New York betting ban for athlete harassers passes third reading
AB 7903 will now head to the Senate for its final approval.
US.- A New York bill which seeks to impose a ban on betting for people who harass amateur or professional athletes, coaches, or officials in has been passed by the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee after a third reading. Bill A07903, sponsored by assemblyman Charles Lavine, now heads the Senate.
The proposed law would make the New York State Gaming Commission responsible for notifying people if they are banned. The prohibited conduct includes verbal, written, or electronic threats, lewd or obscene statements, vandalism and non-consensual physical contact. Those banned would be able to submit a written appeal or request rescission.
The push for the ban follows reports from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that one in three high-profile athletes receives abusive messages from people with a betting interest. These range from death threats to instances of racism, homophobia and sexual abuse.
During March Madness alone, the NCAA and its partners identified over 4,000 abusive comments or posts aimed at participants, including 540 messages directed at men’s and women’s basketball players that specifically referenced gambling. NCAA president Charlie Baker and the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee said there was an urgent need for a clear plan regarding sports betting in the US.
Joe Maloney, senior vice president of strategic communications at the American Gaming Association (AGA), also expressed concern about harassment in sports. He said: ‘Individuals who harass athletes, amateur or professional, over a sports bet should not be tolerated. We look forward to continuing our dialogue with the NCAA, professional leagues, and other stakeholders on the universal, shared goal of reducing athlete harassment.”
