Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. optimistic about legalizing New York online casinos

With the signature of Gov. Kathy Hochul, it has become official that dual-currency online sweepstakes casinos are now illegal in New York. Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Senate's Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, called the move a major step toward protecting state residents. It is not the end of the conversation, as Addabbo said in a statement, since lawmakers will now turn their attention to legalizing online casinos in New York.

After months of seeming inaction, Addabbo's bill S5935 landed on the governor's desk at the start of the month. At that time, Hochul had 30 days to sign the bill to enact it into law – although the legislation would still become law if she took no action.

In a statement announcing Hochul's signing, Addabbo emphasized that the bill ensures any state-authorized form of gaming in New York adheres to the state's highest standards of safety, transparency and regulatory oversight.

As a result, it's now officially prohibited to operate, promote or profit from online sweepstakes casino-style games that use dual currencies and allow users to win cash or cash-equivalent prizes.

Addabbo said in a statement that those platforms offer games that look and act like a casino while also paying real-money winnings, all while operating without proper regulation and safeguards required by the New York State Gaming Commission.

The senator noted that this new law "closes a dangerous loophole" to protect New Yorkers from predatory gambling schemes. Addabbo then added that this is not the end of the conversation. Rather, it's a continuation into a related topic.

The past few weeks have been gaming-heavy for state regulators and officials, not only with this sweepstakes casino ban but also with the selection of three downstate land-based casino sites to receive commercial licenses.

Now, Addabbo is resetting his sights on a topic he has attacked for several years now: Making New York one of the next states to legalize online casinos. The sweepstakes casino ban, Addabbo said, is "a necessary step toward responsible modernization" of the online gambling landscape in New York. The bill reaffirms the state's commitment to legal, well-regulated and safe gambling practices. 

With the legislation now signed and with the selection of downstate casino sites, Addabbo said, the state is in better position to have serious discussions about legalizing casino apps in New York.

Addabbo has long chased iGaming legalization, especially with NJ online casinos having benefited from New Yorkers for a dozen years. The same can be said for the neighboring PA online casino industry. Each effort, though, has fallen short as Addabbo and his colleagues have not been able to overcome the opposition of the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council – a heavy-hitting labor union that represents thousands of employees at land-based casinos.

Still, Addabbo has long remained optimistic for eventual legalization of NY online casinos. And he will make another run at it in 2026.

Grant Lucas