As of January of 2022, sports betting officially became legal in the state of New York. In just a few short months, the new laws have led to industry records and countless sportsbooks popping up.
So, why can’t New Yorkers bet on the 2022 NFL Draft?
To put it simply, the NFL Draft isn’t considered a sporting event by the state. As such, betting on the draft does not qualify as a form of sports wagering. At least, not according to the New York State Gambling Commission.
Per New York’s Racing, Pri-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law:
“Sports wagering” means wagering on sporting events or any portion thereof, or on the individual performance statistics of athletes participating in a sporting event, or combination of sporting events, by any system or method of wagering … provided however that sports wagers shall include, but are not limited to, single-game bets, teaser bets, parlays, over-under bets, money line, pools, in-game wagering, in-play bets, proposition bets, and straight bets;
So, if you’re in New York and looking to cash in on NFL Draft props, you won’t be doing so this year. But that doesn’t mean it will always be this way. Local lawmakers are already look at fixing this anti-wagering loophole.
“I’ve said to many, the first incarnation, the first variation of mobile sports betting in New York isn’t going to be the last,” State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. told News 4 Buffalo. “I think in due time, it’s been proven over the course of the three months or so that New York has been successful with the mobile sports betting, that we should — for the sake of providing a better product for our people — stand ready to do the changes that we need to do in a very safe manner.
Bettors in the Empire State can still get in on Super Bowl futures and other season-long bets and props, but as for the NFL’s signature offseason event, there’s not much wiggle room.
Then again, New Jersey is supposed to be lovely this time of year and draft odds are readily available across the border.
