Online poker included in New York budget bill
Lawmakers have included language that would legalize and regulate online poker in the stateâs budget bill
The prospect of New York regulating online poker this year have received a significant boost after lawmakers included language that would legalize the activity in its overarching budget bill. [private]
Senate resolution R4330 states: âthe senate advances language to authorize and regulate online pokerâ as well as legislation seeking to legalize daily fantasy sports.
The resolution refers to the budget bill â S6049B â which includes the full language from online poker bill SB3202B introduced by Senator John Bonacic.
Bonacic is the chairman of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, which voted in favor of progressing the bill back in February.
Under the bill, the state would award up to ten online poker licenses, with license fees set at $10m with taxes set at 15% of gross gaming revenue.
The news comes after daily fantasy sports operators FanDuel and DraftKings reached an agreement with New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman to temporarily exit the state.
Both operators agreed to stop offering paid contests to New Yorkers until September, or if legislation was passed explicitly legalizing the activity in the state.
If lawmakers approve the bill as is, then DraftKings and FanDuel will be able to resume operating in the state.