Image Source: David Purdum
Key Takeaways
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing stronger measures to protect New Yorkers, particularly youth, from "predatory and addictive technologies" in the state’s online sports betting market.
- The proposed measures include the use of biometric tools, such as facial recognition and thumbprint scanners, to prevent underage individuals from creating sportsbook accounts or using the accounts of others.
- Hochul also wants to restrict sports betting platforms’ use of AI to send personalized promotions to gamblers and wager offers that "keep individuals gambling beyond their intended limit."
- The governor plans to increase services for people who develop gambling disorders by advancing legislation to ensure treatment is covered by insurance and establishing a Gambling Health Institute.
- A 10-year statewide study will be conducted to assess gambling health trends and evaluate prevention outcomes.
Introduction to the Proposal
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is set to announce a series of proposals aimed at protecting New Yorkers, particularly youth, from the potential risks associated with online sports betting. As part of her upcoming State of the State agenda, Hochul will direct the New York State Gaming Commission to explore methods to prevent underage individuals from accessing sports betting accounts. This move comes as the state has seen an uptick in underage people gaining access to sports betting accounts, often through parents, relatives, or friends. According to a gambling commission source, anyone caught giving betting access to an underage person can be banned from the sportsbook platform.
The Use of Biometric Tools
Hochul’s proposal includes the use of biometric tools, such as facial recognition and thumbprint scanners, to prevent anyone under 21 from creating sportsbook accounts or using the accounts of others. This measure is aimed at preventing underage individuals from accessing online sports betting platforms and reducing the risk of problem gambling. As Hochul stated, "From day one, one of my highest priorities has been keeping kids and our most vulnerable safe in a rapidly changing digital world, and that includes risks posed by online gambling." The use of biometric tools is seen as a key step in achieving this goal and protecting New Yorkers from the potential risks associated with online sports betting.
Restricting the Use of AI
In addition to the use of biometric tools, Hochul also wants to restrict sports betting platforms’ use of AI to send personalized promotions to gamblers and wager offers that "keep individuals gambling beyond their intended limit." This measure is aimed at preventing sports betting operators from using AI to exploit vulnerable individuals and encouraging responsible gambling practices. By restricting the use of AI in this way, Hochul hopes to reduce the risk of problem gambling and protect New Yorkers from the potential risks associated with online sports betting. As the governor noted, "By engaging tools like biometric age verification, establishing stronger prevention and treatment and applying the same vigilance to online betting that we have brought to social media and AI we will build on our progress to protect New Yorkers from predatory and addictive technologies."
Increasing Services for Problem Gamblers
Hochul also plans to increase services for people who develop gambling disorders by advancing legislation to ensure treatment is covered by insurance and establishing a Gambling Health Institute. This move is aimed at providing support and resources to individuals who may be struggling with problem gambling and helping them to overcome their addiction. Additionally, a 10-year statewide study will be conducted to assess gambling health trends and evaluate prevention outcomes. This study will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the proposed measures and help to inform future policy decisions.
Industry Reaction
The Sports Betting Alliance (SBA), a trade group representing some of the major sports betting operators in the U.S., has expressed its support for Hochul’s proposal. According to Joe Maloney, president of the SBA, "We also expect to further partner with Governor Hochul and additional leaders to expose and eliminate offshore and illegal actors that pay no heed to age requirements and actively target vulnerable populations throughout the state and nationally." The SBA is eager to work with New York regulators and lawmakers on "advanced age and identity technologies" and is committed to promoting responsible gambling practices.
The State of Online Sports Betting in New York
New York launched legal online sports betting in January 2022 and quickly became the top market by amount wagered in the U.S. Approximately $26.3 billion was wagered with New York sportsbooks in 2025, according to the state gaming commission. The state’s online sports betting market has experienced rapid growth, and Hochul’s proposal is aimed at ensuring that this growth is sustainable and responsible. By implementing measures to prevent underage gambling and promoting responsible gambling practices, Hochul hopes to protect New Yorkers and ensure that the state’s online sports betting market remains a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/47591465/ny-governor-eyeing-tech-tools-stop-underage-sports-betting
