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New York iGaming bill fails to pass in 2026; Gov. Hochul declined support
The latest legislative push for legal New York online casinos has failed. Gov. Kathy Hochul's lack of support convinced the bill's author to abandon iGaming efforts in 2026.
The Empire State will have to wait at least another year for legal online casinos. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo, who introduced the latest legislative effort to regulate iGaming, officially gave up on his efforts before the state's 2026 legislative session ended in June. Addabbo said that Governor Kathy Hochul's lack of support for the bill was the primary reason why he stopped his attempts at legalizing iCasinos this year.
Details of Addabbo's abandoned iGaming bill
Sen. Addabbo introduced S2614 to regulate online casinos in New York. Key points of the bill include:
- Legalizing real money online slots, blackjack, baccarat, live dealer games, roulette, scratchcards, and other common mobile casino games.
- Legalizing player-vs-player online poker games like Texas hold 'em and Omaha.
- Limiting potential NY operators that can launch new online casinos to commercial casinos, racinos, local tribes, and mobile sports providers.
- Entrusting the New York State Gaming Commission to issue online casino licenses and oversee the state's iGaming market.
- Requiring roughly $150 million in one-time licensing fees from operators, plus taxes.
- Strict responsible gambling protections, like deposit limits, self-exclusion options, age verification, and displaying problem-gambling resources.
- Requiring live dealer online casino providers to operate studios within state lines.
Why didn't Gov. Hochul support this bill?
Governor Hochul hasn't publicly addressed Addabbo's legislative efforts to legalize online casino games for real money in the state. Therefore, it's unknown what objection—if any–-she had to S2614.
However, her office never endorsed Addabbo's bill, making him feel like Hochul wouldn't sign the legislation even if it passed the Senate and Assembly. With time running out in the legislative session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering stopped pushing for S2614 to pass.
Still plenty of motivation to legalize New York online casinos
While Addabbo may have given up on 2026, he'll likely be back with another bill to regulate gaming sites next year. After all, he's been behind efforts to bring regulated iGaming to the state for several years.
Two neighboring states have had tremendous financial success with legal online casinos, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey. PA online casinos made $2.78 billion in 2025, while NJ online casinos earned $2.91 billion last year. Both figures were iGaming revenue records for their respective states.
Lawmakers beyond Addabbo may be motivated to regulate online casinos to avoid losing iGaming tax revenue to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many New Yorkers likely play online casino games when they're in NJ or PA because they have no regulated options in their own state. New York could keep much of this revenue in-state by legalizing online casinos.
The other key is how successful a potential New York iGaming market could be. The Empire State is much larger than its two neighbors with regulated iCasinos. It also lays claim to New York City, which easily has the biggest economy ($2.3 trillion GDP) among major US cities. Its population advantage would likely make it the country's most successful regulated iGaming market.
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.
