As operators celebrate the launch of mobile sports betting in the Empire State, Brandy Richards, Team Leader of New York’s Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center, took the opportunity to inform the public about problem gambling.

New York is the largest state by population to legalise sports betting to date, and many have heralded it as a landmark moment for the gaming industry.

However, Richards expressed concern that the increased accessibility that comes with mobile sports betting may lead to heightened rates of problem gambling.

“I think, with anything, when you increase accessibility, the likelihood of problems is also going to increase,” said Richards speaking to CBS 6 Albany. “We have concerns about people who may already be struggling with gambling problems or are in recovery.”

The Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center is one of several organisations in the state that provides help to people struggling with gambling.

Richards advised people to establish limits, saying: “One of the things that’s key is just setting your limits on time and the amount of money that you wager. Because when people aren’t able to do that, that’s when it can turn into a problem for folks.”

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) granted approval for Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel and Rush Street Interactive — operating under its BetRivers brand — to accept and process mobile wagers from 8 January.

A further five operators are also conditionally licensed and continue to work towards satisfying statutory and regulatory requirements necessary to launch.