New York online poker bill gets hearing next week
The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee will meet to discuss bill S5302BÂ
Online poker legislation is set for its first hearing of the year in New York next week as lawmakers take a closer look at legalizing the activity in the state. [private]
The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee will discuss S5302B on Tuesday; the bill was introduced by Committee chair John Bonacic back in May last year.
If passed into law, the bill would establish a regulatory framework for online poker in the state with up to 10 interactive licenses up for grabs.
License fees would be set at $10m with tax rates set at 15% of gross gaming revenue; the state would also be able to enter liquidity compacts.
The hearing comes after Assemblyman Gary Pretlow introduced companion bill AB 9049 into the Assembly last week.
Last year Bonacicâs bill received a hearing, and at the time the Poker Players Alliance said it set the stage for progress in 2016.
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.