When New York lawmakers return to Albany for the next legislative session, they will once again face a familiar question. That is, whether the state should join the growing number of jurisdictions that allow online casino gambling.
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. plans to reintroduce legislation that would authorize full iGaming in New York. This renewed attempt to expand the state’s framework beyond sports wagering, which has grown into one of the most profitable betting markets in the country since its launch in 2022, might just have some potential.
A Rapidly Advancing Digital Casino Market
The proposal arrives at a moment when digital gambling has changed significantly. What was once a simple assortment of browser-based slot games has developed into a highly advanced online entertainment sector. Today’s platforms feature live dealer studios that stream in real time, game show-themed tables, crash-style offerings, and smoother gameplay across phones, tablets, and desktop devices.
Operators have also adopted faster withdrawals, expanded banking methods, and refined verification tools. Supporters of legalization say this evolution makes it increasingly unrealistic for New York to ignore the industry’s growth, especially while hundreds of thousands of residents continue to play on offshore websites that provide no consumer protections and contribute nothing to state revenue.
The Details of the Proposal
Senator Addabbo’s bill, known as Senate Bill S2614, would create a regulatory structure for online casino gaming and digital lottery products. Licenses would be offered to commercial casinos, video lottery terminal operators, tribal gaming entities, and the sports betting operators that are already authorized to serve the state.
The legislation outlines a one-time fee of about two million dollars for operators and roughly ten million dollars for platform providers. It also includes a tax rate of about 30.5 percent on gross gaming revenue. Supporters argue that the structure could generate substantial annual income if major online casino brands receive approval to operate within the state.
One of the most significant provisions requires that all live dealer games originate from studios located inside New York. The senator and other proponents say this approach would help create local jobs and provide clearer oversight than offshore competitors. Licenses would remain valid for ten years, and each license holder would be limited to a single online gaming platform.
The Challenging Political Climate
The renewed push for iGaming comes as state regulators continue the process of awarding three downstate casino licenses in the New York City region. The highly competitive bidding process has drawn interest from major companies. Some lawmakers believe that once those licenses are granted, New York will have a more complete regulatory foundation for land-based casinos, which would make it easier to consider online expansion.
Despite this momentum, the proposal still faces notable resistance. Labor unions representing casino workers remain concerned that online gambling could divert customers away from physical casinos.
Supporters counter that the existing reality is already undermining those arguments. Offshore gambling platforms continue to attract large numbers of New York residents, and none of these websites comply with state regulations or pay state taxes.
Then What Comes Next?
The bill is expected to be taken up in committee hearings once the session begins. Lawmakers will examine projected revenue, labor concerns, and regulatory safeguards before deciding whether New York is prepared to join states that already allow online casino gaming.
For now, the debate remains a familiar one. Yet as the digital gambling industry expands and the technology behind it grows more sophisticated, the big iGaming question facing New Yorkers is becoming more difficult to postpone.
