New York shifts attention to competitive bidding process after historic sports betting deal

New York shifts attention to competitive bidding process after historic sports betting deal

Article brief provided by Sports Handle
  • Matt Rybaltowski, Sports Handle
April 8, 2021 5:51 PM
  • Matt Rybaltowski, Sports Handle

Forgive New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. if he is feeling a little sleep deprived.

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On Monday night, Addabbo drove hours from his home district in Queens to the State Capitol in Albany, where he took part in marathon sports betting negotiations. The talks lasted into the wee hours of Tuesday morning, several hours before the state reached a historic deal that is expected to legalize mobile sports betting in New York. The high-stakes discussions in the Empire State have been closely monitored by analysts nationwide, given the scope of the market.

Hours after the Senate approved the $211 billion fiscal year budget Wednesday morning, one that includes a framework for a state-run mobile sports betting scheme, Addabbo had little time to rest. After all, inquiring minds in the gaming industry needed clarification on an intricate competitive bidding process that could determine the direction of New York sports betting over the next decade.