm mental health in ways that no revenue figure can justify. Early research suggested sports gambling caused a 28% jump in bankruptcies, a 14% drop in household investment and a dramatic increase in domestic violence.

Problem Gambling

Family conflict often arises when traditional addiction-related behaviors appear, such as lying, stealing, or concealing financial losses. The emotional and financial pressure of living with someone addicted to sports betting can lead to frequent confrontation, which may escalate into separation or divorce. These conflicts can create a toxic home environment that undermines a parent’s ability to care for their children.

Family law practitioners have long seen the connection between gambling addictions and domestic violence, child neglect, or other household instability. These issues have only intensified since sports betting became accessible through mobile phones. Before mobile wagering, individuals had to contact a bookie or travel to a casino. Now, a person can place bets continuously from home or even during work hours, often at the expense of spending meaningful time with their spouse or children. Modern mobile betting further complicates matters because it allows nonstop wagering on every moment of a sporting event, creating a continuous loop of engagement designed to keep users betting rather than treating gambling as an occasional activity.

Heighted Risks Related to Substance Abuse

Substance use is another factor that heightens risks related to online wagering. Some individuals use alcohol, marijuana, or other substances while watching sports, impairing their judgment and encouraging larger or more frequent bets. When combined with financial losses, this can lead to volatile situations. A parent under the influence who places reckless bets and becomes angry after losing may jeopardize their relationship with their partner and children and risk criminal consequences.

For some individuals, addiction escalates to criminal behavior when legitimate funds run dry. Theft, embezzlement. insurance fraud, and tax fraud have all been linked to problem gaming. As a result, sports betting in New York is increasingly becoming a common factor in family disputes, criminal charges, and cases involving child or spousal abuse.

The dangers extend to younger generations as well. Many young people now view sports betting as a way to interact with their favorite teams, but moderation is uncommon. A 2021 study by the National Council on Problem Gambling found that over half of respondents aged 35 or younger reported at least one indicator of risky gambling behavior. One in five respondents admitted to placing a sports bet illegally, whether by betting underage or in a location where it was not permitted.

These findings suggest that legal restrictions do little to curb youth participation, leaving many minors vulnerable to developing unhealthy habits that could affect their future stability. If a child engages in criminal behavior linked to gambling, or if a parent gambles irresponsibly, the consequences may extend to custody disputes and the parent’s ability to maintain a relationship with the child.

Gambling and Co-Parenting Challenges

The rise of online sports betting has created new challenges for co-parents in New York. Although wagering is legal, it can have serious financial and emotional consequences, particularly in custody and visitation matters. Under New York’s Family Court Act, the best interests of the child remain the guiding standard. Courts consider whether each parent can meet the child’s emotional and material needs, provide stability, and behave in ways that do not endanger or negatively influence the child. While gambling itself is legal, excessive or irresponsible betting that compromises a parent’s ability to provide care, supervision, or financial support may negatively affect custody evaluations.

Parents who engage in gambling or sports betting can take steps to protect their credibility and demonstrate responsible parenting. Maintaining financial stability is crucial, including avoiding the use of funds needed for child support or household expenses and keeping accurate financial records. Parents should avoid gambling during times when their child requires attention, communicate openly with the co-parent about any gambling-related issues that affect finances or scheduling, and seek help for compulsive gambling when necessary. Documenting consistent involvement, responsible behavior, and positive parenting can also help demonstrate commitment to the child’s well-being.

New York courts evaluate sports betting in context, focusing on the severity and frequency of gambling, its financial impact on the child’s standard of living, and any emotional or psychological consequences for the child. Judges look closely at whether the parent can maintain supervision, stability, and regular engagement despite their gambling habits. Addressing a gambling problem takes courage, particularly when individuals feel tempted to hide their losses.

Get Help

Healthier family relationships begin with the decision to seek help. With sports gambling becoming more prevalent, there are growing resources for managing addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with maceration or concerned about a partner’s betting habits, discussing the issue with them or with legal counsel may be essential to protect your family’s future.

The New York Office of Addiction Services and Supports offers a 24/7 helpline (call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text 467369) for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, but anyone considering mobile sports wagering should be aware of its common dangers and the ways it can negatively affect family relationships.

Working with an experienced family law attorney can help guide you through gambling issues that affect your family. If you need a family law attorney, contact us and speak with an attorney today by calling 8885294543 to explore your options and protect your future.

 For years, Michael J. Belsky, Esq., has been relentlessly fighting for the rights of children, spouses, parents, and grandparents in virtually every aspect of family and matrimonial law. As a Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Michael provides representation in matters relating to divorce, parental alienation, separation agreements, annulments, child custody, child support, modifications to child support and child custody, enforcement of divorce decrees, spousal maintenance, pre-and post-nuptial agreements, orders of protection and family offenses. He can be reached at info@tullylegal.com or at (888) 5294543.

Jillian R. Falt, Esq., an Associate in the firm’s White Plains office, handles a diverse array of family and matrimonial law matters. Her family law practice includes pre- and post-nuptial agreements, separation agreements, equitable distribution, spousal support, child support, post-judgment modifications and enforcement, family offense matters, and child custody and access. She represents clients in all aspects of settlement, litigation and the negotiation and drafting of agreements.