Speaker: Sports gambling unlikely to pass in NY this year

Published Jun. 15, 2018 3:27 p.m. ET

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) There isn't enough legislative support to pass a bill authorizing sports wagering in New York this year, the speaker of the state Assembly said Thursday.

Bronx Democrat Carl Heastie said lawmakers in his chamber have raised ''significant issues'' about legislation that would allow bets at casinos and on mobile devices.

''With the broad spectrum of concerns that members raised, I don't know if that can be resolved in a week,'' Heastie said.

Casino owners and gambling lobbyists are expected to keep the pressure on lawmakers to pass a bill, hoping for a last-minute compromise before lawmakers adjourn for the year. The Senate and Assembly are now scheduled to work through Wednesday.

Betting has already started in New Jersey after that state passed a law authorizing sports betting. Many states are expected to follow after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it's up to all 50 states to decide whether to allow the gambling activity.

Supporters say it will be a lost opportunity if the state doesn't catch up.

''It would be a lost opportunity for the state,'' Republican Sen. John Bonacic, of Orange County, the Senate sponsor of the legislation to authorize wagers.