New York Senate approves mobile sports betting bill

The New York Senate has approved legislation that would legalise mobile sports betting, although the proposed reforms are unlikely to take hold any time soon.

While Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr’s bill passed through the upper chamber this week with a 57-5 vote, there is little chance it will be ratified by the time NY’s legislative session closes on Wednesday, June 19.

SEE ALSO: ONLINE GAMBLING IN NEW YORK

Division among influential Democrats has slowed the progress of New York’s push for regulated sports betting, with Governor Andrew Cuomo leading the campaign against legalisation.

The former NY Attorney General has expressed doubts about the constitutional viability of online wagering and is therefore unlikely to sign off on any law changes until that matter is put to bed.

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Changing the constitution is a lengthy and tortuous legal process that takes several years, so gamblers in NY would be advised not to hold their collective breath.

New York recently approved regulations for retail sports betting at commercial casinos, but even those changes are no certainty to stick.

If the stalemate is not resolved soon, the Empire State will be one of the few places in the American north-east that does not offer gambling on sporting events.

Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island have all legalised sports betting in the past year, while Maine and New Hampshire are expected to join the club by the end of 2019.