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New York state leadership is weighing new protections aimed at preventing underage access to online gambling platforms. The discussion centers on age verification, technology controls, and expanded support for people facing gambling harm.
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Governor Kathy Hochul said New York should strengthen safeguards to stop underage residents from placing illegal online bets. The proposal includes exploring biometric age verification and tighter oversight of artificial intelligence used by betting platforms.
According to reporting by ESPN journalist David Purdum, Hochul views online gambling technology as an area that needs protections similar to those already applied to social media and AI systems.
“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 comments arrive as New York continues to post record sports betting figures. Bettors wagered $26.3 billion statewide in 2025, while sportsbooks generated more than $2.5 billion in gross revenue, both ranking highest in the country.
Regulators have flagged underage access and account sharing as ongoing risks in online wagering. Biometric checks could help limit those gaps by tying accounts more directly to verified users.
Support for the approach also came from New York State Gaming Commission chairman Brian O’Dwyer.
“The Gaming Commission fully supports and applauds Governor Hochul 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 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 announced plans to expand prevention and treatment services for gambling disorders. The proposal was included in legislation introduced during her address to state lawmakers.