Earlier this month, the New York State Gaming Commission Division of Lottery announced the launch of a training program for gaming operators focused on the prevention of underage gambling. This comes amid the Empire State’s planned push to advance online gaming in 2023.
The New York Lottery will now also require retailers to visibly post responsible gaming signage at their outlets. Furthermore, they will be required to promote the NYS HOPEline, a 24/7 problem gambling and chemical dependency hotline.
New York is working to ensure that only adult players are able to access gaming in the state. Mobile sports betting is currently live in New York (carrying with it a 51% tax rate), but online casino is yet to be legalized and is only live in six US states.
Concerns about accessibility to gambling are being addressed ahead of online casino’s introduction to the Empire State. This will take the form of a comprehensive training program for Lottery retailers.
Previously, the state announced that the program's teachings would involve reviewing acceptable forms of identification, learning how to recognize a fake ID, and engaging customers who fail to present a valid ID for the purchase of Lottery scratch-off or draw game tickets.
Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has praised the new developments in anti-underage gaming. Addabbo commented: “Our team put in place safeguards to prevent underage gaming – when opening an account with a mobile sports betting platform, players are required to upload their ID to confirm their age and other technical protections against underage gambling.”
The senator said he looks forward to working with the Hochul administration, the Lottery Division, the New York State Office of Addiction Supports and Services, and the New York Council on Problem Gambling to improve the state mechanisms which prevent minors from gambling.
