For 2016, we have seen several states continue to show interest in some form or fashion when it comes to online casino gaming. We have also seen that these states have introduced online gaming legislation only to not move forward in the legislative process. Bills stall out in hearings or simply do not earn a hearing at all. In the state of New York, it seems that progress is being made, even if the process is slow going.
In 2015, John Bonacic, a legislator of the state, introduced a bill for online gaming titled S5302B. In February, this bill was voted for by the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, and actually was voted in favor of unanimously by members of the committee. This committee is chaired by Bonacic and it is important to note that the bill was able to earn a vote when many others in the past never made it this far.
The vote is important because one it was a positive vote but also because the decision took place early in the year. This means that legislators of New York consider the subject an important one. It would not have been voted on so early in the year if legislators were not interested in the idea or wanted to see legislation on the subject of online casino gaming moving forward. Each of the nine members of the committee voted in favor of the effort and despite this step in the right direction, the measure still has a ways to go before it will be able to come into law.
S5302B generally speaks of legalizing particular games of skill. This includes poker gaming within the borders of the state. The bill includes language that discusses the way the industry can be regulated and how operators would gain licensing. The bill also talks about how operators will be taxed and several other aspects of offering online casino gaming, including how players would be protected.
The bill moved from the committee to the Finance Committee. Members of this committee are to review the bill and then take a vote. According to Bonacic, the measure should be discussed in both Houses as the session progresses.
Talk of offering online gaming in the state of New York first began back in 2013. Legislators were looking at the option as a way to provide additional revenues to the state to help pad the budget. The very first piece of legislation was introduced by Bonacic and was known as S6913, proposed in March of 2014. Another bill was introduced in May by Gary Pretlow, a state Assemblyman and then one year later, another bill was introduced and would become the outline for S5302B.
For now, many legislators want to focus on land based gaming as the state is just now getting started on constructing venues of this type. The state has been behind when it comes to offering gaming options but will soon offer Vegas-style casinos. The state must compete with neighbors such as Pennsylvania who offer casino gaming in land form. Pennsylvania is also interested in online gaming so this means that New York will have to keep up if the state passes online gaming into law.
For now, the bill is moving forward but still has a long way to go. We will continue to watch as the online gaming industry grows in the United States, following individual states as they introduce legislation or hold hearings on the subject. It will be interesting to see if New York is able to pass legislation, allowing online casino gaming to take place within its borders.
