New York legislator to put forward a new online poker bill

New York Representative Gary Pretlow Sr. has put forward a new online poker bill, with the intention of legalising online poker in the US state.

The New York Committee on Racing and Wagering has already cleared Bill A04924, which proposes plans to classify interactive poker as a game of skill rather than luck. The bill does not specify whether poker would be available via a computer, mobile or both.

The bill includes proposals for the New York State Gaming Commission to launch a licencing process that would be open to operators that already hold a licence to offer video lottery gaming and have some experience of interactive gaming.

The Commission would also consider applicants that hold a licence to operate a Class III gaming facility in the state, while licensed applicants would be able to form a partnership with another company to offer online poker. Licences would be issued no sooner than 180 days after regulation comes into effect.

However, in order to secure a licence, operators would need to pay a one-off fee of $10m (€8.8m), with each online poker licence running for 10 years.

Operators would also face privilege tax at a rate of 15 per cent on gross revenue from interactive gaming activities. This tax, as well any funds derived from penalties imposed by the Commission, would be paid into the New York state lottery fund.