Senator Joseph Addabbo is unwavering in his determination to legalize internet gambling in New York, even in the face of the Empire State’s persistent financial difficulties.
After encountering obstacles with earlier attempts to provide online poker and iGaming in 2023, Addabbo launched another attempt in 2024 with SB8185, but it was not successful. The senator took a more calculated stance in reply.
New Direction with SB9226
Addabbo’s latest endeavor, SB9226, focuses solely on online poker, presenting a tempered alternative. The bill, introduced to the Senate Gaming, Wagering, and Racing Committee, proposes regulations for online poker, featuring 10 operator licenses and a 15% tax rate.
Addabbo highlights the acceptance of mobile sports betting in New York as a basis for iGaming growth. He thinks that leveraging the popularity of poker might be a smart approach to broaden the state’s gaming offerings.
Legislation sponsored by Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, AB1380 and SB9226, show support from both parties for online poker laws. Pretlow’s previous attempts at this have been met with resistance from the Assembly. The fact that Governor Kathy Hochul did not address online gambling revenue in the state budget for 2024 raises the possibility that Addabbo and Pretlow may encounter formidable obstacles.
Despite the widespread lack of hope, proponents assert that adopting laws relevant to online poker may result in a larger acceptability of online gambling. It is uncertain if these proposals will advance in the Assembly and Senate while Governor Hochul’s approval is awaited.
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