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NYC Sports Travel

Legalizing sports betting in New York

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Betting in New York

For a state filled with some of the most historic franchises in sports history, New York has long been dry when it comes to sports betting. It was formerly one of the states to ban lotteries in the mid-1800s before being made legal again in 1967. Later, casino gaming was made legal after a long era of attempts before finally coming to fruition in 2013. Until then, many New Yorkers had crossed state and city lines to take part in the fun before having access to an array of casino games, including blackjack, slots, baccarat, poker, and more. 

At around the same time, a law permitted the construction of four commercial casinos located in upstate New York. Included in that law was permission for sports betting to be allowed at those casinos, assuming a lifting of the federal ban put in place previously. This took a while to be finalized but a 2018 PAPSA ruling meant that at long last, in-person sports betting was permitted. These regulations were formally approved by the Commission in June of 2019. This was, however, open to only four casinos:

  • del Lago Resort & Casino
  • Resort World Catskills
  • Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
  • Tioga Downs Casino

 

On July 16, 2019, Rivers became the first retail casino in the history of the state to accept a legalized sports bet. A sportsbook at Tioga Downs followed with its debut days later.

Whilst sports betting was technically legalized in the state, there was still something missing. Whilst the commission had allowed in-person betting, mobile sportsbooks were still prohibited, meaning that if they liked the look of the New York Knicks in the NBA lines, they crossed over the state lines to New Jersey to place a bet. Sports betting was made legal in NJ in 2018 with an estimated 20% of the sports betting action in New Jersey coming from New Yorkers crossing the state border.

That milestone was finally reached recently though in April 2021 when former Governor Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders made a deal to legalize mobile sports betting statewide. This was eventually signed into law as part of the state budget.

Aside from adding an extra layer of excitement to game day for fans, there is also a financial motive for those behind the passing of the law. The state estimates that New York’s online sports betting market is expected to hit $1 billion in annual revenue and by 2025, annual tax revenue from online sports betting will hit $493 million.

Regulators approved licenses for nine operators; DraftKings, Fanduel, Bally Sports, BetMGM, PointsBet, Caesars, WynnBet, Kambi, and Resorts World. This made them one of 18 other states that have legalized mobile wagering. Securing a license for operators such as DraftKings is huge news for the state. As the largest fantasy sports service in the country, DraftKings boasts over eight million users and they now have one of the most popular sportsbooks in the market.

Of the nine operators, DraftKings is also the most accessible with their site and app available in 13 states throughout the country. The company was one of the first to offer legal online sports betting following the repeal of PASPA in 2018. They also have a strategic partnership in New York with Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo.

Nov. 8, 2021 — Nine sportsbooks are selected to offer mobile wagering in New York after agreeing to pay the state a 51% tax on their gross revenue. As with in-person betting, there is expected to be a wait until the launch for mobile betting. This wait is not expected to be long though and is still on schedule to launch by Super Bowl kickoff in 2022. 

Nov. 2, 2021 – The NYSGC announce that two groups will be permitted to offer sports betting in New York. The operators include some of the biggest names in sports betting such as DraftKings. 

August 9, 2021 – The Gaming Commission announces all of the bids received by its deadline.

April 19, 2021 — The legalization of online sports betting in New York is made official after Cuomo signs the state budget into law. Hopes are that the launch will come before the Super Bowl kicks off.

April 6, 2021 — Gov. Cuomo had long believed that a constitutional amendment was needed to authorize sports gambling at locations beyond the state’s existing Upstate casinos and seems to have won over lawmakers with his compromises.

Until mobile betting launches in the state, you may be resigned to heading to one of the casinos that offer sports betting. The aforementioned Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo is one of the best places to bet in the state, with their DraftKings sportsbook offering some of the best odds and markets in the country. The rest of the casinos in the state are:

  • BetRivers Sportsbook in Schenectady 
  • FanDuel Sportsbook at Tioga Downs 
  • Turning Stone in Verona 
  • Point Place in Bridgeport
  • Yellow Brick Road in Chittenango
  • Resorts World Catskills in Monticello
  • Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in Hogansburg

Unfortunately, you may have to wait a couple of months until you can sit in front of your TV place a bet using your smartphone. If you live in New York City, however, your closest sportsbooks are just across state lines in New Jersey. If you are open to taking a ride in your car or taking a train, you can place your bets right on your smartphone or laptop by heading to New Jersey or Pennsylvania. When mobile betting is finally launched in the state there is no doubting that gameday for New Yorkers is going to double in excitement.

