The New York Gambling Commission wants information encompassing the state’s entire gaming industry and will order a new study that along with sports betting could pave the way for other online betting, including poker.
The commission wants the study to look at “the entire gaming industry in the state, inclusive of the fiscal, economic, and social implications of gaming.” The commission is expected to select a company to conduct the study this week.
The commission will select the company to conduct the study on Monday at its regular meeting.
“I’m hoping this study gives us a blueprint for the entire gaming picture in our state so we can use it as a road map to go forward and expand gaming,” said state Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. according to Online Poker Report. “This is a comprehensive look at gaming in our state with an eye on the future.”
Areas to be studied include the possibility of adding up to three more casinos in the state and legalizing most forms of online gambling, including the state lottery.
Also to be studied, according to the commission’s request for proposal, are:
- The performance of existing commercial casinos, video lottery gaming facilities (VLT), the state lottery, and tribal gaming facilities
- The economic, fiscal, and social implications of the awarding of up to three additional commercial casino licenses
- The impact an approved VLT facility in Orange County will have on existing gaming facilities and state revenues
- The impact of a change in taxation rates for video lottery and commercial casino games and activities
- Suggestions for the sustainability and growth of each market segment, including the long-term sustainability of Batavia Downs, Buffalo Raceway, and Vernon Downs
- A look at the potential market for expanding sports wagering to VLT and off-track betting facilities
- The market impacts of online sports wagering, lottery, and video poker
According to the American Gaming Association, New York’s gambling industry brought in $2.59 billion i in 2018. However, more than half of that total ($1.45 billion) was generated by two VLT facilities in the New York City area.
The commission wants the study to move quickly and be completed in time for the state’s next legislative session in 2020.
