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State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. is making yet another push towards legalizing online gambling in New York, as well as more robust regulations for the industry overall. Kicking off 2026, he has put forward Senate Bill 2614, which covers both online gambling and lotteries.
This comes as online gambling revenue has overtaken land-based figures in several states. Industry stakeholders have been pushing for better laws to allow New York take advantage of this trend and avoid being left behind. Should this bill pass, it would be a step in that direction.
Securing gambling income
It is worth noting that many New Yorkers continue to get their gambling needs met, even if there are no legal avenues in the state. The internet offers endless options to access websites even outside of their jurisdiction. It also means that they can access an unlimited number of games, generous bonuses, and much more. More consumers are now looking into how to gamble with offshore casinos and taking their money there instead.
While this benefits them and their experience, it takes this money away from their home states, which has a ripple effect. Such sites can generate jobs for residents, as well as millions of dollars in tax revenue, given how prowfitable they tend to be. This is why many experts are pushing for more robust laws to be passed that welcome the online gambling space while also regulating its activities and protecting consumers.
This is where Senator Addabbo’s bill comes in. First, it specifies the entities that are allowed to operate online gambling operations in the state, including commercial casinos and tribal casinos. This means that the New York market will not be opened to just anyone looking to profit off the market, but that there will be an order to it. It further specifies that there will be only one interactive gaming license per eligible operator, which prevents any monopoly or unfair business practices.
The business will be subject to a tax rate of 30.5% of net gaming revenue, and these funds must be funneled to the state education fund. This ensures that the state and its citizens benefit from their presence in multiple ways. Speaking of consumer benefits, the bill also stipulates that player protection safeguards must be put in place by entities that want to operate in New York.
Other parts of the bill include certain labor requirements and annual credit card deposit limits.
The importance of this bill
Senator Addabbo has been one of the biggest supporters of legalized online gambling in New York, and this bill is a huge part of this effort. First, it stops New York from being left behind and losing so much gambling tax income to other states. It also means that consumers who want these services can be protected as they access them.
Should it pass in 2026, the state can be on its way to becoming a major hub for online gambling and doing so with proper safeguards and consideration for stakeholders.
