New York State has long positioned itself as a national leader when it comes to gaming expansions. Since the early 2000s, lawmakers have greenlit a broad range of gambling activities—from commercial casinos and video lottery terminals to online sports betting and fantasy contests. The state’s lawmakers have also authorized internet wagering on horse races and advanced deposit wagering. According to State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York is one of just eight states that offer the widest variety of regulated gaming options.
These forms of legal gaming have generated billions for the state treasury, with a significant share earmarked for public services like education. A report from the New York State Comptroller’s office reveals that over the past 12 years, gaming revenue has consistently contributed over one-eighth of state spending on elementary and secondary education. In 2023 alone, New York collected more than $4.7 billion from state-regulated gaming activities, including $850 million from online sports betting.
Despite this impressive revenue stream, a major segment of the digital gaming economy remains untapped in New York: online casino gambling, or iGaming. If legalized, iGaming could potentially generate between $1.5 billion and $3 billion annually in state tax revenue—nearly triple the amount brought in by online sports betting.
This article explores New York’s current gaming landscape and the future of iGaming legislation that could further bolster the state’s economy.
New York’s current gaming landscape
New York has consistently taken steps to diversify its gaming offerings. In 2022, the state approved legislation to issue three commercial casino licenses in downstate New York, an effort to expand its brick-and-mortar gaming footprint. These licenses are expected to be awarded by the end of 2025.
“This isn’t just about building casinos,” said Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr., chair of the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering. “It’s about creating sustainable economic engines that benefit our communities for years to come.”
Several developers submitted bids in 2023 for these downstate locations, which are slated to feature traditional gaming tables, including blackjack, poker, and roulette. Once operational, they will join an existing roster of renowned casinos like Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls.
Online gaming is more complicated. While sports betting is legal and regulated, online poker and full-fledged online casino games fall into a gray area. Players in the state can access online poker in New York via internationally licensed platforms. Trusted provider Americas Cardroom, for one, is regulated in Curaçao and offers strong player protections, including SSL encryption and fair-play certifications. These platforms have gained traction due to their reliability, fast payouts, and player support, although they remain outside New York’s regulatory oversight.
Alternatively, New Yorkers can travel to neighboring states that permit iGaming, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. New Jersey, in particular, entered into a shared liquidity agreement with Michigan, allowing residents of both states to play in the same online poker games, creating a more competitive environment for players. BetMGM submitted the request to have authorizations for multi-state online poker games in Michigan in May 2024.
The legislative push for iGaming in 2025
In January 2025, Senator Addabbo reintroduced Senate Bill 2614, an ambitious measure designed to legalize online casino gaming statewide. The bill would permit online slots, table games, poker, tournaments, and live dealer formats. It proposes a 30.5% tax on gross gaming revenue, a $2 million licensing fee for operators, and a $10 million fee for third-party platform providers.
Addabbo has introduced similar legislation in past years, but none have passed both chambers of the legislature. His previous bill, S8185, successfully passed the Senate in 2023 but stalled after it was excluded from Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 executive budget.
This time around, SB2614 seeks to address common criticisms. The bill promises to set aside $11 million annually for problem gambling education and treatment programs, a response to public health concerns. Additionally, it allocates $25 million to maintain existing casino jobs—a nod to union leaders who worry that online casinos might cannibalize brick-and-mortar venues.
Supporters also point to technological advancements that can make online gambling more secure and reliable. As we discussed in our post , AI solutions with fraud detection systems and automated safety nets that capture failed payments in sports betting platforms are in the works. This could potentially strengthen regulatory compliance while enhancing player protection.
Still, concerns linger. The bill does not include language authorizing New York to participate in multi-jurisdictional player pooling agreements like MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement), which could limit online poker’s reach and competitiveness. While the economic argument is strong—iGaming could provide a substantial boost to a state facing a projected budget deficit—resistance from labor unions remains a political hurdle.
Outlook for 2025
As of April 2025, Senate Bill 2614 is pending in the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee. Its fate will likely depend on budget negotiations, stakeholder advocacy, and public sentiment.
With New York continuing to search for new revenue sources amid mounting fiscal challenges, the legalization of iGaming may be increasingly viewed as a pragmatic solution rather than a political gamble. Whether 2025 will finally be the year that New York joins states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania in embracing regulated online casinos remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the state’s gaming evolution is far from over.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
