\u201cI would give up online poker for sports betting. If I had to make a choice, I would choose this over online poker just because the revenue stream is so much better doing this than online poker.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
To be clear, Pretlow is not pushing for an either-or scenario. According to OPR<\/em>, when it comes to priorities going into the 2019 legislative session<\/strong>, Pretlow views sports betting as higher on the list<\/strong>.<\/p>\nOnline poker\u00a0sacrifice<\/span><\/h2>\nAs Chairman of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee<\/strong>, Pretlow has been on a three-year crusade<\/strong> attempting to pass online poker legislation.<\/p>\nIn 2016, the NY Senate was able to fulfill their side of the bargain and pass online poker legislation. However, Pretlow was unable to convince his colleagues that poker was a game of skill.<\/p>\n
Troubles rolled over to 2017 when Pretlow had concerns over geolocation and anti-cheating technology<\/strong>.<\/p>\nBy the end of the 2018 legislative session, Pretlow managed to get 51 Assembly members<\/strong> to co-sponsor an online poker bill. However, the NY Senate failed to pass their version of a bill<\/strong>.<\/p>\nSports betting\u00a0revenue<\/span><\/h2>\nThe billion-dollar sports betting industry gives Pretlow a bit of leverage.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnline poker, I think the revenue for the state is projected at $20-25 million, while (sports betting) is $150 million minimum. I have a much better argument for sports betting,\u201d Pretlow told OPR.<\/p>\n
Neighboring New Jersey<\/strong> has continued to reap the benefits of legalized sports wagering.<\/p>\nAccording to figures from the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement<\/strong>, the Garden State has seen:<\/p>\n\n- $597,368,230 \u2013 YTD total NJ sports betting handle<\/strong><\/li>\n
- $51,964,303 \u2013 YTD total NJ sports\u00a0betting revenue\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In October<\/strong> alone, NJ saw $1,158,853 in tax revenue<\/strong> while casino properties recorded $8,839,162 in gaming revenue.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nTo date, there are nine active sportsbooks<\/strong> in New Jersey plus eight online sportsbook apps<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n