Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is once again pushing the state to make a move on iGaming
New York is once again considering legalizing online poker and casino games. Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has introduced SB 2614, a bill aiming to regulate online gambling in the state. Addabbo, a long-time supporter of online gaming legislation, has proposed similar bills in recent years without success. This new proposal closely resembles a 2024 bill that sought to legalize online poker, casino games, and other forms of iGaming.
If passed, SB 2614 would amend the state’s Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, and Breeding Law to include a framework for regulated online gambling. It outlines a 30.5% tax on gross gaming revenue for license holders, a $2 million licensing fee for operators, and a $10 million fee for contractors providing gaming platforms with branded content. Each license would allow operators to host one branded gaming platform, mirroring previous proposals.
Key features of the bill include provisions for table games, slot games, live dealer games hosted in New York, and peer-to-peer poker. However, it notably omits language about joining interstate gambling agreements, such as the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which allows states to pool online poker players. Addabbo has previously highlighted the benefits of such compacts, leaving open the possibility of addressing this in future legislation.
New York has tried to legalize online gambling multiple times since 2013. While prior efforts failed to advance past committee discussions, Addabbo remains hopeful, citing the potential for significant tax revenue and job creation. Despite the optimism, challenges persist. Critics, including unions representing casino workers, argue online gaming could harm land-based casinos and lead to social issues like addiction.
Legislative sessions kick off in 2025, and New York joins several other states exploring online gaming laws. Whether this year will see progress remains uncertain, but the debate highlights the state’s continued interest in regulated iGaming.
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