Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Senate’s Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, says New York is ready to have “serious discussions” about online casinos.
Key Takeaways
- New York banned unlicensed online sweepstakes casinos earlier this month.
- The New York Gaming Commission just conditionally approved three new brick-and-mortar casino proposals.
- Senator Addabbo says the next step for the Empire State could be regulated iGaming.
On Dec. 5, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill 5935 into law, banning sweepstakes gambling. New York became the sixth state this year to do so.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Addabbo. But Addabbo isn’t averse to online casino gambling in the Empire State.
In a recent statement, Addabbo said his sweepstakes bill “is not the end of the conversation, but rather a necessary step toward responsible modernization of New York’s online gaming landscape.”
“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,” Addabbo said. “With downstate casino licensing progressing and the illegal sweepstakes loophole now closed, the state is better positioned to hold serious discussions about regulating and potentially legalizing iGaming in the near future, possibly as part of the upcoming budget process.
“My priority is to ensure safety, prevent problem gambling, generate much needed, significant revenue, and keep New York competitive with surrounding states.”
With several gambling-related decisions behind it, New York should have more time to consider regulating iGaming. Earlier this month, the New York Gaming Facility Location Board approved three retail casino proposals. On Monday, the New York Gaming Commission conditionally approved all three proposals.
Hard Rock’s Metropolitan Park, Bally’s at Ferry Point Park, and Resorts World’s in Queens were all approved on the condition that they agree to independent monitoring, ensuring they keep the promises they made during the bidding process. It remains to be seen how much competition they could face if online casinos are eventually legalized in New York.
