Online Poker Bill Proposed in New York State

Since 2014 began, all eyes have been on the online gambling market in the United States. Lists have been made as to which states are most likely to join Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware by offering online poker or casino gaming, and we all have wondered ‘who will be next?’ Hot off the introduction of a federal bill to make online gambling illegal, the state of New York has now seen a proposal for not only online poker but intrastate options as well.

Just after Senator Lindsey Graham and Representative Jason Chaffetz introduced a federal bill to restore the Wire Act of 1961, New York State Senator John Bonacic unveils a new bill, S 6913. This new bill looks to regulate intrastate poker online for anyone located inside the state. The Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering are now looking over the bill, in which Bonacic is the chairman.

The new bill proposes that New York begin to offer online poker in both cash and tournament form. Ten online poker licenses would be up for grabs that are good for a decade time span. The fee to obtain a license would be $10 million. Those who obtain a license would see a tax rate of 15% of the gross gaming revenues.

A bad actor clause is included which states that any person or asset that was involved in taking any wagers, poker included, from the United States after December 31st of 2006 seems to be disqualified from gaining a license. According to the new proposal, allowing an operator who took wagers after the UIGEA was enforced would create an unfair competition with those who respected both the federal and state laws. The new bill also includes a compact option so that the state can share player liquidity with other states in the US.

According to the Poker Player’s Alliance Executive Director, John Pappas, the new legislation has been in the works for some time. Pappas stated to OnlinePokerReport that he met with legislative leaders of New York last year and they had expressed a deep interest in regulating online poker. State leaders did not want to be left behind in the new market.

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