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2026 New York online casino bill dies, gets no support from Gov. Hochul
The legislative push to legalize online casinos in the Empire State has died. Find out what went wrong and if there's a chance for regulated NY iGaming in the near future.
Legal online casinos will have to wait at least another year in New York. A bill that would have legalized and regulated iGaming in the state appears dead. Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D), who pushed the bill, recently gave up after believing that Gov. Kathy Hochul wouldn't support his plan. This means New Yorkers will have to wait at least another year to enjoy BetMGM and other top gaming sites. Sign up at BetMGM in NJ and PA using the SPORTSLINE2500 promo code and get up to $2,500 casino credits and 100 bonus spins
Gov. Hochul showed no signs of being ready for iGaming
Sen. Addabbo said he believed that S2614 could have potentially passed the state Senate and Assembly. However, he ultimately felt like it wouldn't matter because "the governor would probably not sign it."
The state's legislative session ends on June 4. It would've needed to gain quick support to pass with under two weeks left.
That probably wasn't happening with Gov. Hochul being non-committal on legalizing online casino games for real money. She hasn't publicly endorsed Addabbo's bill or online gaming in general.
She has shown quite an interest in responsible gambling. Hochul strongly backed measures to create a gambling mental health institute and stop minors from engaging in online sports betting. However, this enthusiasm hasn't extended to wanting to launch an iGaming market with safe online casinos like DraftKings. Sign up at DraftKings Casino with this link, then play $5+ to get 1,000 bonus spins
Addabbo will go back to the drawing board
Sen. Addabbo has been a strong advocate for New York gambling since first being elected as a state senator in 2008. He was the key figure in bringing sports betting to New Yorkers in 2021.
He's been trying to do the same with iGaming for the past several years. Addabbo is particularly interested in the extra tax revenue that new online casinos would bring the state.
His latest proposal called for both online gaming and iPoker to be legalized. S2614 would've made New York's nine sports betting operators, four upstate casinos, and three downstate casinos eligible for licensing.
It's unclear what Hochul doesn't find appealing about his proposed plan. But it's almost a given that Addabbo will be back with new legislation next year.
Neighboring states continue reaping the iGaming benefits
New York has the country's fourth-largest population with just over 20 million residents. It also features the nation's third-biggest economy at $2.3 trillion.Â
The Empire State could see major tax revenue benefits by offering progressive jackpot slots, blackjack, roulette, and other games to its residents and visitors. However, those potential tax funds are filtering into neighboring states.
Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania share borders with New York and offer regulated iGaming. NJ and PA online casinos have been particularly successful, with each generating hundreds of millions in tax dollars every year.
New York could keep this money in-state by legalizing and regulating online casinos. This option will likely become more attractive as time passes. But for now, New Yorkers must travel to other states to play at legal casino apps like Caesars Palace Online. Join Caesars Palace Online Casino with code SPORTSLINE2500 and get a $10 sign-up bonus and up to $1,000 in casino credits
Responsible gambling
Bettors must be 21 years or older and otherwise eligible to register and place wagers at online casinos. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-MY-RESET.Â
