A New York Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that could significantly widen the state’s sports betting options, opening the door for a broader range of wagers, including proposition bets and bets on major sports awards. The move signals a push to further capitalize on the booming betting market, but it also comes amid growing national concerns over sports integrity.
Expanded Betting Options on the Table
Senate Bill 2616, spearheaded by Senator Joseph Addabbo, would introduce new betting opportunities for gamblers across the state. If passed, it would allow:
- In-game and season-long proposition bets
- Wagers on coin tosses
- Betting on future team and individual honors, such as the Heisman Trophy and NFL MVP
Currently, New York prohibits betting on sports awards, placing it alongside states like Colorado, Massachusetts, and Virginia, which have similar restrictions. Addabbo believes this expansion will boost “an already successful” online sports betting market, which has been a massive revenue generator for the state.
The bill must now pass through the full Senate and the House before landing on Governor Kathy Hochul’s desk for final approval.
National Concerns Over Proposition Bets
While New York considers expansion, the issue of proposition bets—especially on individual college athletes—has been under increasing scrutiny. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been vocal in his opposition, calling for a nationwide ban.
“Prop bets continue to threaten the integrity of competition and lead to student-athletes and professional athletes getting harassed,” Baker said in a recent statement.
Several states, including Louisiana, Ohio, and Maryland, have already banned proposition bets on college athletes in response to concerns about match-fixing and potential threats to players. New York’s bill does not directly address college prop bets, but the broader conversation is likely to influence future discussions.
New York’s Sports Betting Boom Continues
Despite these concerns, New York’s sports betting industry is thriving. The state reported an all-time high of $22.6 billion in total wagers in 2024, the largest betting handle in U.S. history. That translated into $2 billion in operator revenue and more than $1 billion in tax revenue for the state.
The momentum carried into January 2025, which set a new monthly record with $2.5 billion in total handle and $247 million in gross gaming revenue (GGR)—the biggest single-month performance since the state launched online sports betting in 2022.
With numbers like these, it’s no surprise that lawmakers are eager to expand the industry further.
Online Casino Push Gains Momentum
Alongside sports betting expansion, Senator Addabbo is also leading the charge to legalize online casinos in New York through Senate Bill 2614. The bill proposes a regulated online gaming market with key provisions, including:
- Licensing eligibility for casinos, video lottery terminal (VLT) parlors, sportsbooks, and tribal operators
- A $2 million license fee for land-based casino operators
- A $10 million fee for independent contractors running online platforms
A previous attempt to legalize online casinos failed last year, but Addabbo remains optimistic about this latest effort. Supporters argue that legalizing online casinos could further boost state revenue, though opponents cite regulatory challenges and concerns over problem gambling.
Next Steps for SB 2616
The sports betting bill now moves to the full Senate for a vote, followed by consideration in the House. If both chambers approve, it will head to Governor Hochul’s desk for final ratification.
At the same time, lawmakers are weighing the potential benefits and risks of online casino expansion. The debate over gambling regulations in New York is far from over, and the coming months could shape the future of the industry.
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