Since the 2013-2014 legislative session, there have been 11 bills submitted that called for the legalization of online poker. The New York State Legislature meets biennially. It’s very possible that online poker could be legalized once the dust settles with the siting of the three downstate casinos and after opponents realize that online poker will complement, not impact, the state’s land-based facilities. None of those obstacles are deemed insurmountable. Others worry that existing commercial casinos, including a powerful hotel and casino workers’ labor union, could also be affected. Some lawmakers fret that online poker (and casino) could affect three future land-based casinos likely coming to NYC.
To be clear, there is opposition in some quarters to expanding igaming in the Empire State. Eleven bills have been submitted in the last decade, but a new bill is expected in 2024. Sports betting came to the Empire State in January 2022, but efforts to legalize online poker have fallen short since 2013. No, real money online poker is not currently legal in New York, but it could be soon. Read more ⇣️ Is online poker legal in New York?
