A prominent New York tribal gaming group believes online casino and poker are coming soon to the Empire State. It’s already preparing for a launch.
At the Next Summit New York last week, the COO of Seneca Gaming Corporation said legalization is on the way. During a panel discussion, Kimberlee Dunlop said legislation will get across the finish line shortly.
That opinion is shared by Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D), who once again introduced a bill this year that would legalize online gaming and poker.
“With downstate casino licensing progressing and the illegal sweepstakes loophole now closed, the state is better positioned to hold serious discussions about regulating and potentially legalizing iGaming in the near future, possibly as part of the upcoming budget process,” Addabbo said in December. “My priority is to ensure safety; prevent problem gambling; generate much-needed, significant revenue; and keep New York competitive with surrounding states.”
Seneca Nation Getting Ready
The Seneca Nation owns and operates three casino resorts, in Niagara Falls, Salamanca, and Buffalo.
As part of her discussion, Dunlop detailed how online gaming could complement the current live gaming at the properties.
For example, with online sports betting legal, she said the casinos’ retail sportsbooks now serve more as entertainment venues and sports bars than betting operations.
In a similar vein, brick-and-mortar casinos will complement the tribe’s online gaming operations, Dunlop said. The tribe is also seeking to enhance the overall casino experience. That has included major renovation and expansion projects at the three properties.
Additionally, Dunlop said gaming companies are searching for new ways that casinos can work in concert with online gaming operations. The focus is becoming less on gaming and more on other amenities and experiences, such as hotel, dining, and entertainment.
If New York did add online poker, the state of almost 20 million people could be a major addition to the country’s Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement shared liquidity compact.
Dunlop’s comments come as New York recently awarded three downstate casino licenses. Maine became the latest state to legalize online gaming and poker in January.
