The Sure Bet: How Legal, Regulated Sports Betting Protects Consumers

In just five years, Modern York has turn into a national leader in regulated, legal sports betting. The state’s strong consumer protections demonstrate how a legal and regulated market can safeguard consumers, ensure transparency and integrity, and promote responsible gambling while generating over $1 billion annually in tax revenue for public education. This stands in stark contrast to illegal offshore betting websites, which historically dominated the New York market and contribute no tax revenue while failing to uphold consumer protection or integrity standards.

The Risks of Unregulated Offshore Betting

Law enforcement and consumer protection advocates have recently issued warnings about the dangers of unregulated offshore betting sites. A recent investigation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) revealed a pattern of these platforms cheating customers and providing little to no recourse for resolution. According to the BBB report, “With billions of dollars flowing through this global industry, a risky underbelly of pseudo-gambling, illegal gambling and scams has developed.” The report further notes the sophistication of these deceptive practices makes it difficult for consumers to distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent operators. Read the full BBB report here.

The Benefits of Legal, Regulated Sports Betting

Legal, regulated sports betting offers several key advantages over its offshore counterparts:

• Consumer Protections: Legal operators are subject to strict regulations designed to protect consumers from fraud and unfair practices.
• Integrity Monitoring: Regulated markets implement measures to monitor betting activity and detect potential instances of match-fixing or other forms of manipulation.
• Responsible Gambling Tools: Legal sportsbooks offer resources and tools to promote responsible gambling, such as deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, and access to problem gambling support.
• Tax Revenue: Legal sports betting generates significant tax revenue that can be used to fund essential public services, such as education.

The Sports Betting Alliance and Industry Leadership

On December 12, 2025, the Sports Betting Alliance (SBA) announced Joe Maloney as its new President and CEO, bringing over two decades of experience in sports, gaming, and technology. Current SBA President Jeremy Kudon will assume the role of Chairman, overseeing legislative efforts. Maloney previously served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at the American Gaming Association (AGA). Learn more about the leadership change at GamblingNews.com.

Maloney’s appointment comes at a “crucial time” for the industry, as the SBA continues to advocate for policies that protect consumers and promote responsible gaming. He recently discussed these issues on the Closing Line Podcast, emphasizing the importance of addressing narratives around online gambling and working with stakeholders to maximize market health. Listen to the podcast episode here.

Ongoing Efforts to Combat Illegal Offshore Operators

Despite the success of legal sports betting in states like New York, illegal offshore operators remain a threat. Continued efforts are needed to eliminate these actors and ensure that consumers are protected from their harmful practices.