A newly introduced bill in the State Assembly could dramatically expand the New York sports betting market by mandating the approval of additional operators over the next two years.
Assembly Bill A06013, introduced by Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, would require New York regulators to issue new mobile sports wagering licenses beyond the current limited field, opening the door to more competition in the nation’s largest legal sports betting market.
Mandated growth in mobile sports wagering licenses
Under the proposal, New York would be required to have at least 14 licensed mobile sports betting operators by Jan. 31, 2026, with that number increasing to a minimum of 16 operators by Jan. 31, 2027.
Currently, New York’s mobile market is dominated by nine approved operators selected through a competitive bidding process. While the state has generated record-breaking betting handle and tax revenue, critics have long argued that the restricted number of licenses limits competition, innovation, and consumer choice.
By setting firm numerical targets, A06013 would effectively force the state to reopen the licensing process, potentially allowing new operators to enter the market for the first time since mobile wagering launched in 2022. Right now, the nine operators are:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- theScore Bet
- BetRivers Sportsbook
- Bally Bet
- BetMGM Sportsbook
- Fanatics Sportsbook
- Resorts World Sportsbook
Why more operators could matter
Supporters of expanded licensing say more operators could benefit bettors through better odds, more competitive promotions, and increased product variety. With fewer operators, New York bettors often face less favorable lines compared to states with more open markets.
Industry observers have also suggested that the high cost of entry and limited license availability have discouraged smaller or emerging sportsbook brands from pursuing a New York launch. The bill aims to address that imbalance by ensuring additional opportunities to participate in the market.
Tax structure adjustments tied to expansion
To support the expansion, the bill would also modify how mobile sports wagering revenue is taxed. Rather than maintaining a single, fixed rate, the tax structure would be adjusted based on the number of licensed operators in the market.
While New York’s current tax rate is among the highest in the US at 51%, the bill’s supporters argue that lower rates combined with more operators could ultimately lead to sustained growth and long-term revenue stability. The bill adjusts the tax rate to the following as operators increase:
- 9 operators: 51%
- 10-12 operators: 50%
- 13-14 operators: 35%
- 15 or more operators: 25%
A06013 also updates statutory definitions related to sports wagering, clarifying how bets and promotional credits are treated under the law. These changes are designed to modernize regulations as the market continues to evolve.
What comes next
The bill has been referred to the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee. It will be reviewed alongside other gambling-related proposals during the 2026 legislative session.
If advanced, A06013 could represent the most significant shift yet in how New York structures and regulates its mobile sports wagering industry, with expanded licensing at the center of the debate.
