The results of a new poll conducted by Siena College New York, published by NYup.com, show that New York voters are almost split down the middle when it comes to legalizing online sports betting. According to the poll 44 per cent of New Yorkers favor online sports bets, while 44 percent are against. A further 12 per cent did not express an opinion either way.
On a region-by-region basis, Upstate voters were more likely to oppose the idea, while those in New York City or its suburbs were more likely to be for legalization. Upstate voters railed against the idea of online sports betting 46 per cent to 42 per cent, with 12 per cent undecided. New York City voters were split, 44 per cent to 44 per cent, with 12 per cent unsure, while voters in the New City suburbs approved of the idea, 48 per cent to 41 per cent, with 11 per cent unsure.
What the poll did not address, however, was the introduction of legal sports wagering per se, in other words terrestrial betting which is likely to make the statute books this year. Commenting in NYup, Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy said: “Voters, aware that the state is expected to soon allow sports betting at the four upstate commercial casinos, are evenly divided on broadening the sports betting law to allow for online betting.”
Politically, Democrats were slightly opposed to online betting, with 45 per cent against, 43 per cent for and 12 per cent undecided. Republicans back the idea 45 to 42 per cent, with 12 per cent non-committal. Independents voted 47 per cent in favor, 46 per cent against and 6 per cent not certain.
By gender, men showed greater support for online sports betting (53 to 35 percent for), while women were opposed (51 to 37 percent against). voters with household incomes lower than $50,000 a year said they were against online betting (50 to 36 per cent against), while those earning above $100,000 per year supported the idea (54 to 38 per cent for).
