The New York State Restaurant Association (NYSRA) is joining forces with a technology company to clear the way for restaurants and bars in the Empire State to offer onsite sports betting.
Under a written agreement disclosed Tuesday, the association and Elys Game Technology Corp. pledged to work together in fostering an infrastructure and policy framework that make on-premise betting acceptable to all stakeholders.
Because many sports fans opt to watch games on the flatscreens of restaurants and bars, those establishments have been exploring ways to capitalize on viewers’ interest in betting on the contests. A big part of the challenge has been coming up with a regulatory system that keeps the gaming legitimate without burying any of the involved parties under unreasonable restrictions.
Through their memo of understanding, the NYSRA and Elys have essentially pledged to shape New York’s model accordingly.
The Empire State is not alone in pursuing legalized sports betting for restaurants and bars. Legislation to lift restrictions on gaming within Massachusetts establishments has been introduced in that state’s legislature, and Gov. Charlie Baker urged lawmakers two weeks ago to act quickly on the proposal.
Like New York, Connecticut is investigating models for legalized sports betting in its nighttime establishments.
Several casual-dining chains are also exploring ways of adding on-site betting as a new revenue stream. Buffalo Wild Wings, for instance, has been working with MGM Resorts International to promote the use of the latter’s smartphone gaming app in conjunction with promotions from the brand.
In the announcement of its collaboration with the NYSRA, Elys noted that one of its customers, Grand Central Restaurant and Bar in Washington, D.C., is about to permit customers to place bets on sporting events as they might in a Las Vegas sportsbook.
Officials “believe that this will be the first restaurant to be licensed to offer sports betting in North America,” Elys Executive Chairman Michele Ciavarella said in a statement.
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