It might not be happening too soon, but internet poker is on the radar of at least one state legislator who is looking to license local operators to offer virtual gambling.
According to the Associated Press,
“The legislation from Republican state Sen. John Bonacic of Mount Hope in Orange County would allow the state to license 10 operators to offer virtual poker games. Operatorswould pay $10 million licensing fees and taxes equal to 15 percent of their gross revenues.
Republican Sen. John Bonacic of Mount Hope.Bonacic’s proposal would allow only online poker, specifically Texas Hold ‘Em and other poker variations approved by state gambling regulators. Operators would be required to take steps to prevent anyone under age 21 from using their sites and provide resources for compulsive gamblers.
The bill has no companion legislation in the state Assembly, and Bonacic, who chairs the Senate Committee on Racing, Wagering and Gaming, said he doesn’t expect it to pass this year. He said he wants to understand how four privately owned casinos authorized by voters will change the state’s gambling market before legalizing online gambling. Nevertheless, he said New York needs to begin considering how to effectively regulate the burgeoning industry.”
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