New York State Senate Votes to Legalize Online Poker

One of the biggest breakthroughs in the legalization of gambling in New York State occurred on Tuesday, as the state Senate voted to pass bill S05302D. What does this bill entail?

Allows certain interactive poker games be considered games of skill rather than games of luck; includes definitions, authorization, required safeguards and minimum standards, the scope of licensing review and state tax implications; makes corresponding penal law amendments.

The New York State Assembly still needs to pass the bill, but just passing the Senate was viewed as a victory by those in the gambling community, according to this article by Mike McAndrew of Syracuse.com:

"Creating a safe, regulated option for online poker players in New York would generate millions in new tax revenue that could be used for education and other critical investments," said MGM General Counsel John McManus. "We applaud the Senate for passing this sensible legislation that will help protect New Yorkers who have for years played online poker on unprotected, off-shore poker websites that today operate with no regulation, fraud controls, or age restrictions."

You can read the entire bill here.