BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York moved closer to the first phase of sports gambling on Monday, with the gaming commission sending a regulation framework out for public comment.

It would allow wagering in New York's four Upstate casinos as well as the tribal facilities across the state.

"It's a step in the right direction as far as we're concerned," Henry Wojtaszek, Western Region OTB president, said. "The rules are out. They're reasonable and we just hope that we have the opportunity to extend this type of business to our customers who really want it."

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down a ban last May and the state already had a law on the books allowing gambling in the casinos. However, New York was waiting for the commission to institute rules or the Legislature to pass another bill expanding the industry.

"To me I just want to make sure that our state gets the maximum potential of usage for sports betting both at our sites and online," Senate Gaming Chair Joseph Addabbo said.

He believes if the regulatory structure gets final approval in the next few months it should apply to online and mobile wagering as well as betting at casino affiliate sites like OTBs and racinos.

"My interpretation and purely my interpretation is that I think we can do it if we provide the service in the sites of the Upstate casinos, that may satisfy the constitutional requirement but this is the discussion over the next eight weeks during budget negotiations and the legislative session that we may have to undertake," he said.

The governor's office has indicated a constitutional amendment may be needed for online gaming. Addabbo said if they ultimately decide that's the case, or that at least further legislation is needed, they should get moving.