The New York Gambling Commission has unanimously rubber stamped the state’s entry into sports betting, with the 6-0 vote following initial legislature green-lights issued in 2013 that was dependant on its neighbouring New Jersey’s Supreme Court success, that came last year.
As a result of the ruling sports wagering is to be permitted at four upstate properties, namely Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Rivers Casino in Schenectady, del Lago Casino near Rochester and Tioga Downs near Binghamton, in addition to tribal casinos across the region.
Approving rules and regulations for licensing, opening and operating sports betting facilities, early estimates say operations should be safely in effect by the start of the National Football League season, that is due to commence on Friday 6 September when the Green Bay Packers travel to Soldier Field to take on Chicago Bears.
Mobile sports betting is not yet part of the state’s plans, with lawmakers said to be working on significant proposals to allow online betting through mobile devices.
This is, however, up against a quickly approaching deadline of Wednesday 19 June, which marks the end of the New York legislative session, with approval also having to be won from governor Andrew Cuomo.
Cuomo has previously suggested that permitting mobile sports betting would require an amendment to the state constitution, a multi-year process that would also require direct voter approval, state lawmakers sponsoring the initiative disagree however, arguing it would only require the passage of a new bill.
Similar to most other states that have proceeded with legislation of their own, punters in New York will not be able to bet on college sides that play within its boundaries.
Of the four upstate properties, del Lago Casino has partnered with Boston-based DraftKings, Resorts World Catskills has aligned with bet365, Tioga Downs is partnered with Betfair US, the US-facing arm of bookmaker Paddy Power Betfair, which will see FanDuel run its sportsbook and Rivers Casino and Resort is to operate alongside its Rush Street Gaming parent organisation.
