Gov. Hochul announces 2026 plan to curb underage sports betting Governor Hochul is proposing new measures aimed at preventing underage sports betting and strengthening protections for New Yorkers who gamble. Governor Hochul is proposing new measures aimed at preventing underage sports betting and strengthening protections for New Yorkers who gamble. The proposals, outlined as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda, include new safeguards to stop minors from accessing betting platforms, restrictions on the use of artificial intelligence by operators, and enhanced intervention measures for individuals showing signs of problem gambling. 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 take real action if one of their customers is showing signs of gambling harm. I’m thankful to the Gaming Commission for putting forth comprehensive measures that achieve these goals and protect New Yorkers. As a reminder: Only legal, regulated gaming have such safeguards in place. The legal age for sports wagering in New York is 21, but state officials say underage individuals have still found ways to place bets, often by using existing accounts. When those cases are identified, accounts are permanently closed. In response, the New York State Gaming Commission has released draft regulations for public comment that aim to strengthen enforcement and expand responsible gaming practices. Among the proposed changes, regulators are considering banning sports wagering operators from using artificial intelligence to target customers with personalized bets or promotions. The Commission is also weighing stricter identity verification requirements, including biometric authentication for account creation and wagering, device registration controls, and enhanced geolocation tracking to prevent unauthorized access. Additional proposals would allow individuals to block their Social Security number from being used to open betting accounts and could impose statewide gambling bans on adults who knowingly allow minors to gamble. The draft regulations also include new “activity triggers” designed to identify risky gambling behavior and require operator intervention. Triggers include large deposits, repeated increases to betting limits, canceled withdrawal requests, and significant increases in time spent gambling. Depending on the level of concern, operators would be required to take escalating action, from providing responsible gaming resources to requiring users to watch educational videos, and in more serious cases, directly contacting the individual or suspending accounts. If a user is determined to be at risk, their account could be closed and they would be referred to professional help. State officials say the proposals are part of a broader effort to address the rapid expansion of sports betting and its impact on public health.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.No serious injuries were reported after 11 vehicles were involved in a crash Monday on Interstate 590, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.Greece, N.Y. — A former police dog injured during a training event is now settling into his new home.A troubled shopping plaza on East Ridge Road is being partially shut down after the Irondequoit Town Board voted Monday to declare the plaza a public nuisance.Home heavily damaged in second-alarm fire in Genesee County