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New York legislators push to legalize online casinos in 2025
Photo by Felix Wolf, via Pixabay
Having successfully passed legislation to ban sweepstake casinos, New York legislators are turning their attention to online casino sites. While there have been previous unsuccessful attempts, Sen. Joseph Addabbo continues the push with Senate Bill 2614. Here’s a look at the bill and how it could be implemented.
History of online gambling in New York
New York has primarily focused on retail gambling options. In 2013, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and fellow legislators legalized casinos, with sports betting following in 2019. It took until 2022 for online sports betting to be approved, but the state earned almost $80 million in tax revenue within the first five weeks.
“New Yorkers are passionate sports fans and have been active sports bettors. They just didn’t have a legal option. And now they do.” — Bill Miller, president of the American Gaming Association
Revenue increased to more than $1 billion in 2024, showing a rising interest in online sportsbooks. Platforms with long-standing experience in the industry, like iGaming.com — which has covered online markets globally since 2011 and tracked developments in over 80 countries — observe that the popularity of sweepstakes casinos reveals another growing trend: New York players’ desire for online casino sites. That’s why, following the ban on sweepstake sites, Sen. Addabbo is once again pushing for online casino legislation.
Sen. Addabbo’s bill
Addabbo has been trying to pass online casino legislation since at least 2022. His last attempt in 2024 did not garner attention in the Senate chamber. This year, he has introduced SB 2614, which includes provisions similar to his 2024 bill. Some of these provisions include:
- Only one gaming skin per license
- Licenses valid for 10 years
- Live dealer games allowed if the casino has a studio in New York
- Legalization of online lotteries
- Operators must submit an annual problem gambling plan to be approved by the New York State Gaming Commission
The bill also proposes a tax of 30.5% on gambling revenue, with funds directed to the lottery fund for education. The senator is hopeful that the projected $3 billion budget deficit next year could encourage legislators to seek new revenue sources. All current operators would be eligible for a license, and a bidding process would be initiated for three additional permits.
Opposition to online casinos
One of the biggest opponents of online casinos since 2024 is the New York Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. The union advocates for casino industry employees and is concerned that iGaming could eliminate many jobs. While live dealer studios could create new positions, roles such as cocktail servers or resort hotel staff could be lost.
“We’re looking forward to very high quality new casinos being developed and operated downstate for one reason, because of the number of jobs and quality jobs to be created,” says Bhav Tibrewal, political director, Hotel Trades Council.
Another reason for the union’s opposition is the ongoing effort to establish three new casinos in downstate New York. That process began in 2023, with a deadline for licensing bids set for June 27. Although the casinos are still in the planning stages, the union believes they will create significant job opportunities, and the introduction of online casinos could disrupt that.
Economic impact of the bill
As chairman of the New York State Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering, Addabbo supports further expansion. He argues that online casinos could help offset the loss of federal COVID-era funding. Tax revenue from iGaming is estimated to reach $1 billion.
“At a time of fiscal distress for our state, we cannot continue to allow hundreds of millions of dollars to be funneled into neighboring states or the pockets of disreputable offshore casino companies,” says Sen. Joseph Addabbo.
Addabbo is also focused on curbing offshore gambling activity. Although sweepstakes casinos were recently banned, a poll conducted by his office showed that 44% of New York residents support online casino legislation. While Gov. Kathy Hochul did not include online casinos in her 2024–2025 budget, she is reportedly open to market expansion and may support the bill.
Responsible gambling and the influence of other states
To ensure player safety, SB 2614 includes several responsible gambling measures. All operators must submit a problem gambling plan to the state Gaming Commission and implement self-exclusion options. The commission would distribute $11 million in tax revenue toward gambling education and treatment programs, with an additional $25 million allocated for employee training and prevention efforts.
“Without an option for safe, regulated online gaming, many individuals will fall victim to sweepstakes casinos that entice customers through free play advertising with the potential for prizes through the purchase of gold coins,” Addabbo says.
Addabbo also cites the success of legal online casinos in other states. New Jersey has seen 20% year-over-year growth in its iGaming market, and even West Virginia’s market is steadily increasing. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins believes that more states will follow suit in legalizing both online casinos and sports betting. Assembly Member Gary Pretlow has also expressed support for the bill.
Conclusion
SB 2614 is being examined by the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering and must pass the Senate and Assembly. However, Representative Carrie Woerner, chairwoman of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, may prove to be solid opposition. Most operators and legislators are focused on the downstate casino projects, with new casinos also having to acquire a license to operate hotels, but there is hope the bill could pass.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or gambling advice. Online gambling laws vary by jurisdiction. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, contact the NYS HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or visit https://oasas.ny.gov/hopeline.
