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NY Governor Considering Special Legislative Session for Online Casino Legalization

Collins Garrett

Updated on June 20, 2024 at 3:26 PM EDT • Read time: 1 min 6 sec. Find more information on Twitter or Google News.

A look at Hollywood Casino York as we discuss New York's potential special legislative session to legalize online casinos.
Hollywood Casino York, an 80,000-square-foot casino, features 510 slot machines and 30 table games. Photo by Paul Kuehnel via Imagn.

Reports suggest that Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is contemplating convening a special legislative session to address the potential legalization of online casinos with real money gambling in the state.

This bill aims to introduce online casino gambling to the existing New York sports betting industry, which is known for being highly profitable. While New York began allowing sports betting apps in 2019, the expansion to mobile casino apps has been delayed.

Even though the regular legislative session in New York has ended, there remains a critical requirement to allocate funding for the Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA). A special session could be called by the governor as early as July after the June 25 primary elections.

After Governor Hochul paused a plan to implement tolls on drivers in busy Manhattan areas when signing the 2025 budget, there is now a rush for funding.

“On June 10, she reassured reporters that she acknowledges the current level of concern. However, as the governor of New York, she remains dedicated to pursuing those projects using alternative funding sources.”

Since 2022, Senator Joseph Addabbo has consistently introduced bills to legalize online casinos each year, such as SB S8185 in January 2024. He has emphasized the potential benefits of iGaming legislation for the MTA, drawing comparisons to how the neighboring NJ online casino industry benefits the Garden State.

“This represents new sources of income,” stated Addabbo in 2023. “Whether it be allocated towards healthcare, social services, or a portion for the MTA, the opportunity is now available.”

Lawmakers have sought alternative sources of funding for the MTA by passing a bill to expedite the selection process for three downstate casinos. The profits generated from these casinos will be allocated to support the MTA.

Written By:
Collins Garrett
Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We’re going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won’t catch it, but we’re going to relentlessly chase it,” Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.