New York is once again at the forefront of the national conversation on online poker legalization. In January 2025, State Senator Joseph Addabbo introduced Senate Bill S2614, a comprehensive iGaming proposal aiming to legalize online poker, casino games, and lottery sales in the Empire State. This bill mirrors previous efforts but includes updated provisions to address current challenges in the online gaming landscape.
Key Provisions of Senate Bill S2614
Senate Bill S2614 seeks to amend the state’s Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering, and Breeding Law by introducing Article 15, which would legalize interactive gaming, including online poker. The bill proposes a tax rate of 30.5% on gross gaming revenue, with a portion earmarked for casino employee training and development, reports Yogonet. Additionally, it mandates that all gaming servers be housed within state-licensed casinos to ensure regulatory compliance.
Challenges Facing Legalization
Despite the bill’s comprehensive framework, several challenges impede its passage. One significant hurdle is the high proposed tax rate, which exceeds that of neighboring states like New Jersey. This could deter potential operators from entering the market.
Moreover, the bill faces opposition from stakeholders concerned about the impact of online gaming on problem gambling and the potential cannibalization of brick-and-mortar casino revenues. There is also debate over the inclusion of sweepstakes gaming sites, which operate in a legal gray area and are popular among younger demographics, something Addabbo opposes.
The Role of Chris Moneymaker
Chris Moneymaker, the 2003 World Series of Poker Main Event champion, has been a vocal advocate for the legalization of online poker in the United States. His unexpected victory, often referred to as the “Moneymaker Effect,” is credited with sparking the poker boom of the early 2000s.
In recent years, Moneymaker has continued to promote the game and support legislative efforts to legalize online poker. His involvement lends credibility to the movement and helps garner public support.
He has also been instrumental in expanding live poker events in New York City through his collaboration with Americas Cardroom. While Americas Cardroom primarily operates online, Moneymaker’s influence has extended to live events, notably through the Moneymaker Tour. This tour has included stops in various locations, offering players the opportunity to participate in live tournaments and experience the thrill of in-person poker.
In addition to live events, Moneymaker has been actively involved in online tournaments that cater to players in New York and beyond. One prominent example is the “Sunday Moneymaker” tournament on Americas Cardroom’s website, which features a $109 buy-in and guarantees a prize pool of $300,000 each week, with $400,000 on the final Sunday of every month. This tournament provides players with a chance to compete for substantial prizes from the comfort of their homes.
Moneymaker’s efforts have significantly contributed to the growth of poker in New York City, blending both live and online experiences to engage a wide range of players. His commitment to making poker accessible and exciting continues to resonate with enthusiasts in the region.
Outlook for 2025 and Beyond
The outlook for online poker legalization in New York remains cautiously optimistic. Senator Addabbo has expressed a commitment to advancing the bill, emphasizing the potential economic benefits and the need to regulate existing unlicensed gaming activities.
However, the bill’s success will depend on addressing the concerns of various stakeholders and aligning the interests of lawmakers, operators, and the public. If these challenges can be navigated, New York could join the growing list of states embracing regulated online poker, setting a precedent for others to follow.
As the legislative session progresses, all eyes will be on Albany to see whether 2025 will be the year that online poker becomes a legal and regulated activity in the Empire State.
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