Addabbo Introduces Bill to Mandate Insurance Coverage for Problem Gambling Treatment in New York State

Queens, NY (June 6, 2025): Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has introduced Senate Bill S.8352, groundbreaking legislation aimed at ensuring that New Yorkers struggling with problem gambling have access to the same outpatient treatment coverage as those facing substance use disorders.

Addabbo’s bill seeks to amend existing state insurance law to require that all insurance policies offering medical coverage include outpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of problem gambling. The bill would end the current insurance gap, which only covers gambling treatment if it is associated with a co-occurring substance use disorder.

“As New York’s gaming landscape continues to grow, our commitment to protecting those at risk of addiction has to expand also,” said Senator Addabbo. “Problem gambling is a public health issue, and this legislation is about fairness, compassion, and proactive care. It’s time we treat problem gambling with the same seriousness and coverage parity as other behavioral health conditions,” Addabbo added.

Currently, problem gambling services offered through the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) are not reimbursed by most insurance providers unless a substance use disorder is also diagnosed. OASAS oversees more than 1,500 programs across the state and serves over 730,000 individuals annually, yet thousands may still be falling through the cracks due to insurance limitations.

“With S.8352, we are taking a critical step toward closing those gaps and ensuring access to life-saving care,” Addabbo added.

A companion bill, A.8518, was introduced by Assemblymember Phil Steck and is currently under review by the Assembly Insurance Committee. Senator Addabbo’s bill has been referred to the Senate Rules Committee for further consideration.

Senator Addabbo, Chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, has long been an advocate for responsible gaming and expanded access to treatment services.

“We cannot grow the state’s gaming industry without also expanding our safety net,” said Addabbo. “This bill strikes that balance, and I urge my colleagues to support its swift passage.”