New York Assembly Bill A07903

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/11/25
• Refer: 4/11/25
• Refer: 1/7/26
• Report Pass: 1/20/26

Caption

Designates an individual found to have harassed or shown a harmful pattern of conduct directed at amateur or professional athletes, coaches, officials, or participants of a sports event, including but not limited to certain instances of verbal, written or electronic threats, lewd or obscene statements or images, vandalism or nonconsensual physical contact, as a prohibited sports bettor; requires the commission to notify the individual and allows for the individual to contest such designation.

Summary

A07903 would amend New York’s racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law to expand the list of “prohibited sports bettors.” In addition to existing categories such as minors and people wagering as agents or proxies for prohibited bettors, the bill adds a new category for individuals found to have harassed or engaged in a harmful pattern of conduct directed at amateur or professional athletes, coaches, officials, or other sports-event participants. The bill defines the covered conduct broadly to include verbal, written, or electronic threats; lewd or obscene statements or images; vandalism; and nonconsensual physical contact. The conduct must be of a kind that the person knew or should have known would cause substantial emotional distress, fear for safety, or fear of property destruction. The measure takes effect immediately and, according to the caption, also requires the commission to notify the individual of the designation and allows the person to contest it.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would change section 1367 of the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law by adding harassment-based disqualification as a ground for being barred from sports betting in New York. It would give the state gaming/racing commission authority to identify and exclude certain individuals from wagering based on conduct toward sports participants, affecting access to legal sports wagering platforms and the regulatory obligations of operators and the commission.

Sentiment

The available voting history shows clear support in committee: the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee reported the bill favorably by a 10-0 vote. No committee transcript is provided, but the unanimous vote suggests generally positive sentiment toward the bill’s goal of protecting athletes, officials, and other participants from harassment connected to sports betting.

Contention

The main policy issue is the breadth of the new prohibited-bettor category. Supporters appear to favor using wagering restrictions as a deterrent and protective measure for athletes and event personnel, while potential concerns would center on due process, how “harmful pattern of conduct” is determined, and whether the standard is sufficiently clear and objective. The caption’s reference to notice and an opportunity to contest the designation indicates an awareness of those concerns and a built-in procedural safeguard.