New York State Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed a desire for stronger safeguards to prevent underage New Yorkers from illegally betting.
Key Takeaways
- New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering biometric age verification and AI-related restrictions in the hopes of fighting underage and problem gambling.
- Hochul’s statement comes as New York sports betting continues to generate record handle and revenue figures.
- The safeguards have been publicly endorsed by both state regulators and major sportsbook operators.
The tools Hochul could explore include biometric measures, as well as restrictions on AI, with the hopes of protecting the vulnerable from “predatory and addictive technologies,” according to ESPN’s David Purdum.
“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,” Hochul told ESPN via statement.
“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.”
The report comes as sports betting in New York continues to serve as a highly lucrative operation, with the state reporting $26.3 billion wagered in 2025, and a total gross revenue of more than $2.5 billion for sportsbooks, both representing national records.
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Support widespread for Hochul’s policy
Among those expressing support for Hochul’s position is, perhaps unsurprisingly, New York State Gaming Commission chairman Brian O’Dwyer, who expressed a similar stance on introducing measures to combat underage gambling.
“The Gaming Commission fully supports and applauds Governor Hochul’s commitment to protect New Yorkers, including safeguards to prevent underage individuals from gambling and employing innovative tech to identify and help those who may be experiencing gambling harms,” O’Dwyer’s statement reads.
“The Commission will consider actions to prevent underage access, including the possibility of biometric requirements for account access and real consequences for those who share their legal accounts with underage individuals. We will also continue to work with (the Office of Addictive Services and Supports) to implement the latest technology into the online sports wagering process to best position access to help for those who need it.”
Hochul also reportedly intends to increase services for those facing problem gambling disorders, with legislation announced Tuesday during her state legislature address.
Local operators have also expressed support for Hochul’s position.
“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,” said Joe Maloney, president of trade group The Sports Betting Alliance, which represents several major operators in the United States.
