New York doesn’t have regulated online gambling, but New Yorkers can join offshore gaming sites without legal repercussions. State Sen. Joseph Addabbo introduced an online poker bill in 2019, but the bill failed to pass through the legislature. Despite the 2019 failure, Sen. Addabbo continues to push Senate Bill 17D, which will hopefully pass in 2021. Because New York does not have online gaming regulations, the industry is in a legal gray area where it is neither regulated nor prosecuted.
Joseph Addabbo took over as Chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee from the retired Sen. John Bonacic, who was a longtime supporter of online gambling. Addabbo, a second generation NY politician, now is the ranking supporter of iGaming in New York state.