 

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NYC Sports Uncategorized

Sports betting in New York: here’s what you need to know

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New York is known and respected worldwide for its love of sports which has become part of the culture in the great state. Fans of all major professional sports, including football, baseball, basketball, and soccer, come from far and wide to watch teams compete, soaking up the unique atmosphere of a NY crowd on game night. In recent years, some of the biggest boxing events have also been fought out at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Just as big as the teams and players is the sports betting in New York. Millions of dollars are placed in wagers every year on sports fixtures. A growing number of those bets are placed online using home computers and smartphone devices. Some of the biggest names in the betting industry cover events in the state, offering generous odds and eye-catching promotions, including free bets.

Add some spice to your sport

Residents and visitors to New York are able to gamble online, using debit cards and e-wallets to fund their bets and withdraw their winnings. It’s fast, convenient, and user-friendly. It also helps add a little extra spice to your favorite sports, whether you are watching at the stadium or following the live TV coverage.

In this article, we have enlisted the help of an online sports betting professional who explains everything you need to know about gambling in New York. The information is presented in the style of a frequently asked question which makes it easy to follow and understand.

Is online betting legal in New York?

Yes, online betting in New York was legalized in April of 2021 following drawn-out discussions. New York became one of the states that allow sports betting, alongside the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Residents are now free to create online betting accounts and wager on the top professional sports.

 

 

Vlad Alexandru Popa Pexels

 

Why the change?

The changes to the laws regarding online betting in New York came about following an earlier decision in Washington. The US government decided to remove the blanket ban on betting and put the decision in the hands of each state. Some moved quickly, such as New Jersey. Others refused to make changes, while the likes of New York put it to a vote before adding any amendments into law.

How can I bet online?

To place online sports bets you must have a registered account with a licensed and regulated bookmaker. You can browse the options and see what is best for you, but before you can gamble, you must register. This is quick and easy to do, and you must complete the process only once. On future visits to your betting account, you can log in with your username and password.

How do I register?

The quickest, easiest, and most secure way to register an account with a licensed online betting app is by following the steps below. This process applies to all respected bookies.

 

  • Visit the homepage of your chosen bookie and click the register button
  • Fill in the registration form with all required information
  • Create a memorable but secure username and password
  • Make your first deposit and place a bet

 

There are terms and conditions attached to all online bookies, and we advise you read the small print in full before creating your account. Doing so will ensure you understand how the site works and what is expected of you as a member.

Will I receive a welcome bonus?

Many online betting sites and apps give new customers a welcome bonus. This is a promotion used by the marketing team to encourage you to choose their site over the competition. They come in many different forms, but the most popular at present is the deposit matched free bet. 

This is a free bet given to new customers upon registering and placing their first gamble. In most cases, free bets are equal in value to your first deposit and wager. For example, if you create an account, deposit $50, and bet it on an NFL match you will see a $50 free bet added to your account balance. The freebie can be used to gamble on the sports and markets of your choosing but the stake isn’t included in any winnings.

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NYC Sports

As New York Edges closer towards mobile sports betting, should Atlantic City be worried? 

Samuel Walker

 

As part of their annual revenue bill, online sports betting has been made legal by the New York State Legislature, meaning that with certain restrictions, mobile sports betting within the New York area will now be allowed. As other states have begun to open their doors to legalized gaming, many within New York view the call to allow online sports betting as a long time coming.

 

What Does This Mean For New York?

 

Details of the exact agreement have yet to be released, so it is not 100% certain how the plan will be implemented. It is thought that there will be some limits to what can and can’t take place within online betting. However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has been championing the movement to make sports betting legal – earlier this year Cuomo talked publicly about the need for New York to benefit financially from a deal to legalize sports betting being made. He mentioned how many states allow casinos to take care of their own operations, which brings in big money for companies but not necessarily the same for the state. Instead, he talked about a desire to run the operation in a similar way to the New York Lottery. This would mean that revenues from sports betting would go to the state. In order to make this happen, it is thought that only a handful of mobile betting operators would be given the go-ahead to operate sports betting – although they could license this out to other operators if they wish. Cuomo is keen on the move to bring money into New York as a whole rather than just to make one gaming company rich. 

 

The move to operate sports betting in this way is very different from other states, such as New Jersey who allow for lots of casinos, which some argue allows for good deals for consumers due to the amount of competition there is for their custom.

 

What Effect Will This Have on Land-Based Casinos within New York?

 

Currently, there are a handful of casinos that operate within New York that offer sports betting, although none of them have been allowed to offer it online so far. This has meant that people who wish to bet on sporting events in New York have had to visit a land-based casino to do so. 

