New York sports fans are on the edge of their seat as the April 1 budget deadline approaches, just hours away. Can New Yorkers see mobile sports betting this year? There’s still hope.
Reports From The Inside
Although the NY State Senate and Assembly have agreed on the nuts and bolts of a mobile sports betting bill, which is ready to be included in the fiscal year 2022 NY State budget, Governor Andrew Cuomo has been a sticking point. Cuomo alone seems to be standing in the way of legalizing mobile betting in New York.
Since first expressing his interest in potential legalization, Cuomo has stuck to his guns on wanting a NY-lottery run sportsbook model, which the sports betting industry and state legislators are not behind. They want a more commercial-run industry so that sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel can apply for licenses, offering competitive odds for bettors. FanDuel already operates a retail sportsbook in Upstate New York and would be a likely candidate for a sports betting operator’s license. A more commercial model would help New York compete with its nearby neighbor New Jersey.
See our complete guide to New York Sports Betting.
Last-Minute New York Budget Negotiations
Reports from the inside are showing that Cuomo could be reaching a compromise with state legislators. Although the budget deadline is only hours away, it’s possible the budget discussion could continue into tomorrow, or even into the coming days despite the deadline.
The current report is that a hybrid system could evolve, with the NY lottery running a skin, and 4 mobile operators also receiving skins. Legislators seem to want 2 skins apiece for 7 operators. No firm budget resolution seems to be in sight tonight, but hope is still alive that New Yorkers could see mobile betting this year.
Wed mobile sports update (source): @NYGovCuomo digging in on plan for a lottery-style system, w/ 1 statewide vendor & 4 mobile operators, or skins. Legis wants 2 skins apiece for 7 NYS in NYS. Wrapped up in NYS budget talks that are far from resolved. This wk, next wk, who knows?
— Tom Precious (@TomPreciousALB) March 31, 2021
There’s no guarantee, and chances are we won’t know by midnight tonight. But, negotiations and discussions continue.
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