US Online Sports Gambling Heading to NY, Florida and Mass?

US Online Sports Gambling Coming to NY, Florida and Mass?

When it comes to the potential legalization of internet sports betting, each of these states is unique in its own way. New York was among the first to launch legal sportsbooks, but only at land-based casinos. Legislators there would be looking at an expansion bill. Florida just finalized a bill, but has some major obstacles in its way. Massachusetts has the least hurdles to cross, as lawmakers there already passed a bill in the house, and are awaiting a decision in the Senate.

We’ll take a quick look at each of these jurisdictions, and the potential for a successful outcome.

Prospects High for NY Sports Betting Law

New York was quick to legalize sports betting when the federal government made it legal to do so almost three years ago. However, Governor Andrew Cuomo made it clear that he was opposed to operating New York sportsbooks online. He didn’t even budge when a February 2020 analysis estimated the state was missing out on $200 million in annual revenue. Then on January 6, 2021, he issued this statement:

“New York has the potential to be the largest sports wagering market in the United States, and by legalizing online sports betting we aim to keep millions of dollars in tax revenue here at home…”

The statement goes on to iterate Cuomo’s belief that mobile sports gambling will help “strengthen our ability to rebuild” following the catastrophic events of 2020. With Cuomo on board, there’s little doubt NY will get the job done.

Florida Bill on Tap, but with Obstacles a Plenty

There’s a new bill on the table in Florida, where there’s political support, residential support, and even tribal support. But don’t expect anything to happen too quickly, if at all.

There’s a law in Florida that states any form of gambling expansion requires voter referendum before the government can move a bill. Yes, there’s voter support, but referendums are time consuming, not to mention costly. That’s just a minor issue, though.

The biggest obstacle will be the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which owns the majority of the state’s casinos. Again, there’s no doubt the tribe will support sports betting, but not necessarily the online variety. And before any of this can even be debated, the state will need to resolve long-standing issues over slot machine taxation and table game exclusivity rights.

Massachusetts Still Working Out the Details

Of all the states currently considering internet sportsbooks, Massachusetts is probably the most likely to do it. Virtually the entire state, from the highest political level, to the majority of adult citizens, are in favor. What’s getting in the way are the finer details of the matter, like who can host a sportsbook, and what sports can be wagered on.

We have one group that says only MGM and Penn National/Barstool should have the right to launch an online sportsbook, since they are the only land-based casino operators in the state. And we have those who believe outside competition should be allowed. Then we have those in favor of legalizing bets on professional and college sports, arguing with those who oppose betting on collegiate sports.

There’s little doubt that Massachusetts will join the growing list of US online sports gambling states. The real question is, “When?”