New York Senator Wants Casinos To Be Licensed In 2023

This year, a New York politician wants to legalize complete casinos near New York City. Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a Democrat from Queens, said that he doesn’t wish the licensing procedure for three casinos in the metro region that are designed to resemble Las Vegas to “linger.” Addabbo chairs the state Senate’s Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering.

Legalizing Online Casino

The senator additionally disclosed his plans to present a measure to legalize online casinos this year. New Yorkers could play real money casino games like craps, roulette, and poker using their smartphones and laptops, thanks to these gaming sites.

Before evaluating its possibilities in the Albany legislative session this year, Addabbo said he is eager to see if governor Kathy Hochul contains potential iGaming money in the budget. Requests for comment from the governor’s office were not immediately fulfilled.

Legislative Session

The legislative session started on January 4 and will end on June 16. According to Addabbo, online gaming will unavoidably become legal in New York, which previously said that an effort to legalize iGaming last year failed.

Three of the six states where online gambling is permitted border New York. These are Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. As per Kaitlyn Krasselt, director of communications for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, there are around 500 online casino games available in Connecticut.

According to her, Connecticut offers classic casino games like craps, blackjack, online slots, and poker in addition to iGaming offerings. According to Addabbo, if land-based casinos are granted permission to operate in or near New York City, their iGaming licenses may be tied to them. A three-person Gaming Facility Location Board at the state level is in charge of approving downstate locations. New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County are considered in the “downstate” region.

The board will present its recommendations for final approval to the New York State Gaming Commission. Gaming regulators have suggested that the final approval might take place in 2023 at the earliest.

The permission to construct commercial casinos in locations from Manhattan’s Times Square to Long Island and beyond is being sought after by several significant gaming companies, notably Nevada-based Las Vegas Sands & Caesars Entertainment, reports Gambling.com.