Last year, New York became a legitimate contender to regulate online poker after a bill received overwhelming support in the Senate.
While it died in the Assembly, many feel that New York is a dark horse to pass iPoker in 2017.
NY State Senator John Bonacic has taken the first step in making that prediction a reality after filing S 3898 late last week. The bill will legalize and regulate online poker and make New York the fourth state in the U.S. to do so.
Texas Hold'em and Omaha Poker Become Legal Under Bill
The bill, if passed, would make Texas Hold'em and Omaha poker both games of skill. After passing, the New York State Gaming Commission will have 180 days to draft iPoker regulation.
The commission will also be tasked with licensing operators and determining suitability. Under the bill, NY would issue up to 11 iPoker licenses. However, eligibility for these licenses is a bit looser than other states.
For example, any operator with a Class III gaming license or similar in another state would be eligible, provided licensing requirements are similar to those in NY.
Video lottery operators in NY or other states with similar licensing requirements can also apply for a license. Anyone applying for a license will need to pay $10 million upfront. The fee will apply towards future taxes.
Licenses will be good for 10 years and operators will be taxed at 15% of gross gaming revenue. Lastly, the bill does provide for interstate compacts.
Senate a Given - But Will Assembly Cooperate?
It is a given that the NY Senate will push this bill through once more and likely with a similar majority as last year. The key to this bill passing is with the Assembly.
Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow, the chair of the Assembly Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, is one of the key members that can make or break this bill.
Pretlow has filed online poker bills in the past but his true support has been dicey. He recently admitted that some of his concerns over security have been alleviated but he stopped short of supporting iPoker in 2017.
If Pretlow comes on board and strongly pushes the bill, odds improve dramatically for the bill. Should Pretlow remain uncommitted to the issue, then the bill will stall as it did last year.
The fact that this bill was filed so early in the year bodes well. Hopefully that means that Bonacic and Pretlow are working towards a solution.
Right now, New York is about a coin-flip to pass online poker in 2017. Should Pretlow throw significant support behind the bill, New York could leapfrog Pennsylvania as the fourth state to regulate online poker in the United States.
Will that help push California over the line for online poker in 2017 as well? We hope so.