The National Indian Gaming Commission approved a sports betting deal between Scientific Games and New York’s Oneida Indian Nation that could land the activity in the tribes three casinos.
The deal is contingent on New York launching a legal sports betting, which many analysts hope will take place later this year.
“We’re making great strides in preparing for the New York market to go live with sports betting,” Jordan Levin, the chief executive of Scientific Games’ SG Digital business. “Being part of the first sports betting partnership to receive a favorable NIGC determination is a significant milestone that will set both Scientific Games and Oneida up for ongoing success.”
Scientific Games and the Oneida tribe announced the agreement in January in which the Las Vegas-based gaming equipment manufacturer would provide sports betting management technology to the tribe’s three New York casinos – Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino, and Point Place Casino.
“We are proud that we will be among the first Indian nations nationally to offer sports betting, and we appreciate NIGC’s review and approval of our partnership with Scientific Games,” Oneida Indian Nation Enterprises CEO Ray Halbritter said in a statement.
New York has sports betting bills pending in both the state assembly and senate. Each would authorize bets on mobile devices and eventually at sports venues.
“I remain optimistic that we can do something about it this session,” said New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo.
However, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said in a radio interview that sports betting is not on his Top 10 to-do list.
“I think the time is short and the list is long, so I would counsel the legislative leaders, get the priorities done,” Cuomo told WAMC in Albany.
Eilers & Krejcik gaming analyst Chris Grove told a New York Senate hearing sports betting in the state could be worth $1 billion annually.
New York-based FanDuel estimated the first year could generate more than $150 million in taxes and licensing fees, money the sports betting advocates say could go toward education, roads and bridges, and lowering taxes.
Howard Stutz is the executive editor of CDC Gaming. He can be reached at hstutz@cdcgamingreports.com. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.
