The state Gaming Commission approved proposed rules in January to allow sports betting in New York. The regulations would limit wagering to del Lago and three other commercial casinos in upstate New York. Tribal casinos, like the Oneida Indian Nation's properties in central New York and the Mohawk Valley, could offer sports betting.
Mark Juliano, del Lago's general manager, said in a statement Thursday that the casino is "finalizing plans" for its sportsbook. The casino is partnering with DraftKings to host sports wagering at the Tyre resort, Auburn Pub reports.
"Our guests want this form of gaming and we are excited to be able to offer a dynamic, engaging and innovative sports betting experience for them," Juliano said.
Casinos would be required to establish a lounge where sports bets will be accepted. Del Lago hasn't said where its sports wagering area will be located inside the 94,000-square-foot facility.
Automated ticket machines will be permitted, but must be placed inside the lounge. Mobile and online betting won't be allowed. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said that a constitutional amendment is needed to provide that option, although he downplayed the significance of mobile betting during a radio interview this week.
"I am not a fan, pardon the pun, of the new mobile sports betting," Cuomo said.
The Gaming Commission published its proposed rule in the state register Wednesday. A 60-day public comment period commenced to collect feedback on the proposal.
The public comment period expires May 20. Once the comment phase is completed, the state Gaming Commission can finalize the rule. After that, casinos may open sportsbooks.
Other upstate casinos plan to offer sports wagering. Rivers Casino in Schenectady hopes to have its sportsbook open within 90 days. The Daily Gazette reported that Rivers Casino wants to use an existing entertainment room as its sports betting lounge.
Resorts World Catskills in Sullivan County will offer sports betting through a partnership with bet365. Tioga Downs Casino Resort in the Southern Tier is collaborating with FanDuel to open a sportsbook.