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In the near future, New York might witness the introduction of online casino gaming; however, it is likely that it will not be available round the clock, particularly during the initial phase.
During the SBC Summit North America, Senator Joe Addabbo raised the idea of imposing restrictions on the daily hours for online casino gaming in New York, also known as the Empire State.
“After the conference, Addabbo informed playin-ny that he intends to discuss this matter with his legal counsel while crafting the (bill) language. He emphasized the importance of incorporating various perspectives and seeking input during this process, which is why he is open to suggestions.”
Conversations have begun for NY online casino legalization
Addabbo and his counterpart, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who are both seeking re-election in their respective districts, will once more strive to advance the expansion of legal online casino gaming in the upcoming legislative session.
As a means to initiate discussions, Addabbo proposed an iGaming expansion bill towards the end of the previous year’s session.
Playin-ny was informed by Addabbo that the primary challenge in expanding to online casino gaming would be addiction. The iGaming bill, which failed to progress, proposed allocating an extra $11 million to address gambling addiction.
Addabbo was still figuring out the specific time period during which players would have the opportunity to play online casino games.
If New York starts operating in this format, it has the potential to expand the number of hours or even operate 24/7 in the future. It is important to note that currently none of the state’s physical casinos are open around the clock. However, it is likely that operators would be reluctant to halt the flow of cash from online casino gaming, even during overnight hours.
Question remains surrounding treatment of addiction
According to the previous bill, it was anticipated that New York would generate approximately $475 million in tax revenue each year, along with an additional $150 million in one-time licensing fees from casinos, operators, and independent contractors seeking to operate within the state.
Addabbo stated that the iGaming population is substantial, particularly in New York according to his assessment. He acknowledged the triumph of mobile sports betting among sports enthusiasts, but emphasized that iGaming encompasses a broader range of activities such as poker, table games, and slots.
I believe that with a larger population (player pool), the risk of problem gambling and addiction increases. Given this concern, how can we effectively tackle it? Implementing caps, establishing reporting mechanisms, and limiting gaming hours are potential solutions to consider.
In consecutive legislative sessions, New York witnessed the legalization of online sports betting and the expedited issuance of three downstate casino licenses. Based on historical trends, the approval of online casino legislation in 2025 appears more probable than in 2025.
Nevertheless, compromise is frequently necessary, and implementing a restricted number of online casino gaming hours, particularly in the beginning, might be a viable solution.
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