New York Senator Introduces Bill To Allow Fixed-Odds Wagering On Racing by Paulick Report Staff|11.23.202102.03.2022|9:57pm7:31pm 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. “Allowing horse racing content and wagering to coexist within the mobile sports betting marketplace would grow the sport in New York, deepen the industry's economic impact and attract new fans,” said Patrick McKenna, senior director of communications for NYRA. “It would expand consumer choice by placing premium horse racing content on the same mobile shelf as other professional sports, which would generate $1 billion or more in additional gaming revenue for New York State. Senator Addabbo recognizes the importance of horse racing as an economic engine for the state responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual economic impact. The legislation he has introduced presents an enormous opportunity for horse racing to share in the benefits of mobile sports betting. It would be a big win for New York and for the future of horse racing.” Read more at casino.org.