A newly introduced proposal in New York could clear the way for regulated online casino gaming, marking a significant potential shift in the state’s gambling landscape. Senate Bill 2614, introduced by Sen. Joseph Addabbo, seeks to authorize online casino platforms operated by companies that already hold gambling licenses in the state. The measure would permit online slots, poker, table games, and live dealer offerings under a state-approved framework.
The bill, along with its Assembly companion A5922, limits eligibility to existing commercial casinos, tribal casinos, and licensed sportsbook operators. It explicitly bars the issuance of new betting licenses, meaning participation would remain restricted to entities already approved to conduct gambling activity in New York.
Licensing Terms And Regulatory Review
Under the proposal, operators would pay $2 million for an online casino license, while independent platform providers using their own branding would face a $10 million fee. Each license would remain valid for up to a decade. The New York State Gaming Commission would oversee the application process and would be required to approve or reject submissions within 90 days.
Supporters of the bill argue that this process would move faster than the current effort to award additional retail casino licenses. Companies already approved to build or expand physical casino properties would qualify to apply for online operations under the same regulatory umbrella.
Tax Structure And Projected Revenue
The proposal establishes a 30.5% tax rate on online casino revenue. This rate is lower than the state’s 51% tax on sports betting but higher than those applied in other states with legal online casinos. The bill does not add a separate tax on online slots.
Tax revenue would be directed to the State Lottery Fund for education. The bill earmarks $11 million annually for problem gambling education and treatment, with at least $25 million per year allocated to worker training, responsible gaming education, and health-related programs.
Estimates suggest operators could generate about $2.5 billion in revenue during the first year of online casino operations, with projections rising to roughly $4.5 billion in later years.
Safeguards And Path Forward
Addabbo has framed the bill as a way to regulate existing online gambling activity. He said, “Signing my bill into law is not the end of the conversation, but rather a necessary step toward responsible modernization of New York’s online gaming landscape.” He also stated, “If online gaming is going to exist in this state, it must be legal, well-regulated, and built with strong consumer protections.”
Those protections include a $2,500 cap on credit card deposits, self-exclusion tools, player-set deposit limits, and visible problem gambling resources.
The bill is under review by the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, chaired by Addabbo. The Assembly version, sponsored by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, will move through the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee. If approved and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the measure would take effect immediately.
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