Legal Age for Online Gambling in New York

1. What is the legal age for online gambling in New York?

The legal age for online gambling in New York is 21 years old. Just like traditional gambling, such as at a casino or racetrack, the minimum age to participate in online gambling is 21.

2. What forms of online gambling are legal in New York?

Currently, only daily fantasy sports and horse racing betting are legal and regulated forms of online gambling in New York. Online poker, casino games, and sports betting are not currently legal but there have been discussions and efforts to legalize these forms of online gambling in the state.

3. Are there any restrictions on who can gamble online in New York?

Yes, there are restrictions on who can gamble online in New York. To participate in daily fantasy sports or horse racing betting, individuals must be at least 21 years old and physically located within the state’s borders. Additionally, individuals on self-exclusion lists or with gambling addiction problems may also be restricted from participating.

4. Is it safe to gamble online in New York?

It is generally considered safe for individuals to gamble online in New York, as long as they are using licensed and regulated websites or apps. However, as with any form of gambling, there is always a risk involved and it is important for individuals to set limits for themselves and to gamble responsibly.

5. Can I bet on sports legally online in New York?

Not at this time. While there have been discussions about legalizing sports betting in New York and recent legislation has been introduced that would permit it, currently only daily fantasy sports and horse racing betting are legal forms of online gambling in the state.

2. Can a person under the legal age in New York participate in online gambling?

No, individuals under the legal age of 21 are not allowed to participate in any form of gambling in New York, including online gambling.

3. Is it illegal to gamble online if you are under the legal age in New York?


Yes, it is illegal to gamble online if you are under the legal age in New York. The legal gambling age in New York is 18 for horse racing and 21 for all other forms of gambling, including online gambling. It is also illegal for anyone to provide or facilitate online gambling services to individuals under the legal age.

4. How old do you have to be to legally gamble online in New York?


You must be at least 18 years old to legally gamble online in New York. However, some forms of gambling, such as casino games and sports betting, have a minimum age requirement of 21 years old. It is important to always check the specific rules and regulations for each type of online gambling before participating.

5. Are there any exceptions to the legal gambling age in New York for online betting?

There are no exceptions to the legal gambling age in New York for online betting. Minors are not allowed to participate in any form of gambling, including online betting.

6. What happens if a minor is caught participating in online gambling in New York?


If a minor (person under the age of 18) is caught participating in online gambling in New York, they may face legal consequences. Under New York state law, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to participate in any form of gambling. The penalties for underage gambling can include fines, community service, and possibly even jail time.

The exact consequences will depend on the individual circumstances and the severity of the offense. In addition to legal consequences, the minor may also face repercussions from their parents or guardians and possible disciplinary action from their school.

It’s important for minors to understand that online gambling is not only illegal but also carries significant risks such as addiction, loss of money, and potential exposure to scams and fraud. It’s best for minors to avoid any form of gambling until they reach the legal age.

7. Are there any penalties for underage individuals who attempt to gamble online in New York?


Yes, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to gamble in New York. Underage individuals who attempt to gamble online may be subject to criminal charges and fines.

8. Does the legal age for online gambling differ from other forms of gambling in New York?

The legal age for online gambling in New York is the same as other forms of gambling, which is 18 years old. This applies to all types of gambling, including casino games, sports betting, and poker.

9. Can parents or guardians allow minors to play online casino games or bet on sports in New York?


No, it is illegal for minors under the age of 21 to participate in any form of online gambling or sports betting in New York. Parents or guardians cannot give consent for minors to engage in these activities. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that their child does not engage in illegal gambling activities.

10. Is there an educational campaign or program to educate minors about the risks of online gambling in New York?


Yes, the New York State Gaming Commission has an educational program called “Know the Odds” which was created to educate minors and young adults about the risks associated with gambling. The program includes a website, educational materials, and outreach events aimed at preventing underage gambling in New York. Additionally, the state requires all licensed casinos to have responsible gambling information and resources available on their premises.

11. Are there any measures being taken to restrict access to online gambling sites for minors in New York?

Yes, the New York State Gaming Commission has regulations in place to prevent minors from accessing online gambling sites. These include age verification processes and requirements for parental consent for underage individuals to participate in online gambling activities. Additionally, internet service providers may also be required to block access to online gambling sites for users under the age of 21.

