NYSGC Presses Leagues to Seek Betting Limits, Says None Have Filed Requests

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) says major sports leagues have yet to formally request betting limits — despite publicly urging regulators to curb certain wager types. It now presses them to use the state’s formal process to address integrity concerns.

A Feb. 4 statement said that although New York regulations allow leagues to seek restrictions, limits, or outright bans on specific wagers, no league has submitted a formal request, even as commissioners have recently called for changes in public.

Most recently, following a major point-shaving scandal last month, NCAA President Charlie Baker called on state regulators to ban individual player prop bets for college sports, as well as risky markets like first-half unders.

The NYSGC “strongly” encourages leagues to file formal submissions if they believe certain markets threaten integrity and said it can expedite the standard 60-day review process.

Prop Bets Under Review

The Commission said existing integrity monitoring systems have already helped expose recent scandals and hold individuals accountable.

At the same time, it cautioned that monitoring alone cannot prevent compromised athletes or others from attempting to manipulate outcomes. The statement noted the vital role leagues play in overseeing day-to-day activities in sports.

Because NYSGC controls the wagering menu in New York, not operators, it already prohibits certain player props. It said it will remain “very conservative” when approving new bet types.

The regulator is also reviewing all game-specific individual player prop bets following recent scandals, as well as same-game parlays, including multi-individual player prop selections. It will ban markets if necessary.

During a Feb. 3 NYSGC meeting, members underscored that responsibility ultimately lies with the leagues themselves. They stated that “the integrity of the game belongs 100% to the league themselves,” and urged leagues to directly identify any problematic wagers.

The Commission said it remains available to work with leagues on targeted restrictions.

Lawmakers Propose Betting Restrictions

The Commission’s push for league input comes as lawmakers advance their own proposals to tighten betting rules.

New York lawmakers have already introduced several gambling-related bills since the 2026 legislative session began on Jan. 7.

The most extreme is Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal‘s proposal to ban in-play betting entirely. Roughly half of all U.S. sports betting handle comes from live wagers. Supporters argue the fast-paced format may increase gambling harm.

Another bill would restrict sportsbook ads during live sports broadcasts. Another proposal would ban bettors who harass athletes, officials, or team personnel from all state sportsbooks.

On the other end of the scale, one bill would prevent sportsbooks from limiting or banning successful bettors. Another bill proposes legalizing online casinos.

Some lawmakers believe certain restrictions would lead to an increase in illegal gambling. Speaking to Gambling Insider, State Senator Joseph Addabbo said banning prop bets would drive New Yorkers to other states or illicit platforms.

Commission Targets Prediction Markets

Beyond traditional sportsbooks, the Commission is also asserting authority over what it views as unauthorized wagering platforms.

The NYSGC is pursuing enforcement action against prediction market operators it considers illegal sports betting platforms. NYSGC Chair Brian O’Dwyer said in a November meeting that these platforms directly threaten the licensed sportsbook industry and undermine the regulator.

The NYSGC sent a cease-and-desist letter to Kalshi in October. The operator filed a federal lawsuit in response in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenging the regulator’s authority.

Kalshi claims it should be subject to federal, not state, oversight. A decision on a preliminary injunction is expected soon. A recent Massachusetts ruling blocking similar activity without licensure has strengthened the state’s position.

Furthermore, New York Attorney General Letitia James warned New Yorkers on Feb. 2 about the risks of prediction sites ahead of Super Bowl LX.

With player props under review, lawmakers weighing new restrictions, and prediction platforms facing enforcement, the Commission has signaled it is prepared to act with or without formal league requests — setting the stage for potential changes to New York’s betting menu in the months ahead.