| Photo by Nik Corba via Governor Hochul’s office
ALBANY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul on Monday announced a sweeping package of measures aimed at protecting young people from sports wagering and strengthening statewide safeguards against gambling-related harms. The initiative comes amid rising concerns about the rapid expansion of online betting and its impact on minors and vulnerable New Yorkers.
The new actions—developed in partnership with the New York State Gaming Commission and the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS)—include stricter advertising rules, enhanced age-verification requirements, and expanded public‑health messaging.
Stricter Advertising Rules and Youth Protection
Hochul said the state will move to ban sports wagering advertisements on college campuses, prohibit marketing that targets minors, and require clearer disclosures on all digital and broadcast ads.
“We have a responsibility to protect our kids from being inundated with gambling promotions,” Hochul said in a statement released by her office. “New York will not allow advertising that preys on young people or encourages addictive behavior.” (Source: Office of Governor Kathy Hochul, Feb. 2026)
The Gaming Commission will also require operators to strengthen age‑verification systems and adopt new protocols to prevent minors from accessing betting platforms. This includes multi‑layer identity checks and enhanced monitoring of suspicious account activity.
Public Health Campaign and Expanded Treatment Services
Alongside advertising reforms, the state will launch a new public‑health campaign focused on the risks of youth gambling and the early signs of addiction. The campaign will run across social media, streaming platforms, and transit systems beginning this summer.
OASAS Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said the initiative is designed to reach families before problems escalate. “Gambling addiction is a serious public‑health issue, and early intervention is key,” Cunningham said. “These new tools will help parents, educators, and young people recognize the warning signs and seek help when needed.”
The state will also expand funding for treatment providers and increase training for school counselors, pediatricians, and youth‑serving organizations.
Crackdown on Illegal Gambling and Unregulated Markets
Hochul’s plan includes a coordinated crackdown on illegal offshore betting sites, which often lack age protections and consumer safeguards. The Gaming Commission will work with state law enforcement and federal partners to identify and block unlicensed operators.
“Unregulated gambling platforms pose a direct threat to consumers,” said Gaming Commission Chair Brian O’Dwyer. “They target minors, avoid taxes, and offer no protections for problem gamblers. New York is taking decisive action to shut them down.” (Source: NYS Gaming Commission statement, Feb. 2026)
The state will also explore new penalties for individuals or companies that knowingly promote illegal betting services.
Part of a Broader Strategy to Reduce Gambling Harms
The announcement builds on New York’s existing responsible‑gaming framework, including the state’s voluntary self‑exclusion program, which allows individuals to block themselves from casinos and online betting platforms. Hochul said the state will modernize the system to make enrollment easier and more accessible.
“Protecting New Yorkers from gambling harms is not a one‑time effort—it requires constant vigilance,” Hochul said. “We are committed to creating a safer, healthier environment for everyone in our state.”
The administration will submit regulatory changes to the Gaming Commission in the coming weeks, with several measures expected to take effect before the start of the 2026–2027 sports season.
