Sports betting bill passes NY Senate committee
The legislation introduced in New York last week that seeks the legalisation of sports betting passed a Senate committee yesterday morning.
US.- The New York sports betting bill that was presented last week by Senator John Bonacic advanced out of a Senate committee yesterday morning. Despite its quick advancement, the bill’s sponsor believes that it will not progress any time in the near future.
S7900 would amend the current racing, parimutuel wagering and breeding law from New York. It would also subject casino sports betting to a 8.5 per cent tax on gross revenue, and operators would also have to pay a fee to sports leagues in order to fight game-fixing. While it wasn’t debated, the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee moved the bill on to the next committee stop. S7900 is now waiting to be discussed by the Senate Finance Committee.
Sen. John Bonacic said: “With today’s passage of S7900 out of the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, legalized sports betting is one step closer to becoming a reality in New York State. I thank my colleagues on the Committee for their support of this bill, and look forward to working with them and the many stakeholders, during the remainder of the legislative session to ensure that New York has the best piece of legislation possible should the Supreme Court strike down PASPA.”
Assembly member Gary Pretlow, chairman of the chamber’s gaming committee, is reportedly worried over some parts of the legislation. “We’re now going to wait on the Assembly, to have them weigh in,” Bonacic said.
The legislation was introduced ahead of the decision by the Supreme Court in the New Jersey case that seeks to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) that prohibits sports betting on a federal level. Bonacic believes that New York should be ready in case the Supreme Court decides to overturn the PASPA act and rule in favour of New Jersey. He said that the state is known for being slow when dealing with developments in the gambling industry.
