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Online gambling in New York
Sen. Joe Addabbo, D-Queens, has officially reignited the fight for legal online casinos in New York with the introduction of a groundbreaking bill on Jan. 11. This legislation not only seeks to authorize New York online casinos but also aims to give the green light to online lottery and online poker within the Empire State.
Addabbo’s Persistent Efforts in the Realm of Online Gambling
As the chairman of the NY Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, Sen. Addabbo has been a staunch advocate for the legalization of online gambling in New York. His latest effort, the S8185 bill, mirrors previous proposals but introduces notable changes, including adjustments to operators’ promotional deductions and online server requirements.
Addressing New York’s Fiscal Woes
This latest filing follows a months-long buildup from Sen. Addabbo, who has consistently stressed the urgency of legalizing online casino gaming in New York. Beyond the entertainment aspect, the senator emphasizes the need to address issues such as problem gambling and gambling addiction. Additionally, he sees legalization as a crucial step in helping the Empire State tackle its daunting $4.3 billion deficit.
A Glimpse into the Past: Previous Shortfalls in 2022 and 2023
Sen. Addabbo and Asm. Gary Pretlow, D-Mount Vernon, have been at the forefront of the battle for online casino legalization in New York for years. Unfortunately, their efforts in both 2022 and 2023 fell significantly short, with bill proposals failing to advance beyond committee stages.
Despite past setbacks, the current landscape appears different. New York is confronted with a substantial $4.3 billion deficit, and Governor Kathy Hochul remains steadfastly against raising taxes. With budget cuts providing limited relief, legal online casinos in NY emerge as a strong contender to contribute to the state’s recovery from this fiscal crisis.
Seeking Revenue Solutions
Sen. Addabbo, in a November interview with PlayNY, stressed the imperative need for revenue generation. He pointed out the potential windfall from iGaming and iLottery, estimating around a billion dollars. The senator questioned how the state could ignore such a revenue stream, especially when facing addiction-related issues and the urgent need to recover lost funds.
Overcoming Cannibalization Concerns
One significant hurdle in the path to legalization is the fear of cannibalization, particularly concerning existing upstate land-based casinos and upcoming properties in the New York City area. However, Sen. Addabbo dismisses these concerns, asserting that well-crafted legislative language can protect jobs in brick-and-mortar establishments while fostering the growth of online gaming.
Protecting Jobs and Union Members
Addressing critics, Sen. Addabbo emphasizes that the legislation he’s drafting not only safeguards current brick-and-mortar jobs but also enhances opportunities. He underscores the importance of live dealers and studio workers, asserting that their presence in New York benefits union members. According to him, the proposed bill aims not only to protect existing jobs but also to increase the number of union members in the gaming industry.
As the bill progresses through legislative channels, the coming months will reveal whether 2024 will mark the year when New York finally embraces legal online casinos, potentially alleviating its financial woes through a new and lucrative revenue stream.
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