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A new Siena Research Institute (SRI) survey shows that New Yorkers remain divided over online sports betting, even as participation continues to grow among sports fans.
With football and baseball seasons overlapping, the survey findings show that sports betting has become part of mainstream entertainment—but New Yorkers are still negotiating where to draw the line.
Good to Know
- One in three New York sports fans say they place bets online.
- 49% of respondents identified as football fans, while 39% said they follow baseball.
- Nearly 40% of fans see betting as both entertainment and a tax revenue source.
The poll, conducted between September 15 and 22, gathered responses from 814 residents through phone, text, and online panels. Results reveal that 20% of all New Yorkers and 31% of football fans place wagers on football games via licensed sportsbooks. Baseball betting was also popular, with 14% of residents and 30% of baseball fans saying they bet on games during the MLB playoffs.
Balancing Entertainment and Concerns
“October finds football season in full swing and baseball now draws more fan interest as we near the World Series,” said Don Levy, director of SRI. He added that nearly half of all New Yorkers and 93% of baseball fans planned to watch the playoffs, while just over 40% of residents regularly watch football games.
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When asked about sports betting’s broader impact, 39% of respondents said it adds entertainment value and boosts tax revenue. Meanwhile, 37% expressed concerns over gambling addiction, financial stress, and game integrity risks.
Despite the growing enthusiasm for online betting, most respondents opposed allowing commentators to discuss betting odds or wagers during live broadcasts. “Fans are more inclined to see the benefits rather than risks of online sports betting,” Levy said, “but both fans and non-fans agree that sports commentators should not be allowed to talk about sports gambling and potential bets during the games.”
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