Poker Writer
The state of New York has officially prohibited sweepstakes games and revenues from illegal markets. The state legislature unanimously passed the bill. The final step is for Governor Kathy Hochul to sign the bill.
This move did not come as a surprise, as sweepstakes gaming has come under fire in New York with bills targeting it. The absence of opposition left little doubt about its passage.
The bill’s statement of self-justification reads:
‘Online real money sweepstakes casinos’ have recently become widely available in New York over the internet on mobile devices and personal computers, including to minors. These products evade consumer protection, responsible gaming, and anti-money laundering requirements to which gambling in New York is otherwise subject. These products and operations are untaxed and unregulated. They present unfair competition to the state’s legal, highly regulated and economically important casinos…..The legislation will provide a powerful deterrent to offshore and domestic illegal online gaming operators from entering the state and/or to withdraw from the state and will provide robust tools to the Gaming Commission and the Attorney’s General Office to enforce the law.”
The enforcement of this bill will be strict with penalties, including fines ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for each violation. Violators would also face a potential loss of a gaming license.
This bill has caused disturbance for sites attempting to operate in New York. Clubs Poker recently departed from the state along with other sweeps poker sites, leaving New Yorkers with few options for playing poker online.
