New York Legislators Discuss Possibility Of Legalizing Online Poker

New York Legislators Discuss Possibility Of Legalizing Online Poker September 10, 2015 September 10, 2015 Tim Glocks https://www.poker-online.com/author/tim
Posted on  Sep 10, 2015 | Updated on  Sep 10, 2015 by Tim Glocks

New YorkOnline poker is legalized only in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, while a number of other states contemplate the possibility of legalizing online poker. For over a year, there has been a lot of speculation that California would be the next state to legalize online poker but based on recent discussions, it appears that California will make a decision only in 2016.

New York could also be in line to legalize online poker as the New York Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee recently completed a 90 minute meeting which was attended by some of the key people in the online gambling industry. The Senate wanted to discuss the pros and cons of legalizing online poker in New York and after concluding the meeting; it appeared that New York legislators were in favour or legalizing online poker.

The biggest anti-online gambling supporter is billionaire and Las Vegas Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson who has personally financed a campaign to stop the legalisation of online poker in the United States. Anderson has strong political ties and has been able to use his influence to get key state officials to oppose the legalization of online poker. One of Adelson’s biggest concerns is that the online gambling industry cannot be regulated properly and hence poses a lot of risks.

Industry analysts believe that if New York decides to legalize online poker, the market value could be over $120 million after the first year and then grow steadily after that. New Jersey’s online poker market fell well below initial estimates and online poker websites have found it difficult to survive in the garden state. Should New York legalize online poker, there might be a possibility for New Jersey to form a compact with New York and have an intra-state online poker market that will be beneficial to both New York and New Jersey.

Some of the key individuals who attended the meeting included Executive Director John Pappas for the Poker Player Alliance’s; Michael Pollock, Managing Director, Spectrum Gaming Group; James Featherstonhaugh, President of the New York Gaming Association and David Satz, Senior VP of Government Relations and Development for Caesars Entertainment Corp.

In a statement, Michael Pollock said

New York needs to ensure that such [online gaming] experiences happen in New York. Online gaming should not be viewed as a substitute for land-based gaming as it provides a cost-effective means to reach out to customers.

Tim GlocksAuthor

Tim Glocks is a retired professor, he currently contributes to Poker-Online.com. Tim enjoys playing poker and has taken it up as a hobby since his retirement. He has taken part in many online tournaments and has become a veteran in a short space of time. Visit Tim’s google + page here