New York Looking at Legalizing Sports Bets 

Next week New York may be getting a bite out of more than just the big apple with possible legalization of sporting bets.

Casinos in New York may soon be able to take wagers on games. The east coast state Gaming Commission is anticipated to approve a new set of rules on June 10.

Back in January the commission drafted governing rules that would require gamblers to be physically present in the commercial facilities. Sports bets at four upstate casinos include: Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Rivers Casino in Schenectady, del Lago Casino in Tyre near Rochester and Tioga Downs near Binghamton.

But, mobile betting for the state still looks like an uphill climb. Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers are currently arguing whether to allow mobile sports betting.

Supporters of the ticket believe that mobile wagers could bring in millions of dollars in revenue to the state. But Cuomo is stating that online betting and mobile app wagers would be illegal without amending the state constitution. In his office’s mind it is a process that could take years to make a passed law.

State Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Queens) was reported in the New York Post as saying, “It’s a good thing (having a start in the four brick and mortar casinos), as long as the door is open to discussion (for mobile bets).”

The future of New York State mobile wagering will be in deep focus before the legislative session’s end on June 19.

In the meantime, those who want to wager online have been traveling to New Jersey next door. The state approved sports gambling by phone apps along with betting in casinos just a year ago.

The sportsbook DraftKings alone reported taking in $17 million bets that paid out more than $500 million in winnings on mobile wagers in the legal market.