New Version of Online Poker Bill Introduced in the State of New York

With a small modification, a new poker bill is to be introduced in the State of New York.

A new poker bill, S 5302 is going to be introduced in the State of New York, and it is different from its predecessor on one account. The previous bill controlling the likes of online sportbooks and online poker sites in the US had a so-called “bad actor” clause in it.

The purpose of that section was to prohibit the distribution of licenses to operators who collected wagers from people living in the US after December 31, 2006. But, with this part erased, these vendors will be able to re-apply for a license and get it. There will, however, be some rules to adhere to.

Licensed operators will have to pay USD 10 million upfront

According to the bill, there can be ten licensed operators at the most. Each would have to pay the not-so-friendly fee of USD 10 million to have people playing in their US poker rooms. They will also be taxed: 15% of their gross revenue will be collected. Licenses will have to be re-issued every ten years.

Senator John Bonacic’s attempt to expand online gaming is, thus far, proving to be unpopular with other members of the government. Some Democrats in the state have, in fact, already voiced their disagreement in the matter and stated that they would rather support legislation that would make online gambling completely illegal.