For years, New York lawmakers have attempted to further expand legal online gambling. So it should come as no surprise the Sen. Joe Addabbo, arguably the leading proponent of expansion, expects to introduce legislation before the end of the year that would legalize online casinos in New York.
Similarly, it should not come as a shock that a giant in the gambling industry expects “some movement on the legislative front” in the near future.
That’s how Adam Greenblatt put it during a 2023 business update for BetMGM. The CEO mentioned to investors that BetMGM is looking at potential new iGaming states, ones that he called “highly coveted,” despite being “both surprised and disappointed in the past.”
Of course, that includes the Empire State with NY online casinos.
BetMGM preparing for NY online casino legalization
All told, Greenblatt highlighted that BetMGM – which operates BetMGM Sportsbook NY and runs MGM Empire City – is “eagerly anticipating” legislative movement in three states:
- New York
- Maryland
- Illinois
Greenblatt concluded the business update call with optimism, not only for legalization in those markets but for BetMGM to go live on Day 1 and become an industry leader right away.
“We believe in our prospects. We believe in the uniqueness and specialness of BetMGM. And we hope to surprise and delight in the years to come.”
Much happening in NY for BetMGM
A year after having a much gloomier outlook for online casino legalization (Greenblatt did not expect any steps forward in 2023), the BetMGM CEO is much more positive now.
One New York – as well as any other state that legalizes online casino gaming – does green light iGaming, Greenblatt emphasized that BetMGM would be ready to go live right away.
Industry experts at October’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas agreed, noting that online casino expansion is inevitable, a sentiment shared by Sen. Joe Addabbo. Addabbo told PlayNY that he expects to introduce a legislative draft to legalize online casinos in NY before the end of the year.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg for MGM in New York.
The company’s presentation included a slide that the licensing process for a full-scale casino in the Empire State “remains ongoing.” MGM recently released renderings for a full-scale casino at MGM Empire City should the company receive a downstate license. State officials are currently reviewing the second round of questions from bidders. Once those answers come out, the state will set an official date for applications to be submitted.
