Senator Says New York Is in Prime Position to Discuss Online Casino Gaming

After the long-awaited announcement awarding the coveted downstate casino licenses, Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. believes iGaming in New York is an issue the legislators can now tackle.

Checking the Boxes

Senator Joe Addabbo Jr. has been a champion of responsible gaming, and he is a big reason why the mobile sports betting industry not only exists but also thrives in the Empire State.

But now that his bill banning sweepstakes companies in New York has recently been signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul, and the winners of the downstate casino licenses were announced, Addabbo believes the conversation regarding online casino gambling is long overdue.

Addabbo’s iGaming legislation did not gain traction this year, but 2026 could be different.

Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, chair of the NY Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, doused any optimism about the bill passing during this past session, saying, “I think in the Assembly we’ll be taking a look at it, but I would not think that we’re ready to take that step yet. There’s a lot to look at. I know it’s out there and under consideration, and I’ll certainly take a hard look at it. We’ll see.”

Tying Up Loose Ends

Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, Bally’s Bronx, and Resorts World New York received the green light from the New York Gaming Facility Location Board. The next step is more of a formality when the three operating licenses are awarded by the New York Gaming Commission (NYGC).

But now that some of those larger gaming issues have been resolved, Addabbo believes all the gaming streams should be explored because they will not only generate revenue for the state but will also provide protections for consumers and responsible gaming guardrails.

New York has been the most successful mobile sports betting market in the nation, and the state is raking in a whopping 51% of the revenues generated by the nine online sportsbooks, including Bally Bet, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, Fanatics Sportsbook, FanDuel, Resorts World Bet, and theScore Bet (formerly ESPNBet).

However, iGaming would be a welcome addition to New York’s tax coffers, with estimates suggesting online casino gambling could generate at least $1.5 billion annually. It would be a boon to a state with a budget deficit, and many believe it is a discussion that will lead to legislation in New York sooner rather than later.