New York mulls online poker for the third time
Assemblyman Gary Pretlow introduces online poker bill, recent progress in Pennsylvania could help drive efforts in 2016Â
Online poker is back on the cards in New York after Assemblyman Gary Pretlow reintroduced legislation for the third time with the aim of legalizing and regulating the activity in the state. [private]
The bill, number AB 9049, has been reintroduced to the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering, of which Pretlow is chair, with companion legislation S 5302 being filed in the Senate.
Under the bill, the state would be allowed to issue up to 10 online poker licenses; licenses would last for 10 years each and would cost $10m.
Tax rates are set at 15% of gross gaming revenue, and the state would be allowed to enter liquidity compacts with other jurisdictions, such as the one signed between Nevada and Delaware.
Pretlowâs latest effort sees the removal of a âbad actorâ clause that would have blocked PokerStars from entering the fray, while the license fee will be offset against tax rates for the first 36 months.
The bill will likely get a hearing in the Committee on Racing and Wagering in the coming months; last year the Senate discussed legislation introduced by Senator John Bonacic.
At the time, the Poker Players Alliance said the hearing âset the stageâ for progress this year.
Since then neighbouring Pennsylvania has made strides towards getting a bill across the line, and may provide New York with the impetus it needs to get this done.
Whatâs more, the state attorney generalâs attack on daily fantasy sports operators FanDuel and DraftKings has brought the issue of online gaming to the fore in recent months.