New York State on-line poker regulation received a hot reception at their state's first-ever legislative hearing about them. The meeting associated with the Empire State's Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee took place on 9th september.

This was not a debate in the morality of online gambling versus its economic benefits, but a practical, information-gathering exercise that sought to imagine what sort of future regulated market in New York might take shape.

Testimonies from anti-gambling teams and RAWA lobbyists were deemed to be a unwelcome distraction from crux of the matter, meaning none were invited. Instead, numerous representatives from the gambling industry, many future that is likely in a legal online poker market, were asked to discuss a framework for legislation.

Horse Has Left the Barn

Anti-gambling groups were less than pleased by the dearth of representation. 'Mr. Bonacic acts as if legalizing Internet poker in New York State is a formality that is mere like closing a company deal with allies,' wrote the Coalition Against Gambling in brand New York. 'Such arrogance should be called.'

' I don't want to state that horse has left the barn,' Bonacic told The Journal in reaction, 'but we've been through all of that when we'd the referendum on the three casinos and developing that legislation [for land-based casino expansion]. It could be a repeat of the themes that are same was [sic] said prior.'

Positive Feedback

Among those welcomed rather were representatives from MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and the Borgata in Atlantic City. Poker Players Alliance Executive Director John Pappas and industry analysts were also present. Representing their state's racino industry was the ny Gaming Association.

Witnesses argued that on line video gaming doesn't cannibalize the gaming industry but rather grows the market, and that New York must act quickly, before Sheldon Adelson gets everything banned. The requirement to shut out operators that are unlicensed also addressed.

James Featherstonhaugh, president of this ny Gaming Association, was the lone sound in urging caution, airing his issues that outside video gaming operators might take revenue away from the state's 11 racinos.

Bonacic Remains Committed

New York State Senator John Bonacic's (R-42nd District) online poker bill, SB 5302, has unsuccessful to achieve traction in the Senate. The push for on the web poker regulation comes with help in the legislature, but it's played second fiddle this year to the state's land-based casino expansion. New brick-and-mortar gaming licenses were awarded to allow for several new casino projects upstate earlier in the year.

The committee was not assembled to vote on Bonancic's current bill, nevertheless the bill ended up being talked about. SB 5302 proposes a tax levy of 15 percent on gross gaming income, which ended up being broadly approved, and implies no more tha 10 licenses should be granted, valid for ten years following payment of the licensing fee of ten dollars million. The latter met with some dissension from those gathered.

Despite the floundering of SB 5302, the existence of this week's hearing shows that Bonacic is severe about pursuing his push for internet poker. The first legal and regulated online poker rooms catering to residents of New York State may be up and running within three years as he told the hearing.