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NY Gaming Commission approves sports betting regulations

News

The New York Gaming Commission has today (June 10) approved regulations governing sports betting in the state. 

The approval clears the way for the licensing process for the New York’s four upstate casinos to begin. 

The decision will see the Schenectady-based Rivers Casino, Tioga Downs racino in Nichols, del Lago Resort in the Finger Lakes and Monticello-based Resorts World Catskills be permitted to launch sports betting, provided their applications are approved.

The regulations, first published in January then subject to a 60-day comment period that ended on May 20, permit wagering in dedicated, in-venue lounges only. Operators will pay a 10% tax on sports betting revenue.

Players aged 21 and over will be allowed to bet on all sports, though betting on horse racing and amateur or youth sports – other than pre-approved collegiate sports – and non-sporting events is prohibited. 

Each casino is permitted to partner one vendor to operate or assist with the running of their sportsbook. Resorts World Catskills has partnered bet365; del Lago Resort with DraftKings; Tioga Downs with Flutter Entertainment’s FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive will power betting at the Rivers property. 

It remains unclear exactly when sports betting will launch, though local media has suggested that this will take place later this summer. 

The launch of land-based sports betting was facilitated by a 2013 law permitting the establishment of additional commercial casinos in upstate areas. 

This was amended to give New York the right to regulate wagering, should the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act be struck down, with the measure then approved by voters in a statewide referendum. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly argued that this law only covers land-based sports betting, and that a constitutional amendment would be required for online and mobile wagering. 

Despite this, lawmakers in the New York legislature are looking to shepherd through bills to facilitate wagering across all channels before the regular session ends on June 19.

Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblymember Gary Pretlow, who introduced the bills, amended their proposals last week to allow for sports betting to be offered in certain stadiums in the state. The bill sets out a 12% tax on mobile wagering, reduces the land-based tax rate to 8.5%, and sets a $12m license fee.

Addabbo’s S17 and Pretlow’s A6113 will next be scrutinized by each chamber’s Finance Committee.