The state of New York is highly likely to regulate online poker by the end of the year, according to a state house representative.
The process is moving ahead with a bill already in the State’s Senate Chamber. Introduced by Senator John Bonacic, the proposal gained the unconditional support of the House in June 2016 with 53 votes for and only 5 against. After that, the act was passed on to the Senate Gaming Committee where it received a unanimous 11-0 this February.
The next body that is going to consider the bill is the State Senate’s Finance Committee. According to J. Garty Pretlow, Chairman of the Committee on Racing and Wagering, the proposal stands every chance of success at that round, too.
If any hindrances are to be expected before the ultimate adoption of the bill, they would likely come from the Governor’s Office. Although Mario Cuomo has not openly objected to the proposal, it is rumored that the administration may have arguments against online poker activities up its sleeve.