ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York lawmakers are taking a closer look at authorizing sports betting on smart phones - and whether it would require a change to the state Constitution.
The Democrat-led state Senate held a hearing on the issue Wednesday that attracted gambling lobbyists, attorneys and representatives from the NBA and PGA.
Supporters say the state could make hundreds of millions of dollars off sports betting - money that's now going to illegal wagers or to states like New Jersey, which has already legalized sports betting.
New York's four non-Native America-owned casinos will begin offering sports wagers once new regulations are finalized.
A bill before lawmakers would authorize bets on mobile devices and eventually at sports venues.
Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo contends that could take a Constitutional amendment, which requires voter approval.
