Public hearing on sportsbook betting set for next month

ROCHESTER - Earlier this month the Rochester City Counci unanimously voted to add the question of whether to allow for the creation of sportsbook wagering locations within the city to the Nov. 7th municipal ballot.

A public hearing for this question is scheduled on Oct. 17 at the City Council workshop, where they will discuss the possibility of a brick and mortar sportsbook in the city.

In 2019, a sportsbook question narrowly failed, with a vote of 1,488 to 1,439. Subsequently, the Lottery Commission contracted DraftKings Sportsbook to manage both online and retail sports wagering operations statewide.

Sports wagering is currently allowed using the DraftKings Sportsbook App, but State law also permitted the creation of up to 10 retail sports wagering locations in the state. There are currently retail sports wagering locations in Seabrook, Dover, and Manchester.

Recently, City Council passed an ordinance regarding Charitable Gaming Facilities. According to this ordinance, any sportsbook facility must be established within a charitable gaming entity.

The proposed new casino for the Lilac Mall will not be affected by the November vote as charitable gaming has already been approved throughout the state. However, since sportsbooks must be housed within a charitable gaming facility, if approved, they would be able to seek space at the proposed Rochester gaming facility.