New York Gov shows support for mobile sports betting

Gov. Cuomo is looking for ways to generate extra income for the state amid the pandemic and mobile sports betting could be the key.

US.- New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo has finally expressed support towards mobile sports betting, after long pushing back on legalising it.

According to accounts from the NY Daily News, Gov. Cuomo will make mobile sports betting a central part of his policy proposals in next week’s State of the State address.

Gov. Cuomo’s switch in opinion could be a bid to generate extra income for the state of New York as the coronavirus pandemic continues to create economic turmoil.

He said in a statement: “New York has the potential to be the largest sports wagering market in the United States, and by legalising online sports betting we aim to keep millions of dollars in tax revenue here at home, which will only strengthen our ability to rebuild from the COVID-19 crisis.”

The Governor has been consistently opposed to online gambling in the past, arguing a constitutional amendment would be necessary for it to be legalised.

But with many New Yorkers travelling to neighbouring state New Jersey to make wagers, Gov. Cuomo feels legalising mobile sports betting is the best move forward.

“At a time when New York faces a historic budget deficit due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the current online sports wagering structure incentivises a large segment of New York residents to travel out of state to make online sports wagers or continue to patronise black markets,” he added.

New Jersey’s sports betting handle for November hit $931m, setting an all-time monthly record, according to figures released by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE).