NY Senator Addabbo Moves iGaming Bill out of Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee
(Update from John Pappas) Senator Addabbo moved his iGaming bill, SB 8412 out of the Committee he chairs, Racing Gaming and Wagering. This was done rather last minute as he is unsure if he will have another committee hearing this session. When I spoke with him two weeks ago, he had indicated that this meeting would take place in May. A recording of the meeting is here (iGaming discussion starts at 2min:25sec.
There was no outright opposition to the bill, but two lawmakers raised their interest in having the bill amended in the future to include the state’s racinos. The Senator indicated that everything about this bill is open for discussion.
Separately, I spoke with him today and he does not anticipate further action this session now that the bill has been referred to the Finance Committee. He wants to work with us to build support to have the bill included in the budget for 2023. That work needs to begin from this Summer.
As you may know, iDEA has commissioned (via Ifrah Law) a legal opinion outlining the constitutionality of iGaming in NY. We understand that this was a point of contention from some lawmakers earlier this year, and much like sports wagering, needs to be addressed. We will be sharing the legal opinion with the Senator soon.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
John A. Pappas