New York State Gaming Commission Approves Sports Betting Regulations: Upstate Casinos Are Ready
After a 60-day comment period, the New York State Gaming Commission voted 6-0 to approve rules and regulations for New York sports betting on Monday. That is good news for New Yorkers, but not great. It authorizes retail sports betting at the state’s four upstate casinos, but mobile is still not a reality in New York. New York lawmakers have about a week to try and bring mobile sports betting to the state as well.
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Who Can Offer Sports Betting in New York?
The four upstate casinos in New York, del Lago Resort and Casino, Tioga Downs, Rivers, and Resorts World Catskills are the four commercial casinos that will be able to apply for sports betting licenses. Three Oneida Indian Nation casinos are also eligible for sports betting. All of these operators already have partnerships and have begun building sportsbooks.
– del Lago Resort and Casino is partnered with DraftKings Sportsbook and their sportsbook is already under construction, a 6,000-square-foot bar/restaurant style sportsbook. “We think it’s going to be an exciting place for our visitors to watch games, have some food and beverages and take advantage of the ability to bet on the action,” said Mark Juliano, general manager of del Lago.
– Rivers is operating with Rush Street Gaming and have already construction for their sportsbook.
– Resorts World Catskills is partnered with bet365.
– Tioga Downs is partnered with FanDuel Sportsbooks.
– The Oneida Indian Nation is partnered with Caesars Entertainment.
– The Senecas and Mohawks have yet to announce their plans.
When Will Sports Betting Begin in New York?
The Oneida Indian Nation announced on Monday their expected timeline for their three properties. “The all-new sportsbooks are slated to open at Turning Stone and Point Place this summer, with Yellow Brick Road opening later, as part of larger renovation project announced last week.”
All of these properties will still need to acquire the necessary licensing and approval from the New York State Gaming Commission. They will be required to go through mandatory testing, much like every other state. There is no clear timeline for how long this will take but the start of the NFL season appears to be a safe goal.
Juliano believes the licensing process will be a smooth one. “We have been tracking with (the state), keeping them aware of what we’re doing.”
Could We See Mobile in New York This Year
There is a chance that New York could try to sneak mobile sports betting into one big bill at the last minute. However, Governor Cuomo still doesn’t believe that mobile sports betting will get legalized in New York this year. He believes that online gambling requires an amendment to the state constitution, and that could take two or three years.
State Senator Joseph Addabbo is continuing his efforts to bring mobile sports betting to New York. Addabbo has until the session ends on June 19 to try and get his bill, S 17, to the finish line. If he is not successful, New York will be leaving a lot of revenue on the table for neighboring states New Jersey and possibly Pennsylvania to soak up. The nearest commercial casino in the state to New York City is over two hours away (Resort World Catskills). Not too many NYC residents are going to travel that far to place a bet with New Jersey a few minutes away.
