New York residents divided over online sports betting

New Yorkers are evenly split on whether or not the state should introduce online sports betting.

The news comes as the Empire State prepares to follow in the footsteps of nearby Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, all of which have legalised gambling on sports.

A recent poll conducted by the Siena College Research Institute shows 44 per cent of NY residents are in favour of the move, with 44 per cent against and the remaining 12 per cent undecided.

SEE ALSO: ONLINE GAMBLING IN NEW YORK

Around 53 per cent of male participants support legalisation, while 51 per cent of women oppose the plan.

There is also a clear divide between age groups.

The biggest backing comes from the 35-54 bracket, of which 53 per cent polled in the affirmative.

Meanwhile, some 58 per cent of people over the age of 55 are against online sports gambling.

The poll was taken between February 4 and February 7 this year and included 778 registered voters.

New York City alone is home to more than 8 million people, while the state population exceeds 20 million.