Several lawmakers expect to push harder for online casinos next year
It hasn’t been easy for lawmakers to eventually reach the goal of legalizing online casinos in New York, but things are transforming for 2024 that could completely alter the online gaming landscape as the state prepares for big changes.
New York’s online gamblers are finally on the cusp of a significant victory. New York Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has spent several years championing the effort to pass online gambling legislation in Albany. His bills introduced in the last legislative session to legalize online casinos encountered opposition within his own committee. Assemblyman Gary Pretlow pushed for a similar Assembly version of the bill, which also died.
However, despite the setbacks, Senator Addabbo seeks to make online casino gambling a reality in 2024 and wants lawmakers to vote on internet lottery legislation next year.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Michigan are currently the top three states in the US Online Casino market, with combined revenue of more than $1 billion in 2022. Monthly revenue in 2023 exceeded $100 million in each state.
Michigan and New Jersey’s combined population is less than the almost 20 million residents in New York, according to US Census data. Pennsylvania is fifth in the US in population, after New York.
Senator Addabbo believes online casino legislation is the “next logical step,” with tax revenue dedicated to benefit areas like education, senior care, transportation, social services, veterans’ assistance and public health. However, many fellow lawmakers have concerns about gambling addiction, job displacement and the impact on traditional gaming establishments, and are seeking more thorough explanations.
Lawmakers will assemble again in the fall, with Senator Addabbo determined to succeed. He plans to highlight mobile sports betting’s success while engaging experts in the online casino industry and studying experiences from other states to gain momentum for next year’s budget discussions.
Emma Rodriguez is the Proofreader at the Big Blind, with seven years of experience and five years in online gambling. She plays a crucial role in maintaining content quality by ensuring error-free, reader-friendly information about the gambling industry.
