New York Senator Joseph Addabbo seems hopeful that 2025 will be the year New York finally approves online casino gaming. The senator has been trying for years to join neighbor New Jersey as a top provider of online slots and table games. This year, Addabbo introduced Senate Bill 2614 to authorize the state’s interactive gaming and lottery options. So far, the bill has not received the support Addabbo has hoped for.
Governor Kathy Hochul Must Be Involved
In a recent interview with Comped.com, Senator Addabbo stressed the importance of iGaming for New York, stating he is ready to make provisions and concessions to ensure the bill becomes law. The only problem is support.
The Senator is calling for NY Governor Kathy Hochul to show leadership and participate in the conversation. Addabbo says she should take the initiative, telling Comped, “It can’t be just me. I can’t be the only one who’s chair of the committee going, ‘We need to do this and back this struggle constantly.’ I can’t be the only one. It has to be the governor.”
Addabbo’s goal is to bring fresh revenues to the state and help protect players from gambling addiction. Players are already participating in online gaming with offshore sites or sweepstakes services; however, no licensing fees or taxes are paid to the state. This means the state does not receive any payment from services, and there are no regulations in place to protect players from gambling issues, such as addiction.
With a regulated market, New York would benefit from the industry, generate a new stream of income, and be able to provide responsible gambling messaging and services.
Viable Solution for Growing NY Budget Deficit
Addabbo sees iGaming as a viable solution to help New York meet its growing budget deficit. A peek at the 2026 budget reveals the state is facing a $3 billion deficit, which will jump to $6 billion in 2027. Sustainable revenues are a must moving forward to ensure the state can meet its monetary needs.
Conservative estimates of an iGaming industry in New York set annual tax revenues starting at $1.5 billion and going as high as $3 billion. The state reached the $1 billion mark in sports betting tax revenues in 2024, so it is certainly doable with casino gaming.
More players are apt to try slots and table games than sports bets, so the industry could generate as much as three times the revenues of sports betting.
Addabbo also points out that regulated iGaming is needed in New York to generate revenues and address problem gambling. State residents are already subject to issues via an unregulated market. The growing industry of online sweepstakes casinos is readily available and has no safeguards or regulations in place, which the senator believes is harmful to players.
With a regulated market, only licensed providers could offer services in New York. A safer product would protect players from problem gambling as well as stop minors from accessing gaming sites.
Addabbo is proposing a bad actor clause in his iGaming bill. This clause would make an operator ineligible for an interactive gaming license if they offered unlicensed casino gaming in the previous three years.
Responsible gaming safeguards are also included in the legislation, such as annual credit card deposit limits, $11 million set aside for problem gambling treatment and responsible gaming education, and self-exclusion options.
iGaming Could Be the Future New York Needs
Senator Addabbo’s push for iGaming in New York is more than a legislative effort. It’s a strategic move to modernize the state’s gaming landscape, generate billions in revenue, and offer stronger consumer protection.
With a ballooning budget deficit and widespread unregulated play already taking place, Addabbo feels the time for action is now. However, without support from Governor Hochul and other key lawmakers, the future of SB 2614 remains uncertain.
If New York wants to lead—not follow—in the digital gaming space, collaboration and commitment will be key.
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