Mobile Betting in New York Could be Legalized by Next Month

Home > Blog > News > Mobile Betting in New York Could be Legalized by Next Month

31.05.2019, 14:03

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said that “it’s possible” that state legislators could legalize mobile sports betting before the end of next month. This would before the end of their legislative session.

Unlike New Jersey, New York does not have legalized sports betting. Previously, Cuomo said that it could take months for the bill to prepared.

At the moment, the state Constitution allows sports betting only at four upstate casinos. Therefore, allowing remote betting would require an amendment and a referendum. This was the primary reason for the initial delay.

However, state Senator Addabbo argued that the referendum could be avoided. Technically, if these casinos provide the servers for mobile betting apps, the Constitution wouldn’t be violated. Such practice also has precedents. Horseracing mobile betting is have been permitted for some time now. Similarly, the servers are also located on the horseracing tracks.

The drawback here is that bettors would have to go to the casinos and register there. Needless to say, this would somewhat defeat the purpose of mobile betting.

Not much time is left for the NY lawmakers to make the decision. However, should be made, it remains to be seen whether online casino gaming would also be allowed.