New York Governor Pushes Sweeping Safeguards on Sports Betting

Hochul's proposals aim to block underage gamblers and limit AI-powered personalization in the state's booming sports betting market.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:28pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a lone sports betting kiosk or mobile device, its screen casting a warm glow against the deep shadows of an urban setting, conceptually representing the need for balanced regulation in New York's booming sports betting industry.As New York's sports betting market continues to expand, state leaders seek to implement safeguards that protect vulnerable populations from the risks of problem gambling.NYC Today

New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) has announced a series of plans to protect gamblers, including safeguards for youth and halting predatory online sports betting practices. The New York State Gaming Commission released proposals in response to Hochul's directives, which include using age-assurance controls, biometric data, and geolocation to prevent underage gambling, as well as prohibiting betting companies from using AI to personalize promotions and wager suggestions for customers.

Why it matters

New York has the largest sports betting ecosystem in the U.S., with the state recently reporting over $550 million in weekly wagers. Hochul and state officials remain committed to preserving responsible gaming practices, even as the market continues to grow rapidly. These proposed safeguards aim to protect vulnerable populations, such as youth, and prevent predatory practices by betting operators.

The details

The Commission's proposals include using age-assurance controls, requiring biometric data, and leveraging geolocation to block underage gambling. They also outline plans to identify and support at-risk gamblers, including a method of identification, a cool-off period, and a due diligence review. Betting companies would be prohibited from using AI to tailor promotions and wager suggestions for customers.

  • On March 30, 2026, the New York State Gaming Commission announced the proposals in response to Governor Hochul's directives.
  • In early January 2026, Hochul called for the Commission to take action in her State of the State address.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic Governor of New York who has pushed for stronger safeguards in the state's booming sports betting market.

New York State Gaming Commission

The state regulatory body that released proposals to address Hochul's concerns about underage gambling and predatory practices by betting operators.

Brian O'Dwyer

The chair of the New York State Gaming Commission, who stated that the proposals aim to protect youth and keep legalized, regulated gaming safe for all New Yorkers.

Linda Rosenthal

A Democratic Assemblymember in New York who is working to get live betting banned across the state to help create separation between bettors and betting once games are live.

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What they’re saying

“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 to take real action if one of their customers is showing signs of gambling harm.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“As Governor Hochul rightly highlighted: No other form of gambling has pervaded our consciousness like sports wagering, and impressionable kids are constantly exposed to the practice. Per her direction, we have identified additional ways to protect our youth, help those who need it at the point of crisis, and keep legalized, regulated gaming safe for all New Yorkers. We look forward to hearing from the public on these important proposals.”

— Brian O'Dwyer, Chair, New York State Gaming Commission

What’s next

The New York State Gaming Commission's proposals are now available for public comment, and the Commission will review feedback before finalizing any new regulations.

The takeaway

Governor Hochul's push for stronger safeguards in New York's booming sports betting market highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the industry's growth with protecting vulnerable populations, especially youth, from the risks of problem gambling and predatory practices. The proposed measures aim to strike that balance through a range of technological and regulatory controls.