A bill has been presented to the New York Senate which seeks to legalise and regulate online casinos, as well as online lottery sales and games in the Empire State.
Senator Joseph Addabbo, Chair of the NYS Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, introduced S2614 to the Committee, which is almost identical to an iGaming bill presented last year.
Each of the four downstate casinos, the forthcoming upstate casinos, tribal casinos, VLT parlours and online sports betting operators would be eligible to obtain an online casino licence.
In addition, there will also be three licences available through a competitive bidding process, $25m a year for casino employee training and development, as well as a requirement for an operator’s servers to be housed within state casinos.
The bill also includes a three-year time-out period for any unregulated entities offering games or contests in the state.
With this bill, iGaming will once again be a topic of discussion in New York in 2025, but Addabbo believes it is a necessary measure in order to address sweepstake casinos in the Empire State.
In a press release on his website covering his appearance on a podcast on sweepstake casinos, Addabbo said: “To close this loophole, I will work to ban or incorporate sweepstakes casinos in the state, akin to current laws in Michigan, Idaho, and Washington, and I will push for iGaming as a safe, effective alternative for online casino enthusiasts.
“By addressing the sweepstakes casinos issue and allowing a regulated iGaming casino option, we are demonstrating our commitment to protecting New Yorkers, dealing with gaming addiction, while adding tax revenue beneficial to all state residents.
“Without an option for safe, regulated online gaming, many individuals will fall victim to sweepstakes casinos that entice customers through free play advertising with the potential for prizes through the purchase of gold coins.
“I encourage my colleagues and the Governor to take action against unregulated sweepstakes casinos, while reconsidering the benefits of allowing legal iGaming operators to provide sanctioned services in a popular and ever-growing industry.”
