New York senator advances daily fantasy sports bill

The New York daily fantasy poker scene has exploded into action over the past week with the introduction in the state House of Rep. Gary Pretlow’s legalisation measure (see previous report) and now a companion bill in the Senate revitalised as promised by Sen. John Bonacic.

The bills are attracting opposition from the traditional casino industry in the state, which contends that DFS is gambling and should be subject to the same regulatory restrictions as land casinos. The proposals also conflict with the state Attorney General’s view that DFS constitutes gambling and is therefore illegal.

Sen. Bonacic introduced his bill S6793A in February, and revitalised it Wednesday in the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, which he chairs.

The committee immediately progressed the measure to the Senate Finance Committee, where observers said further discussion could take place as early as today (Thursday), along with a separate intrastate online poker legalisation bill.

However, the majority of the Senate committee members added the qualifier “with reservations” to their positive votes, indicating that they are not completely on board with the bill as it presently stands, and suggesting that amendments may be introduced.

Today will also see the Pretlow DFS bill’s examination by the House Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, which Pretlow chairs.

Bothe Senate and House are currently under the gun in terms of time – the Legislature is set to adjourn on June 16.