NY Senate Approves Poker, but Prospects Still Dim

Sun, Jun 19, 2016

New York lawmakers approved legalizing online poker and are working on efforts to make paid daily fantasy sports legal in the state, too. But with less than a week remaining in this year’s legislative calendar year, at least one prominent lawmaker says there’s virtually no chance online poker will be legal this year in New York. PPA Executive Director John Pappas (l.) says progress has been made because of thousands of New York players have contacted their senators.

The New York Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure legalizing online poker, but it only has a week to be signed before expiration.

That has a key state lawmaker saying online poker won’t become legal in New York this year, while proponents are hopeful it will become legal this year.

The Poker Players Alliance (PPA) commended the Senate on its action and wants swift action to make it law.

“To be complete, this bill must get to Governor Andrew Cuomo’s desk for signature,” PPA Executive Director John Pappas said in a news release.

“Thousands of PPA members in New York have contacted their state lawmakers and the state Senate responding by passing a bill that would finally provide consumers with a safe and regulated place to play poker online,” he said. “With the state legislative session coming to an end this week, now is time for the Assembly to make iPoker regulation a priority.”

MGM Resorts International General Counsel John McManus said legalizing online poker would generates millions of dollars in new tax revenues for the state, which could help to fund education and important programs.

While the PPA wants swift action, the Buffalo News reported Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee Chair Gary Pretlow says it’s too late in the session, and the online poker almost no chance of being signed.

Pretlow told the Buffalo News the 53-5 vote in favor of its passage in the Senate was an impressive feat, but he said it won’t be signed into law.

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