New York took a step closer last week to regulated mobile betting after a bill for FY 2022 budget contained provisions for legal mobile sports wagering, revealing a $25 million license fee and bidding process for potential licensees.

State Senator Joseph Addabbo is a staunch supporter of mobile sports wagering in the state and has been lobbying for this to be legalized for a number of years. Consumers in New York are currently limited to land-based betting at four of the state’s casinos.

With the inclusion of mobile wagering provisions in the budget bill, Addabbo said he is hopeful this will lead to legalization within the next year, potentially before the NFL’s Super Bowl LVI in February 2022.

New York State Gaming Commission is set to start the creation of the mobile sports betting process and begin to accept bids from sportsbook providers this July.

“Legalizing mobile sports betting will bring in the funds needed by the state that will go towards funding our education system, problem gambling awareness programs and creating jobs,” Addabbo said.

Editing by Rachel Hu