Facial Recognition, Fingerprints Could Become Sign-In Requirements For New York Bettors

Looking to increase the protection of the state’s youth, New York Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing that the New York State Gaming Commission (NYGC) consider the use of biometrics to sign in to online sports betting accounts.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, protecting the well-being of our children is personal to me,” Governor Hochul said in a statement. She spoke about these issues during her 2026 State of the State address.

She addressed several potential changes to the way online gambling sites operate in the New York market. Many of the changes would be designed to ensure that underage people can’t access these betting sites.

Biometric login requirements may include the use of a fingerprint or facial recognition technology. NYGC Commissioner Brian O’Dwyer did acknowledge that the state has seen an uptick in underage gambling through online sites. Requiring a fingerprint or facial recognition to log in to an online betting site would prevent any underage players from opening accounts.

The Governor wants the NYGC to establish specific punishments for any legal users who are caught allowing underage players to place bets through their accounts. Hochul is also directing the NYGC to look into preventing sports betting sites from utilizing AI to personalize promotions for players.

“These actions will protect young people from the harms of online betting, which include significant financial loss and addictive behavior,” Hochul’s statement noted.

The legal age to gamble in New York is 21.

“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 in a 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.”

Hochul would also like to see the state implement further services to provide aid and assistance to problem gamblers. She wants legislation put forth that would include gambling disorders in insurance coverage and establish a Gambling Health Institute. As well, the Governor is recommending a 10-year statewide study that would both analyze problem gambling trends and assess the effectiveness of prevention treatments.

NYGC is supportive of the Governor’s initiatives

Not surprisingly, the NYGC is throwing its full support behind the initiatives being suggested by Governor Hochul.

“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,” O’Dwyer said in a statement.

“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 OASAS [the Office of Addiction 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.”

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