Hopes were raised within the U.S. online poker community earlier this week when it was reported the brand new York Senate included a provision in its budget proposal that will legalize online poker within the Empire State.

And now, a contemporary article by Gambling Compliance has raised hopes even higher.

According to Gambling Compliance (paywall), the Chairman of the brand new York Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee, Gary Pretlow, is able to tackle the issue, telling the industry trade publication he desired to ensure the state’s land-based casinos were on board with any such proposal.

“I don’t need to throw any competition at them before they have got opened their doors,” Pretlow told Gambling Compliance.

Pretlow went directly to say, “If I WILL get assurances that the brick-and-mortar operations are all part of it, then we will be able to probably move the bill this year.”

Also of note within the Gambling Compliance article was the support of recent York Gaming Association President James Featherstonhaugh, whose group represents the state’s racinos. Featherstonhaugh told GC the group’s concerns were addressed within the amended version of Senator John Bonacic’s online poker bill, S 5302-B, that was included within the senate’s budget.…Essentially, the unexpected online poker push in Big apple could help online gaming proponents in Pennsylvania make the case for legalization in 2016. If other states are moving, Pennsylvania can’t sit on its hands.

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