Bill > A06030

This bill allows certain interactive poker games, specifically Texas Hold'em and Omaha Hold'em, to be classified as games of skill rather than games of chance, thereby creating a legal framework for online poker in New York State. The bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory structure that allows the New York State Gaming Commission to issue up to eleven licenses for interactive gaming platforms, with strict requirements for applicants including character background checks, financial stability, and gaming experience. Licensees must pay a $10 million one-time fee and a 15% tax on interactive gaming gross revenue, and must implement robust safeguards to verify player age, location, privacy, game fairness, prevent compulsive gambling, and protect player funds. The bill modifies the penal law to change the definition of a "contest of chance" from depending "in a material degree" on chance to depending "predominantly" on chance, which effectively creates a legal path for skill-based poker games. The legislation also includes provisions for potential interstate gaming agreements, platform approval processes, and detailed definitions of terms like "interactive gaming" and "authorized participants", with the goal of creating a safe, regulated online poker environment that protects consumers and generates state revenue.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A6030