The bill further notes that 'the internet has become an integral part of society, and internet poker a major form of entertainment for many consumers' and adds that 'any interactive gaming enforcement and regulatory structure must begin from the bedrock premise that participation in a lawful and licensed gaming industry is a privilege and not a right, and that regulatory oversight is intended to safeguard the integrity of the games and participants and to ensure accountability and the public trust.'ĪB 1580, meanwhile, would expand live poker by allowing 'recreational contests involving skill in establishments with licenses to sell alcoholic beverages.' Poker is specifically mentioned as the bill states these contests would include 'recreational games such as playing cards, penny poker, (and) cribbage.' 'Regulatory oversight is intended to safeguard the integrity of the games and participants and to ensure accountability and the public trust.' 'As games of skill, these forms of poker do not fall under the definition of gambling as prohibited by the penal law.' 'These games are considered to be complex forms of poker which involve player strategy and decision-making and which pit the skill levels of the players against each other,' states the bill. The online poker bill, which was introduced this week, mentions both Texas Hold'em and Omaha and cites case law that has determined poker to be a game of skill rather than a game of chance.

Meanwhile, fellow Democrat David Weprin's AB 1580 would allow 'any person who holds a license to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on premises to allow players to engage in certain recreational contests,' including contests involving poker.īut there's still a long path ahead as both bills are in the introductory phases and still need to make it through committee and the full New York legislature.įind out more about poker in New York Defining Poker as a Game of Skill Gary Pretlow, would allow 'certain interactive poker games (to) be considered games of skill rather than games of luck,' a crucial distinction that would clear the way for New York entering the online poker market.

New York lawmakers are once again considering legislation that would legalize online poker and are also looking at a bill that would expand live poker beyond land-based casinos.Īssembly Bill 1380, sponsored by Democratic State Assemblyman J.

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