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Since its inception, online sports betting in New York has exceeded expectations. And within the next few months, Empire State lawmakers expect to resume conversations surrounding the legalization of NY online casinos.
Recently, the New York Lottery introduced new training for retailers to reinforce the importance of age verification and additional best practices to promote responsible gaming in the state.
While commending the lottery for doing so, Sen. Joe Addabbo emphasized the state’s responsibility to prevent underage users to have access to any form of gambling. As it stands, the senator said, New York is in a solid position to move forward with expansion.
“We already have the technology and training at our brick-and-mortar casinos across the state that helps employees to spot fake IDs and not allow underage people in to gamble,” Addabbo said in a statement.
NY Lottery launches training for age verification
Obviously, New York Lottery retailers review and confirm acceptable forms of age identification while also attempting to spot fake IDs. Now, the new training will include how retailers can engage with customers who may not be accustomed to presenting accepted forms of identification for the purchase of scratch-off and draw-game tickets.
On top of that, NY Lottery retailers must post responsible gaming signage at their facilities. They also promote the NYS HOPEline. Printed tickets also feature QR codes that provide customers with 24-hour access to nearby problem gambling programs. Casinos in New York also began posting these codes.
“I commend the Gaming Commission for introducing this new training for our Lottery retailers,” Addabbo said in a statement, “because they are often times the only defense against underage residents purchasing Lottery tickets.”
Underage gambling prevention at center of NY sports betting legislation
Addressing underage individuals participating in regulated gambling in New York was at the heart of the NY sports betting legislation. Such a framework paves the way for future expansion.
“While we were working on the language for the mobile sports betting legislation, our team put in place safeguards to prevent underage gaming, such as 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,” said Addabbo, chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
Such emphasis will undoubtedly exist in legislation to legalize online casinos in New York, Addabbo said.
“By not allowing underage people to participate in mobile gaming, we are protecting minors from spending their money or their parents’ money on gambling, from potentially developing problem gaming habits, while protecting the integrity of gaming in the state.”
