Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has once again taken bold steps in his persistent push for online gambling in New York. His latest legislation, , aims to establish a robust framework for online gaming. This marks the third consecutive year he has introduced bills to bring iGaming to New York.

Key details of bill introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr.

Joseph Addabbo Jr. is a long-time vocal supporter of the gaming industry. Representing the 15th District of New York, he has consistently pushed forward expansion efforts in the realm of legal gaming, including both mobile sports betting and online poker.

Senate Bill 2614 aims to legalise online casinos in New York, creating a regulatory framework that balances economic opportunities with consumer protection. By introducing clear licensing and taxation rules, the bill seeks to attract legitimate operators while excluding those who have operated illegally in the past.

Under SB 2614, licences would be granted to casinos, video lottery terminal (VLT) companies, sportsbooks, and tribal operators. However, companies previously involved in unlicensed gambling in New York would be barred from applying. This measure emphasises the importance of integrity in the gambling industry.

The iGaming market entry fee is $2 million, which must be paid by land-based casinos and VLT companies. Independent third parties, such as platform hosts, must pay a hefty fee of $10 million. Another provision is that SB 2614 limits each licensed operator to only one “skin,” meaning one branded online gaming platform, thereby streamlining and making the market competitive.

Potential impact on New York’s gambling landscape

If passed, SB 2614 will open up significant tax revenue for the state of New York. The proposed 30.5 percent tax on operators’ gross gaming revenue (GGR) is among the highest in the country and is predicted to bring in hundreds of millions annually to boost the budget and fund critical programmes.

SB 2614 focuses on responsible gaming with stringent safety standards. Operators are required to validate the ages of players, allow self-exclusion tools, and practise responsible gaming behaviour.

It calls for an annual cap of $2,500 on gambling account funding via credit cards. In other words, it’s not a credit card ban, but rather it aims to rein in excessive gaming due to credit. Addabbo’s bill allocates money to problem gambling education and treatment, showing a commitment to tackling the negative side effects of increasing accessibility to gambling.

Challenges in passing the bill

Despite its potential benefits, SB 2614 faces opposition from lawmakers concerned about gambling addiction and market saturation. Previous attempts to legalise iGaming in New York have failed due to similar challenges, but Addabbo remains determined.

In addition to iGaming, Addabbo has long pushed for the legalisation of online poker. His earlier bill, Senate Bill S9226, focused on regulating this popular vertical.

Addabbo has also taken a firm stance against sweepstakes and grey market games, which he views as unregulated gambling. This contrasts with neighbouring New Jersey, which is exploring ways to regulate and tax these games.

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 by giving New Yorkers an option for a regulated iGaming casino shows we are committed to protecting New Yorkers, dealing with gaming addiction, and adding tax revenue beneficial to all state residents.”

If SB 2614 becomes law, it would transform the state’s gambling industry. Licensed operators would gain new opportunities, while unlicensed entities would face stricter enforcement.

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