New Yorkers can't legally bet on St. John's games

March Madness has kicked off, and New York basketball fans are excited. The St. John's Red Storm earned a number two seed in the NCAA tournament and had a big win against the Omaha Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Columbia Lions also advanced in the women's tournament by defeating the Washington Huskies. However, New Yorkers hoping to profit from their home teams' successes will face some restrictions. State law prohibits betting on college teams from New York. This means fans cannot place wagers on St. John's in the men's tournament or Columbia in the women's, even if the games are played out of state. In 2013, New York legalized sports betting pending federal approval, and in 2018, a Supreme Court decision allowed states to regulate their own sports gambling. Online betting was legalized in New York in 2021, allowing residents to place bets through licensed apps. Still, there are strict prohibitions; people under 21, high-ranking casino employees, and college athletes can't bet on their own games. The Gaming Commission emphasizes that these rules help protect the integrity of the sport and amateur athletes from upset gamblers. Additionally, mobile sports betting has become a significant revenue source, generating billions in recent years and providing funding for public schools and other programs. Gambling addiction is a serious concern, and state officials are taking steps to promote responsible gambling. Governor Kathy Hochul has introduced requirements for gambling ads to include information about addiction risks and hotlines. The Gaming Commission is actively exploring solutions with internet providers and acknowledges that much work remains to address problem gambling. New Yorkers seeking help for gambling issues can visit NYProblemGamblingHelp.org or contact the state's confidential hotline at 1-877-846-7369.