Sports wagering across New York State has been attracting flocks of gambling enthusiasts to the casino resorts already featuring premium sportsbooks. Tioga Downs Casino Resort teamed up with FanDuel earlier this summer and it already rips the benefits from their joint operation. The success rates of this offering could be easily observed via the rising levels of popularity across the region.
The topic of betting on live sports events has been a popular one over the past years both in the US and Canada. New York State greenlighted legal wagering on sports events in brick-and-mortar casino locations across the state, many of them already witnessing the results of daily sports betting. Tioga Downs Casino Resort saw the soft opening of its sports area on July 17, with the official launch ceremony a couple of days later.
Sports Wagering in New York State
Teaming up with fantasy sports leader FanDuel was an essential move for the casino resort, as it set the tone for future collaboration between the leaders in the gaming industry. Sam Cawthray, General Manager of the daily fantasy sports operator, recently evaluated the past few months. He said that the number of individuals making their way there has increased significantly, powered by the booming sports betting offerings.
He also made it clear that New York State took its time to prepare for legal wagering on sports events but there is no denying that it had to happen earlier. States to the likes of neighboring New Jersey greenlighted operation back in 2018, at the earliest possible time after the PASPA overruling. As a result, New York State casino revenue of locations such as del Lago and Resorts World Catskills struggled to meet the expectations.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort owner Jeff Gural said that legal sports wagering available for people of legal age to enjoy elevates the experience to a Vegas level of proficiency, making for a well-rounded offering. Mr. Gural also pointed out that in-person betting at Tioga Downs and other casino resorts across the state amps up the credibility factor.
Canada Strives to Keep Up
Players could bet online in other states, but many of them still consider the opportunity risky, as they fail to trust the system. Meanwhile, betting at brick-and-mortar casinos allows players to establish a connection with the sportsbook and possibly seek assistance if the need arises. This eliminates the possibility of unfair conditions or their money disappearing.
Tioga Downs is ready to cater to its sports bettors’ needs, which calls for a partly expansion in the foreseeable future. The kitchen available there would have to go through a renovation, in order to keep up with the increasing demands. Meanwhile, Canada remains unable to keep up with the trends in North America, as single-event sports wagering is considered illegal.
Liberal candidate for Windsor West, Sandra Pupatello, made it clear that making sports wagering legal would be her main goal, once she is elected. She argued that greenlighting legal sports wagering at Caesars Windsor would be a healthy boost for the local employment market. Projections are that it is going to create 150 new positions, as well as about 100 in Niagara Falls.