Proposed Rules Target Online Gambling Risks For Young New Yorkers

On March 30, 2026, in a response to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul’s State of the State Address, the Gaming Commission released detailed draft measures for public comment.

The preview from Governor Hochul outlined measures that would prevent youth from gambling online, bar sports wagering operators from using AI to target bettors, establish activity triggers that would require operators to check on their patrons, and establish other innovative efforts to protect New Yorkers who are legally able to gamble from potential harm.

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During the Governor's State of the State address for 2026, Hochul outlined action to ensure young people in New York are not downloading betting apps, creating accounts, or using others’ accounts, through appropriate actions by the New York State Gaming Commission, including considering ways to use new technology to assist with identifying and helping those who may need gambling addiction assistance.

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. - New York State Governor Kathy Hochul

According to the report, since the legal age to wager on sports in New York State is 21, licensed operators must have appropriate age assurance tools to prevent those under 21 from creating and establishing an account using their identification.

Unfortunately, underage persons in New York State have found a way to gamble, including placing wagers using lawfully established accounts.

Two draft regulations have been published by the New York State Gaming Commission. To view the regulations, click here.

For more information on further preventing underage access, visit Governor Hochul's website.

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