(AsiaGameHub) – The New York State Gaming Commission has launched its “Avoid Risky Bets” campaign to alert residents about illegal online gambling sites and unregulated betting platforms.
Good to Know
- New York considers online casinos, offshore gambling sites, sweepstakes casinos, and prediction markets to be illegal.
- Legal online options include licensed sports betting, horse racing ADW, fantasy sports, raffles, and approved lottery purchases.
- Regulators highlighted risks such as unpaid winnings, inadequate age verification, identity theft, and lack of dispute resolution mechanisms.
New York aims to help residents distinguish between regulated betting and websites that appear legitimate but operate without oversight. The commission emphasized that many illegal gambling platforms function without consumer protections, responsible gaming tools, anti-money laundering safeguards, or proper identity verification processes.
Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer stated:
“Legitimate, lawful, regulated gaming – which offers numerous options – ensures fair wagers, player safeguards, responsible gaming measures, and provides societal benefits,” said Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “In contrast, the unlawful gambling market exploits unsuspecting individuals – including youth – who believe they are placing legitimate bets for the benefit of faceless, untraceable operators. Although the two may sometimes seem similar, it is clear which option represents a smart wager and which constitutes a risky bet.”
New Public Warning Targets Illegal Gambling Sites in New York
The warning addresses several rapidly expanding areas of online gambling. New York regulators identified offshore betting sites, sweepstakes-style casino platforms, prediction markets, and online casinos as prohibited activities within the state.
Officials also cautioned that some illegal platforms offer markets related to political violence, conflict, or insider-influenced outcomes. Additional dangers include unfair betting terms, non-payment of balances, exposure of personal data, and potential connections to organized crime.
Underage access remains a major concern. Legal sports betting in New York requires users to be at least 21 years old. However, certain offshore and prediction-market platforms permit participation from users aged 18 and above and may lack robust age-verification systems, according to regulators.
Governor Kathy Hochul raised this issue again in January as part of her 2026 State of the State agenda.
“We must do more to block access to online sports gambling so our children are not drawn into addiction at an early age,” Hochul said in January.
The commission also noted the loss of public revenue. Regulated gaming contributes to funding for schools, local governments, charities, and problem gambling support services. Illegal operators do not contribute to these community resources.
New Yorkers can report suspected illegal gambling activity to the New York State Gaming Commission, the New York State Attorney General’s office, or the New York State Police. This initiative also aligns with responsible gaming efforts by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the New York Council on Problem Gambling, and the Responsible Play Partnership.
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