Perhaps Sen. Joseph Addabbo may be on to something in his quest to legalize online casinos in New York.

While only six states currently offer legal iGaming, many others have explored potential legalization. Addabbo, of course, has long endorsed legal online casinos in New York. Certainly, though, he is not alone. And neither is New York.

Recently, Ohio formed a committee and released a 354-page report from the Study Commission on the Future of Gaming in Ohio, which has land-based casinos and online sports betting, that explored the legalizating of iGaming.

Many stakeholders submitted testimony for and against online expansion, from lawmakers to casino operators. With over 350 pages to pore over, there is plenty of information within the report. But one suggestion strikes a chord in the Empire State.

Ohio Rep.: Before legalizing iGaming, start with online poker

In her written testimony, Ohio Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney emphasized that while legalizing online casinos is inevitable due to the continued evolution of technology, “one thing is very clear: The future of gaming must put Ohioans, Ohio workers, and Ohio businesses first.”

She recognized both sides of the coin: iGaming “supplements existing revenue with new consumers,” but it could cannibalize land-based business by “diverting existing consumers away from brick-and-mortar facilities and onto smartphone apps operated by large out-of-state companies.”

As she put it: “The truth may lie somewhere in the middle.”

Perhaps, she proposed, a proactive step to find that middle ground surrounds legalizing one type of online gambling expansion. By green-lighting online poker, Ohio could “test the waters while still chipping away at the illicit market.”

“In conclusion, it is fair to assume that the evolution of society and advancement of technology will continue to drive innovation across the gaming industry,” Sweeney wrote. “Faced with that reality, lawmakers should take a proactive approach and be prepared for the future of gaming in this state.

“Together we can strike a balance that provides additional mental health resources, protects good-paying union jobs, and respects the Ohio businesses – from large casinos to small “mom and pop” shops – that are essential to our communities. As gaming continues to modernize in other states, the legislature should continue the progress made by this Commission in the years to come.”

Ohio study comes nearly two months after Addabbo’s online poker bill

This report and Sweeney’s testimony should sound familiar for those in New York.

In May, Addabbo introduced a bill that would legalizine online poker only in the Empire State.

The senator made the late proposal on the heels of his push for online casino legalization falling short of passage once again. At the time, as he told PlayNY at the time, Addabbo shared similar logic to legalizing only NY online poker:

“It was to see if there was any appetite in it. … It was updated to make it more accurate and to see if there was any interest. Maybe next year.”

Addabbo noted that “[p]eople are interested, because it is a growing game.”

Should this approach gain traction, Addabbo saw it being the inroad to potential NY online casino legalization.

“It would be some type of advancement in an area where the state is losing money to other states,” Addabbo said. “I’d be encouraged by it, really.”

https://www.playny.com/study-commission-ohio-shows-new-york-approach-online-casinos-might-work/