This may sound like old news, as New York has seen igaming bills come and go for years on end…with no success. However, this is something different. State Senator Joseph Addabbo decided to add casino games to his bill, not restricting it to online poker.
Since online poker has had no success in New York to date, why not make it a total igaming bill with online casinos and poker? Pretlow Started It
On January 17, New York Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow introduced A01380 , a bill to legalize online poker and declare it a game of skill. Specifically, its summary read: “To authorize the New York State Gaming Commission to license certain entities to offer for play to the public certain variants of internet poker which require a significant degree of skill, specifically ‘Omaha Hold’em’ and ‘Texas Hold’em.’” The bill went to the Racing and Wagering Committee, which is where it still sits, untouched. It appears to be the same story as every other year, as this bill will fade from memory like so many others. Addabbo Goes a Step Further
Most people in the industry knew that State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr would introduce a companion bill. That’s the way it’s been going for several years, taking over where now-retired Senator John Bonacic left off in 2018.
Weeks went by without a bill…until February 15. Addabbo introduced his bill S4856 on February 15, and it went to the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on his side of the legislature.
The difference with this bill, however, was that it was not a companion bill to Pretlow’s online poker proposal. Instead, it was a full interactive gaming bill, “an act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to interactive gaming.” To put it more succinctly: “To authorize online interactive gaming in New York State.” Three additional online igaming licenses will be available through a competitive bidding process.
$2 million license fee for eligible entities. Licenses valid for 10 years.
— RLinnehanXL (@RLinnehanXl) February 15, 2023 Addabbo’s justification for the bill noted that seven states offer igaming, including New […]
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