Senator Addabbo may have submitted his bill too late to be considered this session
A bill to legalize online poker in New York was left off the agenda before last week’s meeting of a Senate committee to discuss the issue. This means the chances of passing legislation in 2024 could be shelved for now.
The Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering met for about 20 minutes last Tuesday to discuss legislation on nine gaming bills. However, the panel chaired by Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. failed to include S9226, which he introduced a week earlier. Â
“I want to say thank you to, obviously, my colleagues,” said Addabbo following the meeting. “Thank you very much for your input, as we expand gaming and racing in our state â but in a safe way.”
The bill seeks to issue up to 10 online poker gaming licenses. Operators would be subject to a 15% tax on gross gaming revenue.Â
Addabbo decided not to add S9226 to the Senate committee’s agenda on May 14, which could indicate he was short of the required votes needed for passage.
The bill is similar to A1380, which Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) introduced in January 2023 and is facing the same resistance as iGaming proponents in Maryland. Many lawmakers and casino worker unions believe the retail casino industry would be cannibalized, leading to job losses.
It appears improbable that online poker will make a swift return to New York. A substantial number of players have turned to offshore platforms to satisfy their casino gaming appetites, but this gives rise to worries regarding player safety and consumer safeguards.
