In her recent State of the State address, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul expressed a desire to implement new measures to protect minors from gambling.
“Let’s do more to cutoff access to online sports gaming, so our kids aren’t ensnared by addiction at a young age,” said Hochul during her Tuesday speech.
In the written 2026 State of the State book, a comprehensive written plan outlining Hochul’s policy, it said she wanted state gaming regulators to find new ways to verify the person logging into the app was of legal age to gamble. That includes using biometric data for login.
“Governor Hochul will direct the Gaming Commission to explore effective ways to ensure young people are not illegally downloading betting apps, creating accounts, or using the accounts of others, including the use of biometric approaches,” the book read.
According to an ESPN report, the New York Gaming Commission recently reported a rise in minors opening sports betting accounts. Regulators said that parents, and friends over 21 often aid in those efforts.
Governor Proposes Creation Of Gambling Health Institute
Hochul also hopes to ban personalized messages to bettors using AI. In the State of the State book, it said she believes these types of promotions are meant to “keep individuals gambling beyond their intended limit.”
Additionally, the governor wants to see legislation for gambling addiction treatment, to create a Gambling Health Institute, and create a 10-year study on gambling effects on the public and the prevention of problem gambling.
The New York State Gaming Commission released a statement after the address indicating they were on board with Hochul’s proposals.
“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,” said Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “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.”
Efforts Draw Praise From Industry
The Sports Betting Alliance trade group said it welcomes efforts to embrace technology to keep minors away from gambling.
“We also expect to further partner with Gov. 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,” SBA President Joe Maloney told ESPN.
Hochul’s efforts come as the Empire State saw record-setting sports betting numbers last year. Online bettors wagered more than $26.2 billion in 2025, and the state collected almost $1.3 billion in taxes.
New York also recently enacted a sweepstakes casino ban spearheaded by Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.
Addabbo, an ardent supporter of gambling expansion, plans to once again introduce a bill legalizing online casinos this year. He believes the timing may now be right to get a measure passed.
