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How new bill to expand New York sports betting would affect online casino industry
A bill was reintroduced in the New York Assembly to expand the sports betting industry to 16 operators by 2027. Should it pass, it could reshape just how big the NY online casino market would be once the state legalizes casino apps.
The country's largest legal sports betting market is looking to add more licenses through an Assembly bill that was recently introduced. While the headlines will surround the fact that the New York sports betting industry could have as many as 16 sportsbooks by 2027, there's another potential byproduct of this legislation.
For several years, lawmakers in the Empire State have attempted to legalize online casinos. According to the most recent proposed bill, any licensed online sportsbook would be eligible to apply for iGaming licenses, meaning the number of total casino apps in New York could increase before the industry is even legalized.
Bill: More NY sportsbooks means lower tax rates
Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner referred her proposal, A6013, to the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering, of which she is the chair. The bill, similar to one she filed in 2025, would expand the number of NY sports betting licenses to as many as 16 by January 2027.
The state currently allows for nine sportsbooks, but only eight are operational after Resorts World Bet shut down last summer.
New York also boasts one of the highest tax rates for online sports betting at 51%. By adding more licenses, however, that rate could decrease – which was one of the original proposals for online sports betting in New York before the industry went live.
Per the bill, the state would tax sportsbooks at a 50% rate if the market features between 10 and 12 operators, a rate that would then drop to 35% for 13 to 14 platforms and to 25% for 15 or more sportsbooks.
How sports betting-centric bill affects potential NY online casino market
As it stands, New York has yet to legalize casino apps, but lawmakers have continuously tried to change that – specifically Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr.
Most recently, and for the fourth straight year, Addabbo reintroduced legislation that would authorize state-regulated online casinos, a bill that was referred to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee that he oversees as chair.
Addabbo's S2614, which has a companion bill in the Assembly, already casts a wide net for potential licenseholders that could offer casino games online. Land-based casinos, video lottery terminals and tribes in the state would be eligible for licensing.
But the size of potential online casinos increases with another aspect of the bill, which allows for any licensed sports betting operators in the state to be eligible to offer NY online casinos. As it stands, that would mean eight online sportsbooks (nine if another entity steps into the vacant license) would currently be available to apply for iGaming licensing. If Woerner's bill passes, as many as 16 platforms could be offering online sports betting. In addition, players could find their best online casino.
