It looks very likely that the State of New York will be updating a gambling law that allows for telephone off-track betting on horseracing.  Bill A8688, which was introduced by the Chairman of the Committee on Racing and Wagering, J. Gary Pretlow, seeks to include online and mobile phone betting on horseracing events through off-track betting parlors.  The bill also is motioning for the current law to be extended to the end of June, 2009, considering it is set to expire on June 30 of next year.

As of now, the bill is moving on for an awaited approval by New York Governor, George Pataki, who is very likely to support it, considering his past support for the casino and off track betting industry in New York. Pretlow, as well as his supporters think it is due time that the outdated legislation (from 1980) regarding remote gambling is updated to include new communication devices such as online computers and mobile phones.  With so many people already using the service, it only makes good sense to protect them.  However, that protection would only be given to those online bettors who are making intrastate betting transactions on pari-mutuel events.

A legislative memo was drawn up to supplement the bill and explain the relevancy and benefits of having it put into action.  In it, the argument was put forth that permitting online bets would significantly bring down costs, for it takes the live operator (who would normally be answering telephone calls) out of the equation.  Lower overhead for the ractracks and off-track betting facilities means more money for everybody involved.  Not only does it mean more winnings for the players, but it also means more money for the racetracks, and consequently, more money for the state and local goverments.

The online gambling bill revision was heavily supported by the New York City Off Track Betting Corporation, which spoke out after both houses passed the legislation on to Governor Pataki.  For them, the passing of this bill means the welfare of their future.  Whereas casino gambling will always do well whether online casino gambling is legalized or not, off-track betting sites - and the horseracing industry in general - must adopt modern practices like online betting if they seek to remain in business.  The bill could take as little as six months to go into effect once Governor Pataki gives it a final approval.