New york has long had an affinity for gambling, and remains one of the nation’s most diverse gambling markets. From land-based casinos and sports betting (launched in 2022) to legal DFS games – New york remains an incredible source of gambling revenue.
New york state laws do not currently permit online casinos. Although New york has numerous lottery and DFS sites available to its residents, those wanting real-money casino gaming currently only have offline options available to them – something which will soon change with this bill’s passage.
New Yorkers may soon have access to online gambling options in the form of iGaming. Sports betting began its commercial run on January 2022, and its success has laid the groundwork for iGaming to reach New york State. State Senator Joseph Addabbo has proposed legislation which would legalise iGaming – with plans of introducing it during the 2023-24 legislative session.
Addabbo has introduced S4856, which seeks to modify New Jersey’s Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding law regarding interactive gaming. He chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee which is reviewing his bill.
New york lawmakers want iGaming businesses to pay a 30% tax rate, considerably lower than the 51% taxes currently imposed upon mobile sportsbooks. Furthermore, some of its proceeds would be channeled toward supporting responsible gambling resources.
New york may still face a long path ahead to see online casinos become reality, yet lawmakers seem determined to make this happen. Some have even publicly voiced support for the industry in order to help bring it about in New york.
New Yorkers must clear some symbolic hurdles before enjoying real-money casino gaming online, but these will largely be symbolic. Residents must first be 21 or over; New york State requires this age limit as minimum gambling age; some online casinos do accept players under 21, but most do not.
One major challenge lies in getting online casinos up and running in New york State, due to laws restricting casino operations to tribal lands; one casino exists within city limits (Resorts World). However, the state is taking steps to change this by creating a licensing system for land-based operations. Developers must submit proposals to the Gaming Facility Location Board who will assess them against criteria applicable for five casinos across New york State: four upstate casinos and three downstate. If a proposal is approved, its developer must then gain local support through a community advisory committee and vote whether or not to approve. If two-thirds majority approval is reached among communities voting, it will then qualify for licensing from the Gaming Commission; otherwise it will be sent back to be altered before being resubmitted for consideration.