New York Online Poker

New York Online Poker

New York state prohibits real money online poker gambling, yet players can use numerous offshore online sites that accept residents from New York to enjoy all the perks associated with playing poker – keeping track of hands and opponents, learning new strategies quickly, as well as finding plenty of tournaments and games at online poker rooms.

Though numerous attempts have been made, New York lawmakers have yet to legalize and regulate online poker despite repeated efforts. This has come as a huge disappointment to players in New York state as nearby states such as Pennsylvania and New Jersey have already legalized and launched sites offering poker. New York residents may still access those sites; however, their tax revenues will go elsewhere rather than back home in New York State.

New York may legalize online poker in the future if other forms of iGaming such as sports betting become legalized; many lawmakers remain wary about permitting this form of iGaming as they fear it could harm three land-based casinos that are expected to open within their state, as well as undermine wages and benefits of current casino workers.

New York stands to benefit greatly from online poker and iGaming platforms, both through job creation and tax revenues. At present, New York State imposes an income tax rate of just 9% on gaming; increasing it to 20% would bring in an estimated additional annual revenue stream of $800 Million for New York state alone.

Legalizing online poker could bring many significant financial and health advantages, in addition to social and health advantages. Connecticut currently suffers from alarming rates of problem gambling; legalizing new revenue sources like poker could help lower these rates by opening new revenue channels such as online poker.

Concerned about a loved one’s gambling addiction? Reach out to the New York Council on Compulsive Gambling for support and resources at (877-8-HOPENY or 467369.

Although New York residents cannot legally gamble for real money on online poker sites within their state, they do have some viable alternatives. Players residing there can sign up with social poker sites offering Sweeps Coins instead of cash, since such websites operate using sweepstakes models that avoid money laundering regulations.

Future predictions indicate that New York is likely to join a multi-state poker compact, enabling its 19.7 million residents to compete against players from other states and drive up liquidity within the market – one key element of making online poker successful.