New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo is continuing his push for online gambling in 2024, but this time he’s leaving iLottery out of the mix.
Addabbo has long been a supporter of new legal gambling channels in the Empire State. Addabbo’s latest effort is New York Senate Bill 9226. The bill’s goal is simple, as quoted by Legiscan:
“Directs the New York state gaming commission to promulgate regulations to implement interactive poker in the state; authorizes up to ten licenses to operate interactive poker; defines terms; makes related provisions.”
The Addabbo-sponsored online poker bill was referred to the State Senate’s Racing, Gaming, And Wagering Committee on May 7.
The senator has had failed efforts already this year to add New York among states with online lotteries. Now, he’s looking to find any means to add something to New York’s gambling library this year.
No iLottery For NY In 2024?
NY Senate Bill 9226 follows a fizzled-out legislative session for New York online lottery hopefuls. Neither state Governor Kathy Hochul nor the state’s Senate included online lottery expansion in the proposed budget.
Addabbo introduced SB8185, the iGaming and iLottery bill, on Jan. 11. He changed and refiled the bill on Feb. 1 after input from multiple outlets, with nearly the entire bill changed.
Ultimately, SB8185 would have seen the legalization of interactive games.
Addabbo, however, remains optimistic about next year. He has been a staunch advocate for gambling expansion in New York, including online casinos and online lottery.
Limited Online Lottery Options Still Offered In New York
Currently, New Yorkers can purchase subscriptions for select draw games: Mega Millions, Cash4Life, and NY Lotto. Powerball is not available for subscriptions. The state’s online subscriptions are one of two ways NY players can participate digitally in lottery games.
The second option? Lottery courier services such as Jackpot.com or Jackpocket. These companies allow players to purchase tickets online. The services then send a runner to buy the tickets in person at a participating retail location. Winnings are transferred to the player’s account differently. Larger wins will result in a direct-to-player ticket delivery.
Photo by PlayiLottery
Graphic from New York Lottery
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