The New York Committee on Racing and Wagering has already cleared Bill A04924, which proposes plans to classify interactive poker as a game of skill rather than luck. The bill does not specify whether poker would be available via a computer, mobile or both.
The bill includes proposals for the New York State Gaming Commission to launch a licencing process that would be open to operators that already hold a licence to offer video lottery gaming and have some experience of interactive gaming.
The Commission would also consider applicants that hold a licence to operate a Class III gaming facility in the state, while licensed applicants would be able to form a partnership with another company to offer online poker. Licences would be issued no sooner than 180 days after regulation comes into effect.
However, in order to secure a licence, operators would need to pay a one-off fee of US$10 million, with each online poker licence running for 10 years.
Operators would also face privilege tax at a rate of 15% on gross revenue from interactive gaming activities. This tax, as well any funds derived from penalties imposed by the Commission, would be paid into the New York state lottery fund.
Source: GMB / Europeangaming.eu
