New York Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (pictured) would give up his pursuit for online poker if it meant his constituents would be on board with sports betting.
“I would give up online poker for sports betting. If I had to make a choice, I would choose this over online poker just because the revenue stream is so much better doing this than online poker.” Stated Pretlow.
He has been on a three-year crusade attempting to pass online poker legislation. In 2016, the NY Senate was able to fulfill their side of the bargain and pass online poker legislation. However, Pretlow was unable to convince his colleagues that poker was a game of skill. Troubles rolled over to 2017 when Pretlow had concerns over geolocation and anti-cheating technology.
By the end of the 2018 legislative session, Pretlow managed to get 51 Assembly members to co-sponsor an online poker bill. However, the NY Senate failed to pass their version of a bill.
“Online poker, I think the revenue for the state is projected at $20-25 million, while (sports betting) is $150 million minimum. I have a much better argument for sports betting,” explained Pretlow
Currently, sports betting is legal at New Yorks four upstate commercial casinos. But NY gaming regulators have yet to craft regulations to govern sports wagering.
