New York might bring online poker to the table

The state of New York seems to be the next US state trying to regulate online poker. This is the second time for the Empire State in the last three years to receive a bill from New York State Senator John Bonacic (R-42nd). The gambling bill from 2013, S6913-A, was the first attempt from Sen John Bonacic to bring to the table the legislation that could have regulated online poker in the state. But the bill could not make it through the NY Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. This time, Sen Bonacic has introduced New York bill S5302-2015 to the same committee, hoping that it does not suffer the exact same results as both bills S6913-A of 2013 and 2014’s.

This new bill is bringing up some facts that are making of online gambling in the Empire State, one of the most difficult legal matters. The Bad Actor clause is becoming one of the main impediments for any online gambling bill in the United States and, in New York’s case is not going to be different, even though Amaya’s Poker Stars, one of the largest online poker provider in the world, is trying to turn this around. The debate about the enclosure or removal of the Bad Actor clause is still on the air.

Another of the elements that are preventing the online gambling industry from becoming one of the most successful in the Empire State is New York’s current gambling law itself. Current NY gambling regulation bans games such as online poker, although this can be played within the precincts of land-based casinos. New York bill S5302-2015 brings many other major components such as a $10 million licensing fee, as well as changes on the role of the regulator, the New York State Gaming Commission and Division of Gaming, interstate pooling, and many more.