Gambling a no-go?
Speaker: Expansion unlikely to pass state Assembly
ALBANY – Looks like all bets are off for boosting sports gaming in New York – at least for this year.
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (D-Bronx) on Thursday said there doesn't appear to be enough support among members of the Assembly's ruling Democratic Conference to justify moving forward with legislation that would allow sports gaming to expand online in New York.
Heastie's comments come after the conference discussed the issue behind closed doors Wednesday night and several members voiced concerns about expanding gambling in New York.
“Significant issues were raised by our members and it doesn't appear that there is enough support within the Democratic conference to move forward with the bill at this time,” Heastie spokesman Michael Whyland said.
Existing state law allows New York's four commercial casinos to begin offering onsite sports gambling as soon as the Gaming Commission gives the OK, but lawmakers were considering legislation that would allow them to offer online platforms and betting kiosks at racetracks and other venues.
Backers of the legislation have argued that sports betting is already taking place illegally in New York and it would be better for the state to make it legal and regulate the industry, while also collecting added tax revenue. Gambling interests and sports leagues have been pressing lawmakers to allow expanded, but tightly regulated, sports gaming.
Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee Chairman Gary Pretlow (D-Westchester County), a sponsor of the bill, said he was not giving up on passing the legislation and hopes to build more support for it before the Legislature ends its annual session next week.
“I never give up,” Pretlow said.
State Sen. John Bonacic (R-Orange County), head of the Senate's gaming committee, said he believed there was enough support in the GOP-controlled Senate to pass the bill but noted the chamber would not take up the measure until the Assembly does.
“The ball is in the Assembly court,” Bonacic said.