Sen. Joseph Addabbo says New York ready for ‘serious discussions’ on online casino legalization

New York state Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. said this week that the state is now positioned to begin “serious discussions” about legalizing online casino gambling, pointing to recent regulatory developments that he argues clear the way for a broader conversation on iGaming.

Addabbo, who chairs the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, said momentum is building after the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board (GFLB) advanced three downstate casino bids to the final licensing stage on Dec. 1 and Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Dec. 5 banning online sweepstakes casinos.

“Signing my bill into law is not the end of the conversation, but rather a necessary step toward responsible modernization of New York’s online gaming landscape,” Addabbo said in a statement. “If online gaming is going to exist in this state, it must be legal, well-regulated, and built with strong consumer protections.”

He said progress on downstate casino licensing and the closure of what he called an illegal sweepstakes loophole have positioned New York to weigh iGaming more seriously, potentially as part of the upcoming budget cycle. “The state is better positioned to hold serious discussions about regulating and potentially legalizing iGaming in the near future,” he said, adding that his priorities include preventing problem gambling, generating significant revenue and keeping New York competitive with neighboring states.

The GFLB has recommended licenses for two casinos in Queens and one in the Bronx, with approvals expected by the New York State Gaming Control Board by Dec. 21.

Addabbo has repeatedly argued since the launch of mobile sports betting in 2022 that the timing was right for iGaming expansion, but his 2025 bill stalled amid focus on awarding the three downstate casino licenses. Election-year politics in 2024 also contributed to delays.

Nationally, online casino legalization has slowed, with Rhode Island the only state to enter the market since 2021, though New York continues to be viewed as a top candidate for future expansion.

Addabbo has also pushed to crack down on sweepstakes-style gaming sites, describing them as unsafe and unregulated. “New York has long taken a serious, responsible approach to gaming,” he said. “These unauthorized sweepstakes sites lack safeguards, such as age verification, betting limits, problem-gambling support, and oversight of payouts or fairness. This law closes a dangerous loophole and protects millions of New Yorkers from predatory, unregulated gambling schemes.”

His office said the new law “protects New Yorkers today, and it may also serve as a precursor to the thoughtful, comprehensive regulation of online gaming tomorrow.”

https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/12/12/116745-sen-joseph-addabbo-says-new-york-ready-for-serious-discussions-on-online-casino-legalization