Over recent years there has definitely been a shift in the way that people in other states place sporting bets following legislation, with an estimated 80% of New Jersey sporting bets now being placed online. Many predict a high take-up of online sports betting opportunities when they occur because it is something that is brand new to residents of New York.

 

Land-based casinos in other states are used to having to compete with the mobile market and it seems that those in New York will need to do the same.  This will mean making sure that they pull out all the stops to encourage people to visit them to place bets rather than be tempted to place them online.  This isn’t impossible, but it does mean that they’ll need to make sure they offer something above and beyond betting online. Making a trip to the bookmakers an experience is one way to do this – offering refreshments and other sources of entertainment are a great way to keep people visiting because no one is going to offer you an ice-cold beverage if you’re placing bets at home on your sofa from your mobile phone.

 

What Will New Jersey Bookmakers Hope Happens?

 

The activities in the NY state legislature have been monitored closely by NJ bookmakers, who will be keen to see what effect this has on their land-based casinos too. Currently, there is quite a pull for tourists visiting New York to take a separate trip to New Jersey to visit bookmakers in places such as Atlantic City. This allows tourists to see a different part of America as well as place any sporting bets they want. NJ bookmakers will be keen for the relaxation of New York sports betting laws not to affect this tourist trade, which results in revenue for their businesses every single year.

 

As the change has not yet happened it is impossible to guess what effect this will have, but bookmakers nearby to New York are likely to be expecting this to have some effect on their trade. New Jersey Bookmakers will be hoping that the legislation in New York doesn’t override anything that they are able to offer in New Jersey. They will be hopeful that the new laws will still allow them to offer something more to tourists and therefore people will still be encouraged to visit.

 

The Overall Future of Land-Based Casinos

 

With mobile betting popularity on the increase, the future of land-based casinos is already one that is being talked about. The events of the last 15 months certainly have caused the future of any physical establishment like this to be discussed. Although in many ways we are seeing an end to restrictions caused by Coronavirus, it is likely that the public won’t all be quick to visit places full of people again. This is definitely something that physical casinos should be keeping in mind, making sure that they do everything they can to make sure they are catering to the needs of their customers. 

 

It is estimated that 91% of all legal sports bets in New Jersey were placed online between January and October 2020; which means a lot of people are now used to placing bets online rather than needing to visit a physical building. In order for land-based casinos certainly have some thinking to do in terms of customer retention. This will be especially true once mobile sports betting is allowed in New York.

 

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Sports

Big Sporting Events Worth Traveling For

Speaking of traveling became a taboo of sorts during 2020 given the global pandemic the world sadly fell into. Still, the idea of traveling, especially for sports fans could be considered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has always lingered in the minds of people. While we return to our normal way of life, or even more a “new normal” lifestyle where ideas like traveling for headlining sporting events will be more and more of a possibility let’s look at some events that should be in every sport betting fans’ bucket list.

FIFA World Cup, Soccer’s Biggest Party

If there is one thing that is veridical and true in the sporting industry is that there is no sport as popular in the world as soccer. With a following of around 3,5 to 4 billion people, the FIFA World Cup tournament has the power to bring countries to a scratching halt if their national team is playing. For soccer players, coaches and fans there is nothing bigger than being able to win the World Cup. For a whole month, the host country becomes the epicenter of all soccer-related activities and said hosts sure make a point to show the world that they are the place to be at.

Soccer fans that travel to the World Cup are treated to around-the-clock activities, concerts, meet and greets with some of the sport’s most important personalities as well as the most important event in the calendar, the games themselves. Tickets for World Cup games are usually gone in instants with tickets for the Championship game sometimes reaching price tags big enough for fans to be able to buy a car or a small house with the money.

The Summer and Winter Olympic Games, Sports’ Must-See Events!

If there are two events that can boast the claim to be able to bring the sporting world to hold without them being a one-day affair, then look no further than the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. Both events which happen in selected cities every four years and span throughout a whole month bring together the best exponents of the sporting world to compete for the ultimate prize, Olympic gold.

The Summer and Winter Olympic Games are the biggest all-around sporting events on any athlete’s calendar. With competitions that span through almost all professional sports disciplines, fans are treated to a vast selection of activities, competitions and events in cities that become the sporting capital of the world for that period of time. With the Summer Olympic Games set to begin in mid-2021 in Tokyo, Japan, after having to be postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Winter Olympic Games to be held in early 2022 in China the hopes of health and safety protocols being strong enough to allow fans to participate are slim but not at all dead, time and precautions will give the final word.

