Earlier today the Assembly Racing & Wagering Committee passed its own version of a mobile sports betting bill (A.1257). Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, a long-standing member of the committee and a sponsor of the bill released this statement:

“As we work to rebuild our economy, we must find creative solutions to support small businesses, boost local economies and recover lost revenue. Although it’s encouraging to see the Governor change course from years past to support mobile sports betting this year, this bill is significantly different and a much better proposal as it includes a structure that allows a multi-operational model, providing benefits for upstate casinos like Rivers Casino here in Schenectady. The governor’s proposal would only allow the state to be the primary collector of revenues generated, which I don’t believe is the best bet to bolster local economies like Schenectady.”

“Last year sports betting was finally allowed to operate in a safe, regulated market within casinos across the state, including at Rivers Casino here in Schenectady. The same should be done with mobile sports betting. The additional revenue to the state would be coming at a time when more funding is needed to support our schools and provide much-needed aid to our local communities. With most businesses already operating under socially distancing guidelines, doing all or some of their business virtually and online, now is the time to expand on this initiative. The longer we wait on this, the more we lose out on a market that’s generating significant revenue in other states like New Jersey and could be part of the solution to address this year’s budget gap.”