ALBANY, N.Y. (AP/WBEN) - College and professional sports betting could be offered at New York casinos as early as April.
The state Gaming Commission on Monday voted to preliminary approve regulations for sports betting at the state's four private casinos. The regulations won't be finalized until they are subject to a 60-day public comment period. It would also apply to Indian operated casinos. Mobile betting won't be allowed.
The gaming commission rules would require that facilities have a sports wagering lounge to accept bets. Automated ticket systems would also be allowed, but only within the lounges.
Henry Wojtaszek of Western Region OTB says in a statement, "While we’re gratified the State Gaming Commission took the first step in authorizing sports betting in New York State, we think it’s important our million plus customers and all Western New York sports fans and communities benefit from sports betting opportunities in their own back yard. Sports betting should be allowed at Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) and at OTB’s around the state. As currently proposed, a Bills fan would have to go to a Native American casino, or drive 90-minutes to place a bet on the Bills. That’s not exactly convenient, and it won’t provide critical tax revenue to local governments. As the only municipally owned and operated gaming facility in New York State, WROTB is not just a strong economic driver for Western New York, but we provide critical funding for community development which creates jobs, protects families and helps to offset tax increases for residents. The more revenue we generate, the more we give back to communities. Since our inception, we have generated more than $226 million to 17 municipalities – legalizing sports betting in our region would only increase these important contributions. We look forward to working with officials on both sides of the aisle and the New York State Gaming Commission to ensure Western New Yorkers don’t miss out on this opportunity to create hundreds of jobs, enhance our tourism industry, and allow millions of dollars in investment to flow through our neighborhoods.”
Earlier this month, the Oneida Indian Nation announced it planned to offer sports betting in partnership with Caesars Entertainment at their sprawling Turning Stone Resort Casino and two smaller casinos.