The Super Bowl, America’s Biggest Sports Event of the Year

The NFL Super Bowl can easily be considered the most important sporting and entertainment event in the calendar in the United States. While some may consider it to be all about the actual football game, at the end of the day the Super Bowl is an event with many facets, the actual football game being one of them. With show-stopping performances featuring some of the biggest musical artists of the moment, especially the coveted halftime show which has seen the likes of Michael Jackson, Prince, the Rolling Stone and Beyoncé perform, just to name a few artists the Super Bowl is the event to be at every year.

Cities that host the Super Bowl transform themselves into football cities to be able to offer fans the best football-related experience prior to the actual game. Football fans are known to be some of the most passionate and loyal fans in the sporting world so spending a good chunk of cash in order to live the Super Bowl experience at least once in a lifetime is a definite must.

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Entertainment NYC Sports Technology Uncategorized

Why New York Needs Online Casinos

Why New York Needs Online Casinos
Atlantic City Chamber

 

Though online casinos have been around for more than two decades, they have seen a tremendous increase in popularity over the past five years. Statistics show that the industry grew by almost 70% in two years and that the worldwide online gambling market is worth $66 billion, set to hit annual revenues of $92.9 billion by 2023. 

At the forefront of this digital revolution are sites that let you play slot machines online and those that accept bets on sporting events. In the US, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia allow for companies to operate and offer casino games via the internet. Michigan is joining this bunch soon, and more states are making efforts to fall in line with this trend.

However, while New York is showing signs that it may move to legalize sports betting, the same does not seem to apply for online casinos. In the past Governor Cuomo, rejected the idea of allowing sportsbook apps, claiming that they violated the state’s constitution. Nevertheless, legalization is under consideration, as state senator Joseph Addabbo looks to push Bill 17D. That said, no one is talking about the possibility of legalization of online casinos and how the state can profit from it.

Online Casinos Bring Hefty Tax Revenues to New Jersey 

When it comes to online casinos in the US, the Garden State is the pioneer, spearheading the effort to legalize online gambling in the country. In 2013, then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that allowed sites to provide online games of chance if they partner with struggling Atlantic City gaming venues. After a rocky start, the number of such platforms grew year to year, and now New Jersey is raking in massive tax revenues.

In August of 2020, the state posted record-setting online gambling revenues of $87.8 million, with online casinos taking in $84 million of that pie. Total gaming taxes for that month alone amounted to over $13 million, and the total amount of taxes paid by operators in 2019 was around $66 million.

People Are Already Playing at Offshore Sites

Seeing as the industry is exploding and new sites continuously pop up, many make their services available to players from the US. New Yorkers do not have to look for platforms outside US borders. They can play at those that operate from the previously mentioned states that permit companies to run such sites.

Today, thanks to virtual private networks, players can mask their location and gain access to sites that won’t accept them. Cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity, so, unless the platform uses advanced software that can detect VPN use, New Yorkers are free to play where they want, leaving the state without the ability to tax them.

Gambling Giants Are Stepping into the Digital Sphere

A report in early 2020 suggested that sports betting juggernaut William Hill, via its US division, plans to offer online casino games in New Jersey in the second half of the year. The company then announced its further expansion to Pennsylvania at a later date. In October of 2020, it quietly added a casino section to its sportsbook app for New Jersey players.   

This occurrence comes at the heels of the impending acquisition of William Hill by Caesars Entertainment, which has a 20% stake in the company due to its acquisition by former competitor Eldorado Resorts. Caesars already operates online casinos in New Jersey, and so does MGM Grand under the brand BetMGM. More industry powerhouses aim to make similar moves, such as Wynn Resorts, which inked a deal with operator BetBull and is investing $80 million in the venture.

If New York legalizes gaming sites and opens the door for such companies, it will bode well once the state is ready to allow massive land-based casino expansion. If or when that happens, it should provide a significant boost to the local economy via new employment opportunities, increased tourism, and more.

Gambling Laws in New York and Recent Developments

Currently, in the Empire State, you can legally place bets online on horse and dog racing and fantasy sports. Once the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 passed, Native American tribes opened gaming venues in New York, whose number now stands at seven. In 2013, after legal provisions allowed the establishment of non-tribal casinos, four new ones became available to residents. 

While there are some retail sportsbooks in New York, online ones are still not in play. However, no law explicitly bans residents from gambling on the internet, and many do so with no fears that they may face prosecution or receive a fine. Pro-gaming politicians and lawmakers made attempts in 2019 to include internet wagering in New York’s budget bill. In 2020, they raised the issue again but couldn’t reach an agreement before the legislative deadline. According to experts, it is a matter of when not if the activity becomes legal.

