NY State assembly passes late-night budget with mobile sports betting provisions

New York’s 2021-2022 Budget – Mobile Betting
There are two proposed bills making their way through the state legislative process, New York Assembly Bill A1257 and New York Senate Bill S1183. The New York State Assembly included the language and provisions from Bill A1257 in its 2021-2022 budget, which was published late on March 13, 2021. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow has been the major proponent pushing this version of the mobile betting bill.

The published budget included specific provisions regarding licensing fees, which would allow commercial and tribal casinos the opportunity to apply for licenses to operate mobile sports betting in New York. Although at one point Governor Andrew Cuomo advocated a state-run lottery model, this is not the model included in the Assembly’s budget.

The Senate Bill also needs to pass a budgetary process. State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is the primary sponsor of S1183. A vocal advocate for mobile sports betting in New York, we are hopeful the Senate budget will be published soon. Then, the two bills would need to be reconciled.

New York’s fiscal budget is set each year on April 1. Any legislation that doesn’t make it into the budget for fiscal year 2021-2022 must wait another year. This is why Saturday night’s developments were so important for New York sports fans.

Cuomo No Longer A Roadblock?
In the past, Gov. Cuomo has been the major roadblock standing in the way of legalized mobile sports betting in New York. Early in 2021, he seemed more amenable than ever to signing off on mobile betting. Cuomo has been pushing for a state-run lottery model, rather than a commercial licensing model, which is used in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Now, with Cuomo roiled in controversy, the legalization process seems to be moving forward despite Cuomo’s past concerns. And, the lottery model he preferred is not the model adopted by either of the state bills. He might not have it in him to fight for the lottery model.
The legalization could be a big win for Cuomo, at a time he needs a win the most. New York faces a huge budget shortfall, in great part due to the pandemic. Adding mobile sports betting into the 2021-2022 New York State budget could plug this hole and set the state on the right track towards recovery.

Next Steps?
It is likely Addabbo will be pushing the State Senate to publish its fiscal budget, with mobile sports betting included. If both bills are passed, there would need to be a reconciliation of the bills before they reach Cuomo’s desk for signature. When it comes to NY mobile betting, nothing is guaranteed, but these are steps in the right direction.