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State of Play
- New York is on the verge of banning online sweepstakes casinos as a key bill reaches Gov. Kathy Hochul’s desk.
- This legislation could mark a significant regulatory shift affecting sweepstakes gaming in the state and beyond.
A sweepstakes gaming ban bill, Senate Bill 5935, sponsored by state Sen. Joseph Addabbo, passed both chambers of the New York State Legislature this summer. It sailed through the Assembly unanimously in mid-June and faced no resistance in the Senate.
Addabbo, chair of the Racing, Wagering, and Gaming Committee, successfully guided the bill to this critical stage. He is a strong opponent for online casinos in New York.
The legislation now sits with Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has a 30-day window to sign it into law, veto it, or take no action. If she does not act, the bill automatically becomes law.
Ban in New York could influence other states to act
This potential ban signals increased regulatory scrutiny on sweepstakes online casinos, which have operated in a legal “gray” area. New York’s move could influence other states considering similar measures, reshaping the market landscape.
Players may see a reduction in available sweepstakes platforms, while operators could face tougher compliance requirements or be forced to exit New York’s market.
If Hochul signs the bill or allows it to become law, New York will join a growing list of states restricting online sweepstakes gaming. The bill’s passage reflects a challenging year for the sweepstakes gaming industry on the legislative front.
Based on reporting by Chris Altruda for Casino Reports.
