New York State Assembly to consider new online poker bill

The state of New York might be seeing its gambling offerings expanded after Assemblyman Gary Pretlow introduced a bill to legalize online poker.

The bill, named HB1380, calls for the classification of Omaha and Texas hold’em poker as games of skill rather than chance, citing legal precedence for the move. It also calls for an amendment to the state’s racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, amongst other propositions. 

“These games are considered to be complex forms of poker which involve player strategy and decision-making and which pit the skill levels of the players against each other. As games of skill, these forms of poker do not fall under the definition of gambling as prohibited by the penal law,” the bill states.

“Regulatory oversight is intended to safeguard the integrity of the games and participants and to ensure accountability and the public trust.”

Pretlow also proposes in the bill an application fee of $10 million for an operating license, 15% tax on gross gaming revenue (GGR), with no requirement of partnership with land-based casinos. 

Though the bill is still in its introductory phase, it has moved to the racing and wagering committee for review.