The New York Racing Association (NYRA) is advocating for the legalization of fixed-odds horse-race betting on mobile sportsbooks in New York, aiming to tap into the state’s large online sports betting market. NYRA argues that this change could generate nearly $30 million in additional tax revenue and help revitalize the financially challenged horse racing industry by attracting new bettors accustomed to fixed-odds wagering. Despite support from NYRA and legislation introduced by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., the bill has stalled in the legislature, leaving the industry seeking new revenue streams amid rising costs and competition from other states like Kentucky.

Fixed-odds wagering would allow horse racing to be offered alongside traditional sports betting on popular mobile platforms, potentially increasing handle and revenue for both the state and the industry. Currently, most horse race betting in the U.S. uses pari-mutuel pools, which some bettors find less appealing due to fluctuating odds and the influence of computer-assisted wagering groups. NYRA’s partnerships with sportsbook operators like Caesars highlight efforts to integrate horse racing into the broader sports betting ecosystem, but with only a few states having legalized fixed-odds horse betting, widespread adoption and legislative progress remain uncertain.