New York’s long-anticipated downstate casino licenses and the extension of sports betting to include individual player propositions are expected to face delays, with approvals unlikely before early 2026, according to State Senator Joseph Addabbo. He highlighted potential revenue losses as rival states advance, as reported by SportsBoom.
Eight companies are vying for three licenses to establish the city’s inaugural full-fledged casinos, but Addabbo mentioned that the timeline could be pushed past the initial December 2025 deadline because the state legislature won’t reconvene until January. Moreover, legal betting on individual player propositions will also likely not be available until that period.
“Some of my legislative colleagues express hesitation, but I remind them that New Yorkers are already placing these types of prop bets in nearby states like New Jersey and Connecticut,” Addabbo shared with SportsBoom.
“Additionally, the governor must acknowledge that New York is being recognized nationally as a burgeoning U.S. market. We are currently losing $1 billion annually, which underscores our need for that revenue,” he added.
The legislature is not anticipated to take action on Senate Bill 2025/2616, which seeks to legalize bets on outcomes such as the Super Bowl MVP or NBA Rookie of the Year, until the budget process starts next year. Any modifications will also necessitate Governor Kathy Hochul’s approval.
“Even with a revenue of $2.6 million, our work is never complete. New Jersey is facilitating prop bets, while we are not. However, New Yorkers are sharp, and they’re inclined to travel out of state for these kinds of wagers,” Addabbo said.
Community Advisory Committees continue to evaluate the proposals, which feature leading candidates including Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Other proposals span Times Square, Hudson Yards, the East Side of Manhattan, Citi Field in Queens, the Bronx, and Brooklyn.
“We cannot afford to rest. We must remain competitive with other states,” Addabbo emphasized.
Announcements regarding the successful applicants were initially expected by December 1, although this deadline is not obligatory and may be postponed further, introducing additional uncertainty to a process that could transform New York’s gambling landscape.