New York Senate passes online poker bill

New York has taken a step closer to legalising online poker after the US state’s Senate passed a bill that would regulate such activities.

Bill S3898 passed by a vote of 54-8 and will now move on to the Assembly for further consideration.

The progress of the bill is similar to that of a measure that was also passed by the Senate last year by a vote of 53-5, but never made it to the Assembly.

Put forward by State Senator John Bonacic, the latest bill would allow the New York State Gaming Commission to award up to 11 online poker licences and to enter interstate agreements with other regulated states.

S3898 also includes a proposed tax rate of 15% and a clause where players must be at least 21 years old to play online poker.

Earlier this month, it was also revealed that the bill will feature a so-called 'bad actor' clause, relating to operators that were illegally active in the US after the 2006 passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act.

In addition, if approved, the bill would allow licensed operators of video lottery gaming in New York or from states “with similar licensing requirements” to apply for an online poker licence.

Related articles: New York online poker bill to feature ‘bad actor’ clause
New York online poker bill moves to Senate