Yes, mobile sports betting is now available in the Empire State.
On January 8, the United States’ largest mobile sports betting market went live, allowing New York gamblers to place their first online wagers. With four operators, New York made US gaming history when it started its online betting market. After receiving approval from the New York State Gaming Commission to accept and process mobile wagers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive (RSI) became the Empire State’s first four operators to provide online sports betting (NYSGC).
While nine operators have been licenced, only four of them have started in the state so far, while the other five are still working to meet statutory and regulatory standards. Nonetheless, four operators were enough to propel New York to the top of the US sports betting industry on its first weekend, surpassing every other state.
In just 12 hours, according to data specialist GeoComply, the northeastern state rose to the top of the country’s mobile sports betting jurisdictions and became a capital of a mobile sports betting. Millions of sports fans were pleased to learn that they could gamble on their favourite teams from the comfort of their own homes. 5.8 million geolocation pings were logged on the first day, making New York’s opening the single largest in US history for a mobile sports betting market – no other state comes close. Indeed, it attracted more than twice as many people as the previous record-holder, Pennsylvania.
As a result, many in the gambling industry have hailed this as a watershed moment, including Caesars Digital Co-President Chris Holdren, who said: “Today is a historic day for not only Caesars Sportsbook, but for the entire state of New York.” “Through our Caesars Sportsbook app, we’re ready to treat sports fans across New York like royalty as we welcome them into the Caesars empire, extend our already established roots, and continue to form relationships that benefit our bettors.”
But on what have individuals been placing their bets? DraftKings provided some useful information. The NFL accounted for roughly 46% of its total handle, with the NBA accounting for another 24%. College basketball and football followed following, contributing for about 6% and 5% of total handle, respectively.
The Kansas City Chiefs were the most bet-on club in New York’s first weekend of mobile sports betting, followed by the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles. The Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, and Green Bay Packers, as well as local teams the Jets and Knicks, rounded out the top ten. Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs was voted the most bet-on player, followed by Drew Lock of the Denver Broncos, Travis Kelce, and Javonte Williams. “Growing up in New York and having spent the last 30-plus years in Las Vegas, I am happy that my worlds are finally ready to merge,” Johnny Avello, a New York native and DraftKings’ Director of Race and Sportsbook Operations, said ahead of Saturday’s opening.Millions of New Yorkers will soon learn why we think our DraftKings Sportsbook is the greatest in customer service, real-money gaming, and entertainment.”
Almost immediately, the state’s four operators began launching enormous promotional campaigns. Customers at Caesars received a $3,000 deposit match, a $300 sign-up bonus, and a free NBA jersey, for example.
While many were ecstatic about the arrival of mobile sports betting in the Empire State, Brandy Richards, Team Leader of the Northeast Problem Gambling Resource Center in New York, advised individuals to be cautious when placing bets. She voiced concern to CBS 6 Albany that the increased accessibility of mobile sports betting vs in-person wagering could lead to higher incidences of compulsive gambling. “I believe that when you enhance accessibility, the risk of difficulties increases as well,” Richards said. “We are concerned about folks who may already be dealing with or recovering from gambling addictions.”Let’s wait and see, what awaits ahead of new capital of mobile sports betting.