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New York just closed one door in online gambling. Another may open sooner than expected. After signing off on a sweepstakes casino ban, a key lawmaker says the state can finally talk seriously about legal online casinos.
Good to Know
- New York banned sweepstakes gambling on Dec. 5
- Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. supports regulated online casino gaming or iGaming
- iGaming discussions could tie into the upcoming state budget
A ban that clears space for a bigger debate
New York became the sixth state in 2025 to ban sweepstakes gambling after Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 5935 into law on Dec. 5. The bill targets unregulated sweepstakes casinos that operate outside traditional gaming rules.
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, sponsored the legislation. While the bill shuts down sweepstakes gaming, Addabbo does not treat the decision as a rejection of online casinos.
Instead, he frames it as groundwork.
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In a recent statement, Addabbo said his sweepstakes bill “is not the end of the conversation, but rather a necessary step toward responsible modernization of New York’s online gaming landscape.”
Why online casinos are back on the table
Addabbo has long supported regulated iGaming in New York. The sweepstakes ban fits into that view. By removing unregulated operators, the state can reset the discussion around legal online casino gaming with clearer rules and oversight.
He said:
“By shutting down unsafe, unregulated sweepstakes casinos, New York is reaffirming that if online gaming is going to exist in this state, it must be legal, well-regulated, and built with strong consumer protections.”
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The timing matters. Downstate casino licensing continues to advance, and the sweepstakes loophole no longer exists. That combination creates room for policy talks that stalled in past years.
Addabbo added:
“With downstate casino licensing progressing and the illegal sweepstakes loophole now closed, the state is better positioned to hold serious discussions about regulating and potentially legalizing iGaming in the near future, possibly as part of the upcoming budget process.”
Revenue pressure and regional competition
Online casino gaming keeps growing across neighboring states. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut already run legal iGaming markets that generate steady tax revenue. New York lawmakers watch billions cross state lines each year through digital play.
Addabbo ties regulation to public goals rather than expansion for its own sake.
He said:
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“My priority is to ensure safety, prevent problem gambling, generate much needed, significant revenue, and keep New York competitive with surrounding states.”
FAQ
What did New York ban?
New York banned sweepstakes gambling through Senate Bill 5935.
Who sponsored the bill?
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee.
Does Addabbo oppose online casinos?
No. He supports regulated online casino gaming in New York.
When could iGaming discussions happen?
Talks could take place in the near future, possibly during the upcoming budget process.
Why does the sweepstakes ban matter for iGaming?
The ban removes unregulated operators and creates a cleaner path for legal online casino regulation.
The post New York Senator Opens Door to Online Casino Talks appeared first on iGaming.org.