Senate approves bill to legalize online poker in New York

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Bonacic (R-Mount Hope), passed 53-5. It would allow the state’s 11 racetrack casinos to apply for 11 licenses to host online Texas Hold-em and Omaha Hold-em games.

If approved by the Assembly before the end of the legislative session Thursday, New York would become the fourth state to legalize online poker.

"Today marks a major achievement for internet poker regulation, but to be complete this bill must get to Governor Cuomo's desk for signature. Thousands of PPA members in New York have contacted their state lawmakers and the state Senate responding by passing a bill that would finally provide consumers with a safe and regulated place to play poker online," said John Pappas, executive director of the PPA. "With the state legislative session coming to an end this week, now is time for the Assembly to make iPoker regulation a priority. The consumer case for Internet poker regulation is clear, plus it will raise millions in new revenue for the state without raising taxes. There is no other proposal before the legislature that can do this. Not acting on it would essentially amount to the legislature turning their back on consumer protections and new revenue without raising taxes."