Res 0927-2025

Whereas, New York State launched legalized mobile sports wagering in January 2022; and Whereas, New York State now leads the country in revenue derived from sports betting, earning the public $184.5 million in February 2025 alone according to gaming industry groups; and Whereas, State budget authorities project revenue to surpass $1 billion in 2025 and grow further in 2026; and Whereas, Revenue from sports wagering far exceeds the $15 million in funding for youth sports dispensed in 2024 by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services; and Whereas, Public health research indicates that following the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City youth sports participation in school gym classes, official teams, and pick-up games has significantly declined; and Whereas, The National Survey of Children's Health shows that children from poor families are approximately half as likely to play youth sports than children from wealthy families, demonstrating the need for public support to ensure equitable opportunities; and Whereas, Surveys show half of Americans have struggled to afford the costs associated with sports participation; and Whereas, The growth of sports wagering has created a large pool of potential funding that could augment currently low levels of state support for youth sports; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation setting aside a portion of state revenues from sports betting to support youth sports programs, upgrade community sports infrastructure and expand access to recreational athletics for young people across the state. AY LS #19571 5/15/2025