- New York is taking yet another run at online casino legalization this session, backed by two coordinated bills moving through the legislature.
- Both measures ultimately hinge on Governor Kathy Hochul, who has yet to show her hand on the issue.
- Even with sports betting revenue at an all-time high and a budget gap that keeps growing, iGaming in Albany remains stuck at the starting line.
ALBANY - Lawmakers in Albany are making their fourth consecutive run at legalizing online blackjack gaming in the state, but the same obstacles that have blocked progress in previous sessions are once again standing in the way.
In January, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. introduced Senate Bill 2614, while Assembly Member Carrie Woerner filed Assembly Bill 6027, the companion bill. The two plans complement each other by providing a route for authorized casinos to seek licenses for interactive gambling. If approved, New Yorkers would have access to regulated platforms where they may play casino-style games like legal blackjack, online slots, poker, and more.
The campaign coincides with the ongoing record-breaking growth of the mobile sports betting business in New York. In 2025, the state collected more than $1.3 billion in sports betting taxes, more than any other state in the nation. Addabbo has cited such an accomplishment as evidence that New York can manage a market for regulated online casinos.
The Governor Holds the Cards
Governor Kathy Hochul is the driving force behind iGaming's successful completion in New York. Addabbo has been candid about the reality that this legislation is not moving forward without her backing, and every state that has authorized online casino gaming has done so because the governor made it a priority.
The window of opportunity for significant advancement in 2026 is closing as budget season has already begun, and Hochul's administration has not yet indicated that a commitment is forthcoming. Hochul's January State of the State speech, which made no reference to online blackjack or casino gaming, served as further evidence of this reality. The silence was a powerful message for supporters who were hoping for a public signal to boost legislative momentum.
Measures for responsible gaming like age verification, geolocation requirements, and self-exclusion options are included in both proposals. Addabbo has stated that the proposed tax rate on New York blackjack sites of 30.5% of gross gaming revenue is a starting point that is subject to negotiation.
Albany is finding it increasingly difficult to overlook the financial argument for iGaming as the state faces a large budget deficit going into next year.