Sports bettors all over the United States have grumbled over sportsbook limitations. Sharp bettors in particular, a group of maverick gamblers who tend to win more and against the odds, have been particularly ill-affected by sportsbooks’ ability to limit and restrict wager sizes and betting activity in those instances where they have been winning too much.
Sharp sports bettors may soon have their moment in New York
Yet, this may be coming to an end if a new bill introduced in New York is to make it to the governor’s desk. Assemblymember Alex Bores has introduced A9125, which seeks to do just that. Should it pass, sportsbooks in the Empire State would not be allowed to prohibit the size or frequency of deposits and wagers, specifically in cases where a customer has "obtained a financial benefit" because of their gambling activity.
In other words, sharp bettors may be in for a great time in the Empire State should the bill become a law. However, A9125 is unlikely to get a hearing this year, as that would require a special legislative session. New York is due to reconvene for the regular legislative session early next year, when the bill will have a shot at getting an official hearing and passing through all legislative bodies.
The bill has also shown foresight, understanding the market dynamics, and is offering exemptions from its main rule. Sportsbooks are still able to restrict the activity of their gamblers for several reasons.
Restrictions still apply as sportsbooks must limit harm and stop criminal activity
The bill does not block sportsbooks from restricting access to individuals who are showing symptoms of gambling-related harm or problem gambling, for example. Another exemption has to do with the business’s customary monitoring of suspicious activity.
Sportsbooks have a free hand at clamping down on accounts that they suspect are tied to illicit activities, but a written noticemust always be provided within a 24-hour window of acting against an account.
Any accounts that are clear of suspicion, however, must be allowed to operate normally and without restrictions concerning the amounts that gamblers are winning.
