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The New York State Gaming Commission has started its “Avoid Risky Bets” campaign to warn residents about illegal online gambling sites and unregulated betting platforms.
Good to Know
New York wants residents to know the difference between regulated betting and websites that only look legitimate. The commission said many illegal gambling platforms operate without consumer safeguards, responsible gaming tools, anti-money laundering checks, or proper identity verification.
Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer said:
“Legitimate, lawful, regulated gaming – of which there are ample options – has fair wagers, player safeguards, responsible gaming measures, and societal benefits,” said Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “Whereas the unlawful gambling market rips off unsuspecting individuals – including youth – who think they are making legitimate wagers to the benefit of faceless, untraceable operations. While the two may sometimes look similar, it’s clear which one is a smart wager and which one is a risky bet.”
The warning covers several fast-growing areas of online gambling. New York regulators named offshore betting sites, sweepstakes-style casino platforms, prediction markets, and online casinos as unlawful options in the state.
Officials also warned that some illegal platforms offer markets tied to political violence, war, or insider-driven outcomes. Other risks include unfair wagering rules, unpaid balances, personal data theft, and possible links to organized crime.
Underage access formed another key concern. Legal sports betting in New York requires users to be at least 21. Some offshore and prediction-market platforms allow users at 18 and may not have strong age-verification systems, according to regulators.
Governor Kathy Hochul raised the same issue in January as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda.
“Let’s do more to cut off access to online sports gambling so our kids are not ensnared by addiction at a young age,” Hochul said in January.
The commission also pointed to lost public revenue. Regulated gaming supports schools, local governments, charities, and problem gambling services. Illegal operators do not pay into those systems.
New Yorkers can report suspected illegal gambling activity to the Gaming Commission, the New York State Attorney General office, or the New York State Police. The effort also connects with responsible gaming work from the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the New York Council on Problem Gambling, and the Responsible Play Partnership.