New York lawmakers are considering legislation that would prohibit online sports betting on college campuses by requiring operators to use geolocation and geofencing tools to block wagers made from those areas.
The proposal, introduced by State Senator Andrew Gounardes, is set out in Senate Bill S10470. It forms part of a broader effort to reduce gambling exposure among younger adults and strengthen consumer protections in the state’s regulated betting market. If enacted, it would bar licensed sportsbooks and platform providers from accepting wagers placed while users are physically located on college property.
The bill sets an implementation deadline of Aug. 1, 2027.
Gounardes said the measure is intended to protect students while preserving legal sports betting in New York.
The bill is under review by the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.
Geolocation Systems at the Centre of Enforcement Plan
Under the proposal, licensed online sportsbooks would be required to deploy geolocation and geofencing systems capable of detecting and blocking betting activity on college grounds.
The requirement applies to both sportsbook operators and platform providers. New York currently has nine licensed operators, eight offering online sports wagering services.
The bill includes compliance language specifying implementation requirements. Gounardes wrote that: “All mobile sports wagering operators and platform providers shall, on or before August first, two thousand twenty-seven, implement geolocation and geofencing technology to ensure compliance with the provisions of subdivision two of this section. Such technology shall be capable of reasonably detecting and preventing wagering activity occurring on the property described herein.”
Colleges and universities would provide campus boundary data to the New York State Gaming Commission to support enforcement.
The proposal also introduces civil penalties for non-compliance, though exact fines are not detailed.
A companion bill, Assembly Bill 10526, has also been introduced.
Broader Push for Gambling Safeguards in New York
The campus betting proposal sits within a wider set of gambling safety initiatives in New York.
Earlier this year, Gounardes introduced Senate Bill S7908, the “Sports Wagering and Minors Act,” aimed at strengthening age verification and allowing parents to help prevent underage account creation.
“My Sports Wagering and Minors Act holds companies accountable and gives parents new tools to keep kids safe. There’s no reason to gamble with our children’s well-being,” Gounardes said.
He has also cited research showing higher gambling addiction rates among young adults. “The truth is young people are especially vulnerable when it comes to gambling abuse. The data is clear: Americans 18-24 struggle with gambling addiction at a rate two to three times higher than the general population. We owe it to young people to offer fair protections that keep them safe,” he said.
Governor Kathy Hochul has also supported tighter safeguards.
Other proposals include monthly sportsbook account statements, restrictions on proxy betting, improved fraud monitoring and limits on AI-driven promotions. Senator Jeremy Zellner has also proposed a task force on prop betting.
Previous Efforts in Other States
A similar 2024 Maryland bill banning campus sports betting did not advance past committee stage.
Towson University raised concerns about technical feasibility and location accuracy.
New York lawmakers continue to assess whether geofencing can effectively restrict campus wagering.
Source:
“New York Bill Seeks Campus Sports Betting Ban”, news.worldcasinodirectory.com, May 27, 2026
The post New York Considers Ban on Campus Sports Betting first appeared on RealMoneyAction.com.