12. What is the rationale behind setting a specific legal age for online gambling within each state, including New York?

There are a few reasons for setting a specific legal age for online gambling within each state, including New York:

1. Protecting underage individuals: The main purpose of setting a legal age for online gambling is to protect children and teenagers from participating in online gambling activities. This helps prevent the potential negative consequences of excessive or unrestricted gambling at a young age, such as addiction, financial problems, and other related issues.

2. Consistency with other forms of regulated gambling: Many states have already established legal ages for other forms of regulated gambling, such as lotteries and casinos. Setting a consistent legal age for all types of gambling helps maintain uniformity and clarity within the state’s gambling laws.

3. Compliance with federal regulations: In the United States, all forms of gambling fall under the jurisdiction of individual states. However, there are federal laws in place that set a minimum legal age for certain types of gambling activities, such as online sports betting and casino games. States must comply with these federal laws when regulating their own online gambling industries.

4. Responsibility: Setting a legal age for online gambling also places responsibility on individuals to make informed decisions about their participation in these activities. By requiring individuals to reach a certain age before engaging in online gambling, it is assumed that they are mature enough to understand the risks and make responsible choices.

5. Harms prevention: Research has shown that young people are more susceptible to developing problem-gambling behaviors than adults. By setting a legal age for online gambling, states can better regulate and monitor the industry to prevent potential harms to vulnerable individuals.

In summary, setting a specific legal age for online gambling helps protect minors from potential harms associated with excessive or unrestricted participation in these activities while also ensuring compliance with federal regulations and promoting responsible decision-making among adults.

13. How does the legal age for online gambling compare between different states, including New York?


Each state has its own laws regarding the legal age for online gambling. In New York, the legal age is 21 years old for all forms of online gambling. This includes online casinos, sports betting, and poker. Other states may have different legal ages for each type of online gambling or may have a lower overall legal age for all forms. It is important to check the laws in your specific state before engaging in any form of online gambling.

14. Has there been any recent changes or discussions about raising or lowering the legal age for online gambling in New York?

As of now, there have not been any recent changes or discussions about raising or lowering the legal age for online gambling in New York. The legal age to gamble in New York, both in-person and online, is currently 21 years old. However, there have been discussions and proposed legislation in the past to lower the minimum age for some forms of gambling, such as horse racing and lottery games. Any changes to the legal age for online gambling in New York would require new legislation to be passed by the state legislature.

15. Is it possible for an individual from another state where the legal gambling age is lower to access and participate in online gambling while visiting New York?


Yes, it is possible for an individual from another state with a lower legal gambling age to access and participate in online gambling while visiting New York. However, the individual must meet the minimum age requirement of 21 years old set by the New York State Gaming Commission. Additionally, they may also be subject to the laws and regulations of their home state regarding online gambling. It is always important to check the laws and regulations of both the state being visited and the home state before engaging in any form of online gambling.

16. Are there any limitations on what types of games can be played by players under the legal age of 18/21 years old participating through related third-party websites/applications made available outside registered New York?


Yes, there are limitations on what types of games can be played by players under the legal age of 18/21 years old participating through related third-party websites/applications made available outside registered New York. These limitations may vary depending on the specific laws and regulations of each state.

In general, gambling activities that are deemed to be harmful or potentially addictive, such as casino-style games, sports betting, and online poker, are restricted for underage players. Other forms of gaming that require skill and do not involve monetary prizes, such as fantasy sports and skill-based contests, may be permitted for players under the legal age limit.

It is important for minors to adhere to these restrictions in order to protect them from potential financial and psychological harm associated with gambling. It is also the responsibility of parents or guardians to monitor their children’s online activities and prevent them from engaging in underage gambling.

17. What are some options available for underage individuals who struggle with problem gambling due to accessing and participating illegally at young ages across government-regulated activities in New York?


There are several options available for underage individuals who struggle with problem gambling in New York:

1. Seek professional help: The first step for any individual struggling with problem gambling is to seek professional help. There are many organizations and resources available in New York that offer free and confidential counseling for problem gambling. These include the National Council on Problem Gambling, the Responsible Play Partnership, and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.

2. Gamblers Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous is a support group for individuals struggling with problem gambling. They offer meetings across the state of New York where individuals can share their experiences and receive support from others in similar situations.

