Online sports betting in New York is gaining serious momentum. In July, it looked like Governor Andrew Cuomo and Speaker Carl Heastie were opting for a constitutional amendment that would have slowed the process down significantly, but they appear to be foregoing that strategy for a more direct approach.
Now, according to reports, Speaker Heastie is planning to include online sports betting as part of New York’s upcoming revenue bill. Nothing is set in stone, but this is a positive development in the push for online sports betting in NY.
Launching In Time For The 2021 Super Bowl?
The good news is that New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo believes that if all goes well, online sports betting could be live in time for the Super Bowl in 2021.
“It takes time to set up the regulations correctly, the equipment, the programming, getting everything all set up,” Sen. Addabbo explained to Action Rush. “You hope that if you do it now, maybe by the time the Super Bowl or March Madness comes, you’re ready.”
The Super Bowl and March Madness might be optimistic launch dates, but they are attainable targets if New York State lawmakers move forward decisively.
“It’s not a question of if, but when,” according to Sen. Addabbo. Sports betting is already legal in New York and the online component is an inevitability in the state.
Quick, decisive action to set it up in time for major gambling events like the Super Bowl and March Madness would go a long way towards bringing much-needed tax revenue into New York in 2021.
I'll set the line at:
Mobile Sports Betting Legalized in NY in 2020:
YES +500
NO -600 https://t.co/FNih0lkEYq— Captain Jack Andrews (@capjack2000) August 11, 2020
Gaming Study Could Help Push NY Online Sports Betting
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) is still waiting on a study that could help expedite online sports betting in New York. Spectrum Gaming Group is putting together a study that will look at all sports betting in New York and provide cold, hard statistics for legislators to evaluate.
“We’re waiting for it to hopefully use it as a useful tool for this legislative session although the days are waning,” Sen. Addabbo said. “Nevertheless, that’s something to keep an eye on. That may help.”
Addabbo’s personal opinion is that he believes the study will present positive numbers that will help motivate lawmakers. COVID-19 has delayed the study, but there’s still a chance that it comes through in time to make a difference during this year’s legislative session.
Only 1 Skin Per License?
The current NY online sports betting bill, found here, has language supporting only 1 skin or brand per online/mobile license in NY. This is a major piece of news when we begin to consider what the NY online gaming market could look like once approved. With current land-based casinos and sports betting partnerships in place, the following sportsbook apps would be available once NY launches online sports betting:
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- BetRivers
- Bet365
Online sports betting bill text per 1 brand or skin:
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