At this rate, it seems like a flying car will be developed before another state legalizes iGaming. But while US online gaming regulation continues moving at a snail’s pace, New York Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who leads the Assembly Committee on Racing and Wagering, expects major progress to be made in his state this year. “Online poker will not happen within the year, but there will probably be hearings,” Pretlow recently told GamblingCompliance.
New York Online Poker – a slow but sure process
Last year, Pretlow introduced an online poker bill with the goal of starting a discussion, rather than hoping that it would be voted into law. In 2015, it looks like he’s trying to up the ante by holding some serious hearings this year.
His goal has been greatly aided by MGM Resorts, which launched a social media campaign dubbed “Let NY Play.” So far, the campaign has received some positive feedback and put the online poker seed in the mind of New Yorkers. MGM, which wants to be among the first iPoker operations in New York, continues to lobby politicians in the Empire State and push their social media agenda.
Perceived New Jersey disappointment could hamper New York
One big reason why New York politicians could be influenced to pass an iPoker bill is because their neighbor to the south has an online gaming operation going. But on the flipside, many perceive New Jersey’s iGaming market to have been a disappointment up until now. Even Pretlow said, “It’s not working so well in New Jersey.”
But is this fair? Only when put against the lofty predictions made by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who projected over $1 billion within the operation’s first year. The Garden State made just over a tenth of this from iGaming in 2014, which is why many believe that they’re struggling. However, when compared to similar-sized international markets, New Jersey hasn’t performed too badly.
That said, don’t expect Pretlow and New York to slow down the push for online poker this year. And while there’s almost zero chance that it will be legalized this year, perhaps we can expect iPoker in New York by 2016.