Monday’s unanimous vote from the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee progressed bill S17 to the Senate Finance Committee.
The bill would authorise mobile sports betting in the state, as well as at commercial and tribal casinos, should it be written into law.
It expands on a ballot referendum from 2013 that approved land-based wagering at commercial casinos.
Committee Chairman, Joseph Addabboo Jr. emphasized the bill was advanced to address testimony it heard last week, that indicated up to 25% of sports betting revenue in New Jersey is being made from New York residents crossing the border to make a bet.
Addabboo said New York needs the bill to pass to prevent revenue leaving the state and to regulate an activity that is currently happening illegally.
The horse racing industry was left out of the proposed legislation; sports betting would not be permitted at racetracks, racinos and at off-track betting parlours.
This prompted subcommittee members to express concern, believing the horse racing industry would struggle to close ground on established sports betting operators, should it eventually be included.
Addabboo echoed those concerns and said he hopes to include the horse racing industry in the bill before it is passed. He said, however, that this could not be done until further discussions with the governor’s office.
