New York State lawmakers have spent the past few months working on the sports betting set of rules that would oversee the field. Mobile sports betting failed to launch this year, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo needed more time to review the proposed bill in a timely manner. The sole positive outcome of this was the political contributions casino operators and mobile sportsbooks have been allocating ever since the beginning of 2018.
It could be recalled that the year 2018 was projected to bring major changes to the US gambling field. In preparation for the possible greenlighting of sports betting across the states, many operators and sportsbooks were ready to step up their game. On May 14, 2018, the United States Supreme Court overruled the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, making it possible for each state to launch legal sports betting in the most appropriate format and at a convenient time.
Casinos Offer Lawmakers Donations
Many states were quick to make a move and reserve their best spot in the budding field that would bring the best gaming revenue down the road. This could support the field and make it a sustainable one. New York State has to compete with neighboring states such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania that have already greenlighted well-rounded sports wagering offerings.
They feature both land-based betting and mobile wagering facilitating access to the offering. New York was also on its way to make mobile sports betting a reality, something local casino venues were ready to support. Some US$270,000 in contributions has been poured into the potential project since January 2018. This has been confirmed by financial reports showcasing every transaction.
According to the pieces of information, Gov. Cuomo has bagged about US$25,000 offered by del Lago Resort and Casino in Seneca County. This is one of the four commercial casino venues that would soon welcome in-person sports wagering. Over the same period of time, Genting, the management of Resorts World Casino in Queens and the newest Resorts World Catskills also poured some US$25,000.
Sports Betting Launches August 1
In the meantime, Sen. Joseph Addabbo has bagged some US$13,760 for his proposed sports betting bill and his support of mobile sports wagering. The two Daily Fantasy Sports giants FanDuel and DraftKings were among the companies that donated money in the form of political contributions. Former Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan received some US$1,500 from the New York Gaming Association PAC.
Such political contributions are a form of a donation to the government that aims to show the support of a given process and it is considered a beneficial move for all parties involved. There are always two sides to the story and two perspectives. Alex Camarda of Reinvent Albany pointed out that such public donations could undermine the reliability and impartiality of the government that decides New York’s future.
What is also true, is that sports betting is going to fill the gaping budget hole with a projected windfall of US$48.3 million on an annual basis. August 1 could see the official launch of this new offering, making New York State competitive to other sta
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