New York’s 2024 iGaming Prospects Dim as Governor Hochul Excludes It from 2025 Budget
New York State’s aspirations to legalize online casino games and poker in 2024 have encountered a significant hurdle as Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2025 state budget notably omits any iGaming initiatives. This development casts a shadow on the future of Senate Bill 8185 (S8185), a key iGaming measure in the state.
Governor Hochul’s Budget and iGaming’s Omission
Governor Hochul’s recent budgetary announcement for New York’s 2025 fiscal year conspicuously left out any mention or allocation for iGaming. This exclusion starkly contrasts the enthusiasm surrounding Senate Bill 8185, introduced by NY State Senator Joseph Addabbo, a staunch advocate for generating state revenue through online gambling licenses. Senator Addabbo had previously indicated that his energetic push for the bill would be contingent on its inclusion in Governor Hochul’s fiscal plan.
In light of the omission from the budget, it is anticipated that Senator Addabbo, along with other iGaming supporters, might scale back their efforts, mirroring a similar situation from early 2023. This setback follows a recent public relations push by Addabbo and Assembly counterpart, Rep. Gary Pretlow, advocating for online gaming legalization in a prominent New York news outlet.
Pari-Mutuel Wagering: The Only Mention in Hochul’s Budget
The only gaming-related mention in Governor Hochul’s budget proposal pertains to minor pari-mutuel wagering issues. The budget document briefly addresses extending pari-mutuel tax rates and simulcast provisions for an additional year, along with extending the authorized use of capital funds by an Off-Track Betting Corporation. These inclusions, however, do not address the broader iGaming landscape.
As the chairman of the New York Senate’s Commission on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering, Senator Addabbo’s reaction to this development is highly anticipated. His response will provide further insight into the potential future of iGaming legislation in New York following this recent setback.
Conclusion: Uncertain Future for iGaming in New York
Governor Hochul’s exclusion of iGaming from New York’s 2025 budget represents a significant challenge to the legalization of online casino games and poker in the state.
This development not only dampens the prospects for Senate Bill 8185 but also raises questions about the future direction of iGaming legislation in New York. As stakeholders and legislators regroup, the iGaming community eagerly awaits further developments and responses to this unexpected turn in the state’s gaming policy landscape.
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