A new bill introduced in the New York Senate, sponsored by Senator Joseph Addabbo, aims to mandate that health insurers cover the costs associated with the diagnosis and treatment of problem gambling in the state. This legislative push seeks to elevate problem gambling treatment to the same level of coverage as other addiction-related issues, such as drug and alcohol dependencies.

Senate Bill S8352 is a companion bill to Assembly Bill A8518, which was introduced by Assemblymember Phil Steck in the Assembly last month (May 2025) and is currently under review by the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Insurance.

Currently, most medical insurance policies in New York do not provide coverage for problem gambling treatment unless a patient simultaneously receives a diagnosis for a substance use disorder. The proposed legislation seeks to change this, ensuring that problem gambling treatment is recognised and covered on par with other addiction-related services.

If enacted, this would mean that patients could receive coverage for seeking help from outpatient services operated by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). OASAS maintains an extensive network of over 1,500 addiction prevention and treatment programmes across a dozen locations statewide, which are currently utilised by an estimated 730,000 individuals annually.

The bill’s proponents highlight an expected increase in individuals seeking help for gambling harm as gambling opportunities continue to expand within New York. The state is notably anticipated to grant up to three licences for new downstate land-based casinos by the end of this year. New York already operates the largest sports betting market in the US, with wagers reaching $22.6 billion in 2024. Data also indicates a 37% increase in internet searches related to gambling addiction since the launch of the regulated market in January 2022.

The bill explicitly states, as reported by iGaming Times: “As we continue to expand gambling opportunities, we should expect an increase in New Yorkers seeking help for problem gambling. Current law does not require insurers to cover problem gambling treatment provided by OASAS-certified programs unless the person also has an associated substance use disorder. Without this change, many in need of help will be unable to find it.”

This legislative effort underscores a growing recognition of problem gambling as a standalone health issue requiring dedicated and accessible treatment, particularly as the state’s regulated gambling market continues to expand.