New York Senator Introduces Bill To Allow Fixed-Odds Wagering On Racing

With the pending launch of mobile sports betting fast approaching in New York, Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D-Queens), chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, has filed a bill that would allow fixed-odds wagering on horse racing, according to casino.org.

In 2021, as part of the enacted budget, New York State authorized the Gaming Commission to license mobile sports wagering operators. Those
licenses have since been awarded to entities that are going to be tasked with offering gaming opportunities that will lead to the best financial opportunities for the state of New York. As the law is written, a wagerer would not be able to place a fixed odds bet through a mobile sports wagering operator on a horse race.

Senate Bill S7536 would enable mobile sports wagering providers to offer that opportunity, should they so choose, but only if they enter into an agreement with the horse racing content provider. Additionally, this legislation would create additional opportunities for affiliated organizations to offer opportunities to participate in this gaming activity

“It's ridiculous that our New Yorkers can't place a bet on mobile sports betting, and at the same time place a bet at the fifth race in Saratoga or what have you,” Addabbo told Casino.org. “It would be just a natural marriage. It would just be a rational thought, once again, to combine those two.”

The bill will not be considered until the legislative session resumes in January.

“The legislation [Sen. Addabbo] has introduced presents an enormous opportunity for horse racing to share in the benefits of mobile sports betting,” said Patrick McKenna, a spokesman for NYRA. “It would be a big win for New York and for the future of horse racing.”