Up and running

PointsBet is now the sixth operator to launch an online sportsbook in New York.

joins Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetRivers, DraftKings, and BetMGM

The operator went live on Monday night after receiving final approval to launch from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC). It joins Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel, BetRivers, DraftKings, and BetMGM in the list of operators up and running in the Empire State.

A total of nine sports betting operators originally received NYSGC recommendations in November to obtain online sports betting licenses. WynnBET, Bally Bet, and Resorts World Bet are the three operators yet to launch.

A major milestone for PointsBet

PointsBet US CEO Johnny Aitken described the New York launch as a significant milestone for the Australia-based operator. He said the launch will give sports bettors access to “the fastest online sports betting product in the market, with a live, in-game betting experience that PointsBet controls.”

The PointsBet team is excited to prove our reputation”

PointsBet Group managing director and CEO Sam Swanell also welcomed the launch, affirming that New York will become one of the biggest markets in the US. He added: “The PointsBet team is excited to prove our reputation and consistent ability to deliver a world-class experience to New York sports bettors.”

PointsBet now has sportsbooks live in nine states. Its other active states include New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Virginia, and West Virginia. It also has a five-year deal with NBC Sports that it will leverage to promote its brand in the New York market.

A lot of potential

Casinos in upstate New York have offered retail betting since July 2019, but they have had limited success. Online sports betting received legislative approval in April 2021, with four online sportsbooks going live on January 8. In the first nine days of operations, these sportsbooks saw handle of $603m and generated revenue of $48m.

Bettors opened more than 1.2 million new accounts during this initial nine-day period. In the first 12 hours of sportsbooks going live, New York bettors conducted 5.8 million sportsbook transactions. These early figures appear to show that New York is on track to become the biggest sports betting market in the country.