ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Gaming Commission announced that four platform providers and operators were approved for mobile sports betting Thursday.
The Gaming Commission says the four licensed mobile sports wagering operators that have been approved are: Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive.
Officials say the four providers that have satisfied all statutory and regulatory requirements to accept and process wagers are good to launch no earlier than Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 9 a.m.
After that date, the state-approved providers will determine when they will start accepting wagers based on their capabilities and readiness.
A few Buffalo Sabres fans at Thursday night's game against the San Jose Sharks told 2 On Your Side they were optimistic about mobile sports betting, but would not be betting on Buffalo teams for fear of bad luck. Others said in passing, they'd rather spend the money on going to a game.
"DraftKings I signed up for that, the sportsbooks on my iPhone and I can't wait to start betting this weekend," Matthew Gordon of Amherst said.
"I think [the mobile platform] will just bring some different type of excitement. Whether it's football or hockey, you know you can have fun that way, but obviously in moderation," added Bill Eagan of Boston, New York.
FanDuel Vice President of Communications Chris Jones said his company has been working with the state from the very beginning, adding that the security and verification processes required by New York were similar to other states they've worked with. FanDuel was named the official sportsbook for the Buffalo Bills.
"This is a crown jewel as we start to see more states across the country legalize, there is nothing like New York. ... We're based here so we want to win here, so we want to be set up for success from day one," Jones said.
Each app will require participants to prove who they are, to make sure they are 21 or older, input a payment method such as PayPal or a bank account, and gambling can commence.
"We put up propositions on the NBA, we put propositions on the NHL, and then there are sports that people like that aren't the major four," said DraftKings Director of Race and Sports Operations Johnny Avello.
And while the convenience of mobile betting may be enticing to newcomers, the issue of gambling addiction isn't changing. Up to $6 million of the state's expected $500 million revenue will be re-invested in things like gambling addiction services but DraftKings and FanDuel are also encouraging people to set limits. Both companies are expecting a surge of applicants come Saturday morning.
"Not everyone wins, know your limits," Eagan said.
"Make sure you set up a time limit or a deposit limit or even a wager limit within your means so this is for fun and entertainment and not anything more than that," Jones said.
There are still five other licensed mobile sports wagering operators that are working towards meeting the state's requirements to launch. Those will be approved on a rolling basis, once the requirements are met according to the state gaming commission. They include BetMGM, Resorts World, PointsBet, WynnBET, and Bally Bet.