Addabbo’s S8352 Bill Pushes Insurance Coverage for Problem Gambling in New York

A Timely Legislative Push

Senator Joseph Addabbo, chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, filed Senate Bill S8352 to tackle problem gambling in New York.

The bill amends state insurance law, requiring policies with comprehensive medical coverage to include outpatient services for diagnosing and treating gambling addiction.

With New York’s mobile sports betting market and looming iGaming expansion, Addabbo anticipates a surge in addiction cases. “We cannot move forward with gaming without addressing the addiction side,” he said in 2022, a stance echoed in this bill.

Ensuring Equal Access

S8352 mandates that insurance plans cover problem gambling treatment without stricter financial or treatment limits than those applied to most medical and surgical benefits.

This parity ensures patients face no higher copays or session caps for gambling addiction than for, say, heart surgery. The bill aligns with Addabbo’s prior efforts, like 2024’s S8439, which funneled 1% of mobile sports betting taxes, $6 million in 2024, to addiction services.

New York’s gaming boom, with $898 million in 2024 betting revenue for education, has a dark side. A 2020 OASAS survey found 668,000 adults and 140,000 teens showed problem gambling signs.

Addabbo’s bill targets gaps in current law, where insurance only covers gambling treatment if tied to substance abuse. Assemblymember Phil Steck’s companion bill, A8518, filed in May 2025, mirrors S8352 and awaits Assembly review. Both bills aim to ease access to the 1,500 addiction programs run by OASAS, which saw 10% more helpline calls in 2024.