It’s official. All four New York commercial casinos are primed for legal sports betting, should it ever happen.
Last week, Empire Resorts, which operates Resorts World Catskills, entered into an agreement with bet365 to offer sports betting and online gambling for a whopping 20 years.
The move makes Resorts World the fourth and final commercial casino in New York to strike a deal to offer sports betting once rules and regulations are released.
New York sports betting partnerships
Following the US Supreme Court ruling in May, casino operators have been looking to secure sports betting partnerships.
Here are the three other commercial casino agreements in NY:
- del Lago + DraftKings Sportsbook
- Tioga Downs + FanDuel Sportsbook
- Rivers Casino + Rush Street Interactive
Currently, sports betting is legal at the four upstate casinos in part to a voter referendum in 2013. The New York Gaming Commission has yet to release regulations to govern sports betting in the Empire State.
In May, the commission said they are continuing to work on regulations that would “effectuate sports gambling under the existing statutory language.”
Resorts World & bet365
Here’s what bet365 executive chairman Manny Pearlman said on the deal:
“Bet365’s global expertise is effectively developing and executing world-class sportsbooks strongly complements Empire’s leadership in commercial casino operations in New York. This collaboration, which will enable Resorts World Catskills to be a leading destination for sports wagering in New York state, highlights our commitment to the continued growth of Resorts World Catskills, as well as our dedication to working with the best, most innovative pioneers in the industry to provide world-class gaming options.”
This is bet365’s second lucrative deal. In July, the European operator partnered with Hard Rock Atlantic City.
Bet365 will power Resorts World’s retail sportsbook including a statewide online/mobile sports betting platform.
That will be tricky to execute considering online sports betting would need to be passed with legislation in 2019. Current law only permits wagering at brick-and-mortar facilities.
Additionally, the deal also calls for a 50/50 split between bet365 and Resorts world. Bet365 will invest $50 million to become Empire Resort’s second largest shareholder.
