Addabbo adamant that insurance should cover gambling treatment costs

New York is the biggest sports betting market in the U.S. by a considerable margin. More than $16 billion in wagers have been placed on sports in the Empire State since the start of 2025 alone, close to double the total of the next-closest state.

As the market continues to grow in New York, not to mention the continuing efforts to legalize online casino and the plans for more land-based casinos in New York City, a prominent state senator wants to ensure insurance providers step up to the plate.

Sen. Joseph Addabbo filed Senate Bill S8352 this June, a measure that would mandate by law that insurance policies that provide medical or comprehensive coverage also cover outpatient services related to diagnosing and treating problem gambling. Addabbo’s bill would put gambling addiction on the same insurance footing as substance use disorder treatment, such as detoxification and rehabilitation.

“As we expand gaming in New York, whether it be mobile sports betting expansion or even the bigge..