Future of Online Gambling in New York: Proposal on Hold for 2026

A bill to legalize online gaming in New York looks to be dead as the end of the legislative session approaches on June 4.

Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D), who chairs the Empire State’s Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, pushed the plan. The senator said it was unlikely the proposal would move forward without the backing of Gov. Kathy Hochul (D).

“We could pass it in the Senate, we could pass it in the Assembly, and then the governor would probably not sign it,” Addabbo told Gambling.com. “So, I’m not going to waste anyone’s time here.”

Hochul Focused On Responsible Gaming Measures

Addabbo has introduced online casino legislation over the last few years and did so again in this session. None of those efforts have advanced through both houses of the State Legislature.

Hochul has been non-committal so far on the issue. But she 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 adding online gaming could help bring in additional revenue for the state. This year’s proposal followed the state banning sweepstakes gaming operators.

“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,” he said in December.

Proposal Called For Casinos And Sportsbooks To Operate iGaming

Under Addabbo’s Senate Bill S2614, the state legalizes online casino gaming and poker. The state would license its nine sports betting operators for broader offerings.

Additionally, the four upstate casinos could also receive licenses, along with the three downstate casinos that were awarded gaming licenses in December.

With a population of about 20 million people, New York could give a significant boost to the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement online poker shared liquidity compact.

In related news, one New York tribal group is already planning for legalization. Seneca Nation COO Kimberlee Dunlop said it was just a matter of time before online gaming was approved and that the tribe is already preparing.

In January, Maine became the latest state to legalize online gaming but now faces a lawsuit to block the law from going into effect.