(Albany, NY)- State Senator John J. Bonacic (R/C/I-Mt. Hope) announced today that the Senate has passed legislation that he sponsors, S.3898A, to allow for the New York State Gaming Commission to license certain entities to offer for play to the public, "Texas Hold'em," Omaha Hold'em" poker, online.

Presently, numerous New York residents are participating in illegal, unregulated and unsafe gaming operations over the Internet. This bill will allow the state to license operators that meet the high standards set by the state while requiring such operators to protect consumers, combat compulsive gaming, and prevent minors from accessing online gaming sites.

“This bill serves two main purposes in allowing New Yorkers access to regulated online poker while providing critical consumer protections and increasing revenues to the state for education and taxes via operator licenses,” said Senator Bonacic. “I will continue to work with my colleagues in the Assembly to see that this bill passes both houses before the end of session.”

The bill has been sent to the Assembly.