Sen. Andrew Gounardes has introduced S10470, which would require online sports betting operators to block wagering activity on college campuses across New York through geofencing technology. The proposal comes as state lawmakers continue exploring measures aimed at reducing underage gambling and limiting student exposure to online sports betting.
Young adults are at a higher risk of developing problem gaming, particularly within the 18-to-24 age demographic, making additional safeguards necessary within New York sports betting.
With this bill, New York sportsbooks would be required to implement geofencing technology to block users from placing wagers at college campuses. To support enforcement, colleges throughout the state will also need to work alongside the New York State Gaming Commission by providing geographic data to help operators accurately restrict betting activity within designated areas.
Since students spend a significant amount of time on campus, the idea would be that this would limit betting activity from a vulnerable demographic. It could also prevent underage gambling, which has become a growing issue nationwide.
Operators would have until Aug. 1, to fully comply if the measure becomes law. The bill is currently under review in the New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee. It has not yet received a hearing date.
While Sen. Gounardes’ proposal is still in committee review, the broader climate in New York suggests the legislation could receive support. State lawmakers and regulators have increasingly prioritized measures aimed at reducing underage gambling and limiting youth exposure to online sports betting.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has already voiced support for stronger online protections for minors, while multiple legislative proposals introduced this year have focused on responsible gambling initiatives, enhanced age verification systems and parental safeguards.
Because the geofencing bill does not impose significant restrictions, it may be viewed as a more moderate consumer protection measure, making it more likely to go through.
The proposal also relies on technology already widely used by sportsbooks to comply with state betting regulations, which could make implementation more practical for operators. Users already need to verify their location each time they log in, so implementing these restrictions on college campuses would be easy.
Lawmakers in New York have increasingly focused on limiting underage gambling and reducing student exposure to online betting platforms through new regulatory proposals and technological safeguards. In addition to Sen. Andrew Gounardes’ campus geofencing bill, the state has explored stronger measures aimed at enhancing age verification systems and restricting access to online wagering for minors.
Gov. Hochul has publicly supported stronger online protections for youth, citing concerns surrounding online sports betting. Proposed measures include enhanced identity verification tools, parental controls and tighter monitoring requirements for sportsbook operators.
Through these initiatives, New York is positioning itself as one of the more proactive states in addressing problem gambling. New York lawmakers are increasingly prioritizing consumer protections and responsible gambling measures.
The state’s push for geofencing technology, stricter verification standards and restrictions on campus is setting a precedent for other states to follow.
