Golden Nugget Online Gaming (GNOG) has agreed a deal with Tioga Downs Race Track in New York that could see it launch online gambling in the US state, subject to future legislation, regulatory approval and license eligibility.
Under the 20-year market access agreement, GNOG would launch a new online casino under Tioga Downs’ license in New York.
GNOG would pay Tioga Downs, one of only seven commercial and tribal casinos in the state, a percentage of its net gaming revenue, which would be subject to minimum royalty payments for the duration of the deal.
New York is yet to legalize online casino gambling and the agreement would be contingent on the state regulating such activities. Legislation allowing casinos to operate multiple online skins would also be required as Tioga Downs currently has an agreement with FanDuel. Both pieces of necessary legislation have been introduced in this year’s legislative session.
“New York is key to our growth strategy and we look forward to the state embracing online gaming,” GNOG president Thomas Winter said. “We will remain focused on securing new market access partners in more US states.”
Tioga Downs owner Jeffery Gural added: “GNOG has one of the most experienced online teams, a storied US casino brand and a proven track record in our neighboring state of New Jersey.”
New York become the ninth US state in which GNOG has secured market access, with the operator also having access to New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, West Virginia, Nevada, Mississippi and Louisiana via other, similar agreements.
The deal comes after GNOG earlier this month reported a 65.8% year-on-year rise in gross gaming revenue for 2020 to between $101.0m and $102.0m, in its first results since spinning off from the land-based Landry’s business.