Pegula execs would like Sabres fans to be able to bet on games online while inside KeyBank CenterGETTY IMAGES
As New York works out sports betting legislation, Pegula Sports & Entertainment is "making it clear to state officials that they want their fans to be able to engage in online sports wagering from inside the venues at NFL and NHL games," according to Tom Precious of the BUFFALO NEWS. PS&E representatives yesterday "worked the state Capitol, a couple of weeks after an influential downstate Assembly Democrat floated the idea that fans from their stadium and arena seats should be able to make bets on games at Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden." Sources said that Sabres and Bills representatives were in Albany yesterday "selling a parity argument for upstate and downstate sports teams." PS&E "did not specifically address the sports gambling issue in a statement." However, it "confirmed that it has hired a lobbying firm, Ostroff Associates, to represent its interests in Albany." The statement said, "Several legislative items are currently under consideration that could have an effect on our business operations and the fans’ gameday experience. As always, our fans remain our number one priority" (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/21).
