ALBANY (WBEN) - The state committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering is convening in Albany Wednesday morning for a public hearing to discuss mobile sports betting in New York.While State Senator Tim Kennedy doesn't serve on the committee, he discussed his general feelings toward sports betting and how far along the process is in the legislature.
"We're listening to the public, and we're taking into consideration all opportunities to advance these measures," said Kennedy. "I think some of the difficulties with it are just in some of the details related to the mobile device betting and wagering and that sort of thing, but I think conceptually we are seeing great momentum."
This may be something to watch, as Governor Andrew Cuomo has previously stated that he's not a major proponent of mobile gambling.
Sports betting in NY: Not great news for supporters as Cuomo said he's not a fan of mobile betting. Points to the $13 Million raised by New Jersey as being minuscule. "That's a rounding error" to NY.
— Brian Mazurowski (@BMaz1) March 19, 2019Regardless, Kennedy says he wants to see this so-called momentum continue to build.
"I think it's the right time to do it for the State of New York, especially with the technological advances that have happened, and other states are reaping the benefits of advancing sport betting technology, so hopefully these hearings will prove fruitful," he said. "There's certainly a windfall of opportunity for the State of New York to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars that other states have benefited from by enacting sports betting technology."When asked if he thinks legislation will be passed before the end of this legislative session, he appeared optimistic but far from certain.
"I'm hopeful that by the end of the session we'll see it come to fruition," said Kennedy. "At the end of the day, we have to continue to push that envelope forward."
