New York Mobile Betting Goes Live With Online Sportsbooks

New Yorkers can finally place online sports bets without crossing over to Jersey and other neighboring states following the rollout of mobile betting across the Empire State this weekend. The market launched at 9 am ET on Saturday with DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, and BetRivers being the first operators to accept mobile wagers in the precinct.

The four companies were given the green light by the New York State Gaming Commission on Thursday after satisfying all statutory and regulatory requirements set by the regulator. The brands, however, are not new to New Yorkers as they have been offering in-person betting in the state since 2019.

DraftKings retail sportsbook is located at Del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, while Caesars runs the sportsbooks at Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango, Point Palace Casino in Bridgeport, and Turning Stone Casino in Verona via its partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation. FanDuel’s retail partner in the state of New York is the Nichols-based Tioga Downs Casino, and BetRivers physical sportsbook is located at Rivers Casino Schenectady.

The successful launch puts New York on the map as the largest state with a regulated mobile sports betting market since the activity is not legal in California, Texas, and Florida.

Operators Delighted To Enter the Country’s Largest Market

The rollout of mobile sportsbooks in the Empire State is a big event in the history of legal US sports betting. With a population of nearly 20 million and strong sports culture, New York has the potential to become the leader in the country’s regulated, a position currently held by its neighbour New Jersey.

In a statement ahead of the Saturday launch, DraftKings said that it was excited to offer its best-in-class sportsbook services to New Yorkers, noting that the jurisdiction is home to one of the biggest populations of passionate sports fans.

‘’We are excited to finally be able to offer millions of passionate New York sports fans the top-rated DraftKings mobile and online sportsbook. We want to extend a special thanks to Governor Hochul, Senator Addabbo, Assemblyman Pretlow, the New York Gaming Commission along with the tireless efforts of our dedicated DraftKings team for making this a reality,’’ said DraftKings CEO, co-founder and chairman of the board Jason Robins.

Growing up in New York and having spent the last 30-plus years in Las Vegas, I am thrilled that my worlds are finally set to collide. Millions of New Yorkers will soon discover what we believe makes our DraftKings Sportsbook the very best in customer service and real-money gaming and entertainment,’’ added DraftKings Director of Race and sportsbook Operations, Johnny Avello.

New York is the 15th online state for the DraftKings Sportsbook.

Caesars Sportsbook also issued a statement to mark its entry in the NY mobile betting market, its 21st regulated market in the country, and its 15th online state.

‘’Today is a historic day for not only Caesars Sportsbook, but for the Entire State of New York. We’re ready to treat sports fans across the State of New York like royalty through our Caesars Sportsbook app as we welcome them into the Caesars Empire, extend our already established roots and continue to build partnerships that benefit our bettors,’’ said the Co-President of Caesars Digital, Chris Holdren.

Remaining operators to be approved on a rolling basis

In addition to the four companies cleared to launch statewide mobile betting on Saturday, the New York State Gaming Commission is also working with five other operators to make sure that they meet the regulatory requirements before awarding their permits. These companies include BetMGM, Bally’s Corp., Wynn Resorts, Resorts World, and PointsBet Holdings.

The state regulator selected the nine operators to run online and mobile sportsbooks in the jurisdiction in November, allowing them to start the licensing process. The Gaming Commission revealed last week that it would approve the remaining licenses on a rolling basis, which means that each company will get the green light to launch upon clearing all regulatory hurdles.

It is expected that all nine sportsbooks will be live by the NFL Super Bowl 2022.