3. Self-exclusion program: In New York, there is a self-exclusion program called “Responsible Gaming Withdrawal.” This program allows individuals to voluntarily exclude themselves from all legalized gaming activities in New York for a minimum of one year.

4. Education programs: Many organizations offer educational programs for underage individuals and their parents to raise awareness about the dangers of underage gambling and to provide resources for prevention.

5. Family therapy: Overcoming problem gambling can be difficult, but family therapy can be helpful in addressing underlying issues that may have led to the behavior in the first place.

6. Legal consequences: It’s important for underage individuals to understand that participating in illegal gambling activities can have serious legal consequences, including fines and potential criminal charges.

7. Responsible gambling practices: For those who do choose to participate in government-regulated activities once they reach legal age, it’s important to practice responsible gambling habits by setting limits, taking breaks, and seeking help if needed.

Ultimately, it’s essential for parents and community members to educate young people about the risks of underage gambling and engage in open communication about this issue.

18. If parents or guardians allow minors to play online poker from household computers/ipads/tablets through regulated organizations, is there a risk of law enforcement intervention towards the underage players, the gambling software makers and interactive sites such as online affiliate programs if minors trigger unlawful activity or winnings at casinos in New York?

Yes, there is a potential risk of law enforcement intervention in such cases. While parents or guardians may be held responsible for allowing minors to engage in online poker, the gambling software makers and interactive sites may also face legal consequences for offering their services to underage players. Additionally, if minors win money through unlawful activities at casinos in New York, both the minors and the individuals or companies involved in facilitating their unlawful activities could potentially face criminal charges. It is important for parents or guardians to closely monitor their children’s online activities and ensure that they are not accessing or participating in any form of illegal gambling.

19. Do states that have historically outlawed gambling across the United States for long now regulate online societal and private betters fully under legalized/federally-protected sports betting operations in New York?


Yes, many states that have historically outlawed gambling, such as New York, now regulate and oversee online social and private betters under legalized and federally-protected sports betting operations. In fact, after the Supreme Court struck down the federal ban on sports betting (known as the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 2018, several states began legalizing and regulating sports betting within their borders. These regulated markets allow for both brick-and-mortar and online sports betting, including private betters who can place wagers through licensed operators. Additionally, federally recognized tribes in New York are also able to offer sports betting on their lands under tribal-state gaming compacts. Overall, while sports betting remains prohibited in some states, many others have embraced this form of gambling and have implemented regulations to ensure its legality and safety for consumers.

20. How does felony conviction history negatively affect specific individuals facing those judgments for poor power to affect policy in New York?


Having a felony conviction on one’s record can have a significant negative impact on an individual’s ability to affect policy in New York in several ways:

1. Limited Employment Opportunities: Many employers conduct background checks and having a felony conviction on one’s record can make it difficult to secure gainful employment. This can limit an individual’s financial stability and make it hard for them to build a strong professional reputation, which is often necessary for those seeking to influence policy.

2. Disqualification from Holding Certain Positions: In New York, some positions require security clearance or involve working with vulnerable populations, such as children or the elderly. A felony conviction may disqualify an individual from obtaining these positions, thus limiting their ability to work in certain areas of policy.

3. Restricted Voting Rights: In New York, individuals with felony convictions lose their right to vote until they have completed their sentence, including probation or parole. This means that individuals who want to influence policy through voting are unable to do so while they are serving time or under supervision.

4. Difficulty Obtaining Professional Licenses: Some professions require individuals to hold licenses from the state of New York in order to practice legally. Depending on the nature of the conviction, a felony charge may prevent an individual from obtaining these licenses, thus limiting their ability to enter certain fields and influence policy related to those industries.

5. Stigmatization and Social Isolation: The negative stigma associated with having a felony conviction can lead to social isolation and discrimination even after an individual has served their sentence. This can make it difficult for individuals with felony convictions to network and build relationships within the policy-making community.

Overall, having a felony conviction history can significantly hinder an individual’s ability to affect policy in New York by limiting employment opportunities, disqualifying them from certain positions or licenses, restricting voting rights, and creating barriers within social networks. These challenges can perpetuate cycles of economic and social marginalization, making it even more difficult for individuals with felony convictions to have a voice in policy-making processes.