MGM supports the legalisation of online poker in New York
We just discovered that the supporter of a recent campaign for the liberalisation of online gambling in the state of New York is none other than the MGM Resorts International group, a casino giant from Las Vegas.
However, the casino group is not one of the companies which require a license, but they nevertheless seem interested in the legalisation of online poker in the country.
In New Jersey but not in New York
This campaign, called Let NY Play, started in social media channels in the last few weeks with the message: “You can play online poker at any exit in New Jersey, but not in New York.”
The proponents refer to the recent liberalisation of online gambling, which took place last November in the state of New Jersey.
It was the third state to join Nevada and Delaware that had already legalised this activity.
Supporting the liberalisation
It is not really surprising that the MGM Resorts International group is behind the campaign.
In fact, it is one of the most involved companies in all the United States that are interested in the liberalisation of online gambling.
They have already carried out lobbying work in the Empire State earlier this year.
Nevertheless, it should still be kept in mind that the MGM Resorts International group does not have a casino in the state of New York.
They will need to find a local partner if they want to enter the market – unless the regulation also allows operators that are located outside the territory to receive a license.
At the moment, the goal of the campaign remains only to support the liberalisation.
A draft law
The MGM group also lobbied in Albany, when they used their name to support a bill that was drafted this year that would allow the State of New York to grant licenses to 10 operators to provide online poker games.
Written by Senator John Bonacic, this law would require operators to pay $10 million fees to receive the licence, and taxes of 15% of their gross income.
At this time the bill relates only to online poker, but could quickly be expanded to allow online casinos as well.
John Bonacic has already indicated that he does not believe that the regulations could be passed this year.
However, he intends to start the debate on the subject this year.
