Is Online Gambling Legal in New York?
No secret exists regarding New York lawmakers being reluctant to allow certain forms of gambling, yet many New Yorkers are becoming increasingly aware of how viable and popular casino games and sports betting have become. Legal sportsbooks in 2023 took in over $2.1 billion in bets; an impressive market that will likely continue to thrive for some time yet. Many believe that once New York legalizes sports betting it will also legalize online casino gambling as many believe sports gambling would result in legalizing online casino sites as well.
At first glance, it appears iGaming is becoming increasingly popular across the US. Although New York’s legislature can sometimes be slow to adapt to new ideas and proposals, legislators are beginning to appreciate iGaming and have proposed legislation which could legalise it in New York State. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo proposed legislation which would legalize interactive gaming (slots, table games and live dealer gaming) with a 30% tax rate in February 2023 but has since been held up in committee and must wait for its consideration at next legislative session before becoming law.
State Assemblyman James Gary Pretlow’s second proposal to legalize and regulate online poker has also stalled in committee, but with Pretlow facing reelection in 2024 this issue of legalized iGaming could see some movement come 2024.
New York must go further than just regulating iGaming when it comes to gambling regulation by emphasizing responsible gambling, providing information and assistance for problem gamblers. New York already provides its residents with various resources including counseling services, problem gambling resource centers and self-exclusion programs; therefore it is vital that state leaders prioritize this issue prior to considering permitting additional forms of gambling in New York.
So if you are planning on betting or playing casino games online in New York State, ensure that you select only reputable websites which will ensure a safe, secure, and fair experience for residents of this state. One way is to search for sites licensed by credible bodies like Malta Gaming Authority or UK Gambling Commission that also use strong encryption that protects financial information from being compromised.
Though online casino gambling remains illegal in New York, its three tribal casinos are planning to launch online gambling sites that could bring in greater revenues than physical casinos can currently. We should expect more online gambling options in the coming months with sports betting taking the lead and casino games and poker following behind.