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NY S05302

Bill

Status

Engrossed

6/14/2016

Primary Sponsor

John Bonacic

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2015-2016 General Assembly

AI Summary

  • Establishes New York Gaming Commission authority to license up to eleven operators for interactive poker gaming (Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em), limiting licenses to existing video lottery or Class III casino licensees with comparable interstate experience.

  • Defines Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em poker as games of skill rather than chance, exempting them from gambling prohibitions under New York penal law when conducted under state license.

  • Requires licensees to pay a one-time $10 million fee (applied to tax obligations over 36 months) and thereafter pay 15% privilege tax on interactive gaming gross revenue.

  • Mandates safeguards including age verification (21+), geolocation confirmation that players are in New York, data security protections, anti-cheating measures, compulsive gambling resources, and segregated participant funds.

  • Creates criminal penalties for unlicensed interactive gaming operators in New York and imposes the same 15% tax liability on unlicensed operators, with tax payment not serving as a defense to prosecution.

Legislative Description

Allows certain interactive poker games be considered games of skill rather than games of luck; includes definitions, authorization, required safeguards and minimum standards, the scope of licensing review and state tax implications; makes corresponding penal law amendments.

Last Action

referred to racing and wagering

6/14/2016

Committee Referrals

Racing and Wagering6/14/2016
Finance2/2/2016
Racing, Gaming and Wagering5/13/2015

Full Bill Text

No bill text available