New York Online Gaming Bill Fails to Gain Traction

Sen. Joseph Addabbo introduced a bill to legalize online gaming in New York, but it is unlikely to pass without the backing of Gov. Kathy Hochul. The bill, which aimed to legalize online casino gaming and poker, would have allowed the state's nine sports betting operators and seven casinos to offer broader gaming options. Addabbo believes that adding online gaming could help bring in additional revenue for the state.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has focused on responsible gaming measures, including protecting minors from gambling. She has been non-committal on the issue of online gaming but has taken a tough line on gambling protections. In January, Hochul backed new measures to protect minors from gambling and other responsible gaming measures.

Addabbo was instrumental in the state adding legalized online sports betting in 2021. He believes that by shutting down unsafe, unregulated sweepstakes casinos, New York is reaffirming that if online gaming is going to exist in this state, it must be legal, well-regulated, and built with strong consumer protections.