New York Launches Decade-Long Survey on Gambling Addiction

On April 29, 2026, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a comprehensive, 10-year statewide survey initiative aimed at evaluating gambling addiction and related behaviors in New York. The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), is designed to capture critical data regarding gambling behaviors across the state. This long-term data collection effort aims to enhance public health responses by informing future service planning, regulatory frameworks, and public awareness campaigns that address the harms associated with gambling. The findings will be pivotal in guiding policymakers and funding sources, ensuring that resources are effectively allocated where they can make the most impact.

The survey will reach out to residents statewide to solicit their participation in surveys and interviews. This outreach is crucial as it will enable OASAS to gather a diverse range of responses, thus ensuring a well-rounded understanding of gambling habits among New Yorkers. Such data is expected to illuminate where additional services and support may be necessary for those grappling with problem gambling, which has increasingly become a public health concern. As the landscape of gambling opportunities expands, particularly with the proliferation of online and commercial gaming, it is imperative that the state takes a proactive approach to protect its residents.

Critical to the success of this initiative is the commitment to use empirical data to guide investments and service improvements. "We hope to gain valuable insights into New Yorkers’ gambling behaviors as part of this initiative," said Governor Hochul. She emphasized that the effort aims to leverage real data to inform legislative and funding decisions, ultimately protecting residents and enhancing access to care.

Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, the Commissioner of OASAS, reinforced this message, emphasizing the need for proactive action as gambling opportunities continue to expand across the state. She indicated that the survey's findings will help shape future plans to combat gambling-related harms and to improve accessibility to necessary services. The project aims to engage individuals aged 18 and older, seeking to understand the trends and extent of gambling-related issues within this demographic.

With its focused approach, the initiative stands to significantly affect procurement practices related to addiction treatment and public health services. Providers in research, data analytics, and behavioral health sectors should prepare for forthcoming solicitations related to conducting the survey, managing data, and evaluating program outcomes. Vendors that specialize in addiction treatment and prevention services will likely find abundant opportunities as the survey’s insights direct funding priorities and regulatory adjustments. Successful navigation of this evolving landscape will require firms to align their operations and services with the findings from this initiative, ensuring they meet the state's anticipated service needs in the future.

The project highlights New York’s proactive stance in addressing potential gambling addiction issues,” states Governor Hochul. By committing to extensive data collection over the next decade, New York State will enhance its capabilities to formulate effective strategies that not only protect vulnerable residents but also improve the efficacy of addiction services across the board. Through this effort, New York underscores its commitment to tackling public health challenges using informed, data-driven methodologies, thus setting a precedent for similar initiatives nationally.