As we head into the final phases of mobile New York sports betting finally being launched within the state, New York Bets.com talked with its major proponent, state Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D), state Chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, for his thoughts on the process and what’s next for sports betting in the state.
Sen. Addabbo was elected to the New York State Senate in 2008. A lifelong resident of Queens, Sen. Addabbo represents the 15th Senatorial District encompassing the communities - in whole or in part - of Broad Channel, Elmhurst, Forest Hills, Glendale, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Maspeth, Middle Village, Ozone Park, Rego Park, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Woodside and most of the Rockaways.
Through his Senate offices, Sen. Addabbo and his staff have assisted thousands of constituents with problems involving housing, health, transportation, taxes, public safety and many other issues, including efforts to aid local residents whose lives were so deeply affected by Hurricane Sandy in late October of 2012.
In addition to other legislative responsibilities, Joe is also a member of the Senate Committees on Aging, Civil Service and Pensions, Children and Families, Education, and Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs.
Here is Sen. Addabo’s conversation with NewYorkBets.com:
Thoughts on Mobile Sports Betting Process
NewYorkBets.com: With the hopes that legal New York’s mobile sports betting apps betting can begin early in 2022, how do you feel the process has gone and has it been the right process for the state?
Sen. Addabbo: I have been giving much credit to the New York State Gaming Commission for adhering to the statutory timeframe and actually announcing the providers and operators ahead of schedule.
(The operators thas Sen. Addabbo is referencing include BetMGM Sportsbook NY and FanDuel Sports Betting NY, along with five other online sportsbooks in New York.)
NewYorkBets.com: You have been an advocate for this to come to New York, even before COVID-19, why?
Sen. Addabbo: I believe New York should have prevented our money from flowing into other states, ever since the Supreme Court authorized states other than Nevada to have sports betting in 2018.
Forecasting the Near Future
NewYorkBets.com: What do you think this will do for the state and once implemented, where do you see mobile sports betting, say 12-18 months after launch?
Sen. Addabbo: With mobile sports betting, New York should witness an increase in educational funding, revenue and jobs, in addition to increased funding for addiction programs and youth sports. Our revenue has the potential of surpassing that of New Jersey.
NewYorkBets.com: Do you think the idea of more casinos, possibly downstate, is a good thing?
Sen. Addabbo: By activating the three downstate licenses, New York could recognize an initial $2 billion dollars, with much more to come. Once again, added revenues, educational funding, jobs and addiction programs will materialize as well.
NewYorkBets.com: I know you are not a betting man, but that first day of launch, what will you be feeling and what might your first bet be on?
Sen. Addabbo: After working on the mobile sports betting issue for over two years, to see it become a reality would be quite exciting, but knowing that our work probably has just begun, as we look to improve upon our initial product.
I’d like to place my first bet on New York to win for the largest monthly and year-end sports betting handle in the country!
