Real-money online casinos and poker won’t be coming to New York in 2026. Senate sponsor Joseph Addabbo declined to advance NY iGaming legislation because he believes Gov. Kathy Hochul would likely not sign.
This move leaves New Yorkers using offshore sites for now. Meanwhile, the state’s legislative session runs through June 4, with ongoing debate over regulation and consumer protections.
Governor’s Stance on Senate Bill S2614 & NY Gambling Expansion
Sen. Joseph Addabbo (D), chair of the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, opted not to move forward with Senate Bill S2614. He said it makes little sense to push a measure without the governor’s backing.
As Addabbo told Gambling.com:
“We could pass it in the Senate, we could pass it in the Assembly, and then the governor would probably not sign it. So, I’m not going to waste anyone’s time here.”
The legislation titled: “An act to amend the racing, pari‑mutuel wagering and breeding law… and to amend the tax law, in relation to interactive lottery gaming.
It would have legalized online casino gaming, online poker, live dealer games, and internet lottery gaming for New Yorkers.
Governor Hochul has been non‑committal but has emphasized stricter gambling protections. The state also banned sweepstakes casinos last year.
New York already licenses sports betting but taxes online/mobile gross gaming revenue at 51%, one of the highest rates in the U.S. That tax environment and concerns about consumer safeguards were central to the political calculus behind the pause of S2614.
Offshore Platforms Will Continue to Dominate
Existing offshore, unlicensed sites will continue to serve many New Yorkers. These platforms often accept credit cards, Bitcoin and some digital wallet payments. However, they operate outside New York’s consumer‑protection framework.
There’s no new licensed avenue for real‑money online casino or poker play in the state. Licensed platforms would connect users more directly to state resources. Therefore, players won’t gain state oversight, local dispute resolution, or consumer safeguards regarding licensing.
If you currently use offshore services, be aware of greater legal and payment risks alongside limited recourse for disputes or self‑exclusion. This is also relevant for those seeking problem‑gambling support.
Players with questions about account safety, deposits or self‑exclusion should seek state gambling‑help resources.
Look Ahead
Watch for the end of the current legislative session on June 4. It will decide whether S2614 or a revised proposal returns in the next session. The governor’s stated consumer‑protection conditions and tax rates affecting operators are the key issues worth tracking during the discussion.
For now, New Yorkers should play cautiously and be aware of the risks of using offshore sites.
