New York State Introduced Online Poker Bill

New York State introduced a new online poker Bill which was a follow-up to last year’s one that didn’t pass. Originally authored by Senator John Bonacic, it has called for a cap to be introduced for up to 10 operators. Plus operators should be taxed at 15%.

Bill’s Details

This year’s bill makes references to poker as being a game of skill that does not fall under the current definition of the term ‘gambling’ and so is against the penal law. Meanwhile, the NYT has reported that MGM Resorts is actively lobbying in Albany in favor of a poker bill being approved.

According to the analysis commissioned by MGM in 2014, New Yorkers spend $110 million on various foreign poker websites. The study concluded that the state can easily experience an increase in annual taxes by as much as $80 million dollars. If the proposed Bill does pass, it will enable New York to enter into various deals with other states and to share its liquidity.

Unclear Future

In 2012, the New York Senate made headlines during budget talks by saying about support of online poker. However, in 2014, when an online poker bill was introduced, it didn’t go anywhere. As for now, only three states – New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware – have made online poker legal.