New York bettors will not be able to use in-state online apps this year after a move to legalize online sports betting died in the state Assembly without a vote.
Since the legislature’s 2019 session has ended, that means a vote can’t be taken until spring, but advocates of online betting may have to wait longer than that.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has held fast to his interpretation that gambling in the state cannot be expanded online without approval of a referendum by state voters. Since New York law requires approval by the state legislature for a referendum in two consecutive sessions, online sports betting in the state could be years away.
New York’s Senate did approve a bill permit mobile sports betting and betting kiosks at many state arenas and stadiums, but getting the bill through the Assembly has always been problematic.
Supporters of the bill point out that neighboring New Jersey avoided a constitutional change by requiring all servers for online gambling to be located in Atlantic City, where gambling is permitted. They propose a similar arrangement with the state’s existing casinos, but Cuomo so far has not accepted that argument.
In the meantime, proponents of the bill say gamblers in the New York City area will likely continue to patronize the sportsbook at the nearby Meadowlands Racetrack or hop across the border to bet on any of New Jersey’s many online sports betting apps.
