© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
An update has been released for the Android version of the WAMC App that addresses performance issues. Please check the Google Play Store to download and update to the latest version.

Internet Poker Proposal Divides NY Gambling Industry

WAMC composite image by Dave Lucas

Proposals to allow Internet poker in New York is dividing the gambling industry, with some companies predicting increased revenue for state government while others warn it would threaten existing gambling facilities.

A state legislative panel listened to both sides Wednesday during a hearing on a proposal to license and tax Internet poker games.

Not invited to speak were anti-gambling groups who say Internet poker would exploit compulsive gamblers.

Executives from large gambling companies like MGM told the lawmakers that licensed online gambling would allow New York to regulate an activity that's already going on. But representatives for local racinos said Internet poker should only be allowed if local gambling facilities are allowed to operate the games.

The committee's chairman, Republican Sen. Jon Bonacic, said the proposal would be carefully considered.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

Dave Lucas is WAMC’s Capital Region Bureau Chief. Born and raised in Albany, he’s been involved in nearly every aspect of local radio since 1981. Before joining WAMC, Dave was a reporter and anchor at WGY in Schenectady. Prior to that he hosted talk shows on WYJB and WROW, including the 1999 series of overnight radio broadcasts tracking the JonBenet Ramsey murder case with a cast of callers and characters from all over the world via the internet. In 2012, Dave received a Communicator Award of Distinction for his WAMC news story "Fail: The NYS Flood Panel," which explores whether the damage from Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee could have been prevented or at least curbed. Dave began his radio career as a “morning personality” at WABY in Albany.
Related Content