A release from Gov. Kathy Hochul\u2019s office Friday reported that the state collected more than $709 million in tax revenue from online sports betting, which launched on Jan. 8, 2022. The figure jumps by another $200 million after you factor in the licensing fees, which were $25 million for a 10-year permit.<\/p>\n
Those revenue figures are the most of any state for a year of operations. With nearly 20 million residents, New York is the largest US state to offer online sports betting.<\/p>\n
\nIn just one year, New York has become a national leader in providing responsible entertainment for millions while bringing in record-shattering revenue for education, youth sports, and problem gambling prevention,”<\/strong> Hochul said in a statement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nThrough Jan. 7, the state\u2019s licensed operators have accepted nearly $16.6 billion in wagers. The sportsbooks claimed revenues of almost $1.4 billion, and the state taxes those revenues at 51%.<\/p>\n
The overwhelming majority of the tax revenue will benefit the state\u2019s education system. The state also allocates $5 million each fiscal year to cover athletics programs for underserved youth. It also earmarks $6 million each fiscal year for problem gambling services.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe additional revenue generated will help to ensure that we have a robust system of programs and services to address the needs of individuals, families, and communities across the state,\u201d said Chinazo Cunningham, the commissioner for the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports.<\/p>\n
NY Sports Betting by the Numbers<\/h2>\n
According to data from GeoComply, nearly 3.8 million unique accounts were created in the state over the past year. More than half were created during the first two months of last year. There were nearly 1.7 million accounts established last January, and more than 550,000 in February.<\/p>\n
While some New Yorkers opened accounts through multiple operators, the 3.8 million accounts represent more than 28% of the state\u2019s betting-age (21 and older) population. There are 13.5 million adults 21-and- older across the state.<\/p>\n
By far, the most popular event was the Super Bowl. GeoComply found nearly 700,000 accounts were active before and during the NFL\u2019s big game. The next most popular championship event was last month\u2019s FIFA World Cup Final, with 262,000 accounts active. The NCAA Men\u2019s Basketball Championship game attracted nearly 200,000 accounts in the state.<\/p>\n
The $709 million in tax revenue from online sports betting far exceeds what state budget forecasters projected from the gaming market after lawmakers included online sports betting in the budget bill nearly two years ago.<\/p>\n
New York\u2019s fiscal years run from April to March, and for the 22-23 fiscal year, which ends on March 31, the state initially projected $357 million in tax revenue. The tax revenue for the fiscal year already exceeds $546 million. And there are still two and a half months left in the fiscal year.<\/p>\n
Cutting 51% Tax May Prove Difficult<\/h2>\n
Sports betting operators have long complained about New York\u2019s tax rate. That’s a product of the deal then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo insisted on when state lawmakers proposed legalizing online wagering. Cuomo resigned from office just weeks after the state released the license solicitation.<\/p>\n