New York officially launched its legal mobile sports wagering market on 8 January, with all four of the state’s approved operators going live on opening day.
The New York Gaming Commission last week cleared Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive to accept mobile sports bets, having determined they “satisfied all statutory and regulatory requirements necessary to accept and process mobile sports wagering activity”.
Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Rush Street Interactive were four of the nine operators recommended for licenses following the conclusion of the state’s tender process.
The regulator said that the other five operators – PointsBet, Resorts World, BetMGM, Bally’s Corporation and Wynn Bet – “continue to work towards satisfying statutory and regulatory requirements necessary to launch”, with approval expected on a rolling basis.
Caesars Sportsbook launched mobile betting to operate alongside its New York retail sites at Point Place Casino, Turning Stone Resort and Yellow Brick Road Casino.
The operator will also roll out its Caesars Rewards customer loyalty program, meaning New Yorkers who bet with the operator can earn Tier Credits and Reward Credits with every wager. These credits can be used to unlock experiences such as hotel, food and beverage, entertainment, and gaming opportunities, as well as bonus cash and sports experiences.
Caesars has also signed New York Rangers National Hockey League legend Henrik Lundqvist as an ambassador to New York to support its launch in the state.
“Today is a historic day for not only Caesars Sportsbook, but for the entire state of New York,” Caesars Digital co-president Chris Holdren said on launch day. “We’re ready to treat sports fans across the state of New York like royalty through our Caesars Sportsbook app as we welcome them into the Caesars Empire, extend our already established roots and continue to build partnerships that benefit our bettors.”
DraftKings’ mobile sportsbook in New York will operate alongside its retail sports betting facility, which opened at the del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, New York, in August 2019.
“Growing up in New York and having spent the last 30-plus years in Las Vegas, I am thrilled that my worlds are finally set to collide,” DraftKings’ director of race and sportsbook operations Johnny Avello said. “Millions of New Yorkers will soon discover what we believe makes our DraftKings Sportsbook the very best in customer service and real-money gaming and entertainment.”
Flutter Entertainment-owned FanDuel will also build on its retail presence in the state by launching a mobile sportsbook. FanDuel’s retail sportsbook at Tioga Downs Casino Resort has been open since 2019.
FanDuel last week announced it was to support its launch in the state by partnering with New York-based National Football League (NFL) franchise the Buffalo Bills. The operator was named as the team’s official mobile sports betting partner.
Finally, the Rush Street Interactive-run BetRivers sportsbook went life, offering betting options on all major professional and collegiate leagues, games, and players, such as spreads, moneylines, parlays, props, futures, and more.
Rush Street Interactive already operates retail betting via the Rush Street Gaming-owned Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady.
In addition, affiliate businesses Gambling.com Group and Better Collective also announced plans to launch in New York.
Meanwhile, geolocation solutions provider GeoComply has revealed that New York enjoyed a busy opening day, reporting a geolocation transaction value of 5.8 million on 8 January.
This, GeoComply said, was approximately 2.5 times higher than the volume of Pennsylvania – where mobile sports betting has been legal for a number of years – on the same day.
Pennsylvania’s volume on 8 January reached 2.3 million, while New Jersey saw 2.1 million, Michigan 1.6 million, Illinois 1.1m and Arizona 1.0m.
