After being shelved last year, the online gaming bill in New York may be making a comeback. The bill, which aims to legalize and regulate online gaming in the state, has garnered renewed interest from lawmakers and stakeholders in the gaming industry.
The bill, which was introduced in the New York State Legislature in 2019, seeks to authorize the operation of online poker and other forms of online gaming such as sports betting and fantasy sports. Supporters of the bill argue that legalization and regulation of online gaming could generate millions in revenue for the state, create new jobs, and protect consumers from unlicensed and unsafe operators.
Opponents of the bill, however, have raised concerns about potential negative social impacts of online gaming, such as addiction and underage gambling. They have also cited the existing tribal gaming compacts in the state as a barrier to legalizing online gaming.
Despite these concerns, the momentum for the bill has been growing in recent months. In February, the New York State Senate held a hearing on the impact of online gaming on the state’s economy and public health. The hearing featured testimony from experts in the gaming industry, as well as representatives from tribal gaming interests and anti-gambling advocacy groups.
Following the hearing, several key lawmakers expressed their support for reviving the online gaming bill. State Senator Joseph Addabbo, who sponsored the bill in 2019, stated that he intends to reintroduce the legislation and push for its passage in the upcoming legislative session.
If the bill is ultimately passed, New York would join a growing number of states that have legalized online gaming in recent years. Currently, just a handful of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, allow online gaming within their borders.
For now, the fate of the online gaming bill in New York remains uncertain. However, with growing public interest and support from key lawmakers, the prospects for legalization of online gaming in the state are looking brighter than ever. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.