New York’s Governor Kathy Hochul has previewed new measures intended to prevent minors from gambling online.
The legal age to gamble in New York is 21, and all licensed operators are required to have robust age-verification software, but some minors are still gaining access to these platforms.
Hochul has pushed the New York State Gaming Commission to introduce new technology to prevent children from finding workarounds.
In response, the Commission has published two draft regulations: One to target children and one to tighten responsible gambling practices.
The Commission is also considering banning sportsbook and iGaming operators from using AI chatbots to offer personalized promotions or suggested wagers to customers.
Hochul said: “Mobile sports wagering is everywhere, enticing everyone — including our youth — to place bets without fully considering the consequences.
“We need strong regulatory safeguards to prevent those under 21 from gambling, keep artificial intelligence from preying on gamblers, and require sports wagering operators take real action if one of their customers is showing signs of gambling harm.
“I’m thankful to the Gaming Commission for putting forth comprehensive measures that achieve these goals and protect New Yorkers. As a reminder: Only legal, regulated gaming have such safeguards in place.”
To prevent underage access to platforms, the draft suggests using biometric data as part of know-your-customer (KYC) protocols, or geolocation controls, among other measures.
The Commission may introduce stricter consequences to those who gamble while underage, too, such as preventing them from attending concerts or eating at restaurants in any commercial casino property anywhere in the New York State.
Brian O’Dwyer, Gaming Commission Chair, said: “As Governor Hochul rightly highlighted: No other form of gambling has pervaded our consciousness like sports wagering, and impressionable kids are constantly exposed to the practice.
“Per her direction, we have identified additional ways to protect our youth, help those who need it at the point of crisis, and keep legalized, regulated gaming safe for all New Yorkers. We look forward to hearing from the public on these important proposals.”
Some of the enhanced responsible gambling measures also include interventions when patrons deposit over $10,000 in 24 hours, when players deposit from more than two sources within 24 hours or when more than two gambling sessions in the same week end in a balance of less than $1.
Hochul was also instrumental in leading a statewide, month-long campaign throughout March as part of Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
The Commission is accepting comments on the draft language until May 15, 2026