 

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Featured NYC Sports

Cycle Haus – Mobile Bike shop

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop

New York has it’s very own mobile bike shop. Founded by Jonathan Romero. In 2010 Jonathan moved to Germany and ended up working at his friend’s bike shop.

During a leisurely bike ride along Brooklyn Bridge Park, I noticed this eye-catching truck with German stripes. Contrary to my Italian instincts, I still pulled over to inquire as to their cycling services.  I met Jonathan and his partner Anastasiia Chub, a talent in her own right. She manages the day to day operations and creative aspect of the business

I haven’t regretted it!

As an avid cyclist, I’m more than excited to share this business with all New York cyclists, as Jonathan and Anastasiia have been a life saver several times in our short friendship.

Jonathan, learned everything mechanically to do with cycling and quickly learned the cycling industry. “Working in one of Northern Germany’s busiest shops was a fantastic experience. Throughout the years my passion for cycling grew and I knew it was finally time to make this idea come true. I wanted to bring that experience from Germany here to New York”. Cycle Haus was born.

 

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop
Jonathan Romero

 

DTM: Tell us your background and where you are from?

CH: I am a native New Yorker. In 2012 I moved to Germany for 3 years and ended up
working in a friend’s bike shop, a friend who turned into family. He taught and showed
me everything mechanically and on the business end of the cycling industry. Working in
one of Northern Germany’s busiest shops was a fantastic experience.

DTM: How long have you been cycling?

CH: I have been cycling since my childhood. My mom used to take me and my friends on
bike rides to Far Rockaway, parks and beaches. I even remember taking my bicycle late
night to go play soccer with my friends at Pier 40 – Fun times.

 

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop

DTM: When did this idea come to you to create a mobile cycling shop and why?

CH: Throughout the years my passion for cycling grew and I knew it was finally time to make this idea come true. I wanted to bring excellent experience from Germany, here, to New York. After searching for a storefront and realizing that everything is way overpriced,
that our customer base would be limited to a particular area – I thought why not to go
mobile and be able to help as many people as I can.

DTM: What are some of the comments you’re hearing from your current clients?

CH: Our customers love convenience, that they don’t have to get out of their house, carry
bikes to the shop and wait for weeks to pick it up. We get most jobs done on the spot,
while clients spend time with their family or don’t get interrupted at their job. Also, a lot
of customers noticed that we are cheaper than their local bike shop, which I am happy
with since my goal is to bring cycling culture up in New York City closer to how it is in
Europe.

 

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop
Cycle Haus IG

DTM: What do you want all New Yorkers to know about your business?

CH: We bring a fully equipped bike shop to your door or wherever you are on your bike ride. Now you can have your own support team whether you ride for the breeze, the fitness, the transportation or the suffering of it all – Cycle Haus will be by your side.

DTM: How do we find you or rather how do you find us?

Just Google us. We are always on the go and a lot of times our customers send
“spotted” pictures of the van on the streets to us. That’s funny, this is a small world.

DTM: Are your prices less expensive than going into a brick and mortar cycle shop?

CH: I would say – Yes. We are less expensive than other shops in the New York area, based
on our customers’ feedback.

A)DTM: Do you feel you’re in competition with the cycle shops?

CH: No, I do not. I do not like to look at it as a competition. We are all passionate about
cycling and are always looking to help grow the cycling community. There are more
than 8 million people in the New York City area and a single shop cannot service them
all.

DTM: What other items or services can I purchase from you or is it just for a quick
fix?

CH: You can purchase everything from nutritions, bar tape to freshen up your ride, a bicycle to cruise around town and all the way to a cycling support team that will keep your bike running, give you a boost over a hill, fuel you up, so you can ride further, faster and
longer.

 

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop
Cycle Haus IG

DTM: What do you love about Cycling?

CH: The freedom it gives you.

 

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop
Cycle Haus IG

 

DTM: Have you seen an increase or decrease in business since COVID-19?

CH: I have seen an increase in business for sure. I have a lot of calls from essential
workers, many of which understand the risk and do not wish to take public transportation,
that’s why first responders are always my first priorities. Also, sadly to say, I see that
people are stuck at home, can’t get their routine in and are looking for alternative
opportunities – finding their bicycles in their garages stuck for years and trying to get
some exercise in. That is why I get most of the calls today and am working some days
until midnight, trying to squeeze everyone in, to help as many people I can.

Cyclists, when you are on the road no matter where in New York, and you find yourself in need of a bike fix, pick up your phone and dial 516.412.9847.

Cycle Haus - Mobile Bike shop