Several US States Introduce Online Gambling Bills that Include Poker

Lawmakers across several states in the US are diving back into the debate over online gambling, with online poker right in the mix. Legislators in Wyoming, Indiana, Massachusetts, and New York are all weighing bills that could change the game for players and operators alike.

Wyoming Sets the Stage

Wyoming is leading the charge with a new bill aimed at regulating all forms of online casino gaming, poker included. HB01262 even lays the groundwork for the state to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which would allow players from Wyoming to compete against others in Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia. Pennsylvania is also in the process of joining.

The bill does not mention MSIGA by name, but the intention is clear: connect with other states and grow the player pool.

New York’s Big Play

New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. is once again pushing to expand online gambling. His latest effort, Senate Bill S2614, would allow the state’s nine licensed sportsbooks and land-based casinos to offer online casino games, including poker.

Addabbo has tried to get online poker through before and while past bills stalled, the growing success of mobile sports betting (which pulled in over $23 billion in wagers and around $1 billion in taxes last year) could finally tip the scales. His new bill proposes a 33.5% tax rate on online casino revenue, which is much lighter than the hefty 51% tax on sports betting.

Massachusetts Takes a Shot

Massachusetts is also making moves, with two bills aiming to legalize online casinos with poker on the menu. Representative Daniel Cahill introduced HD 4084 in the House, while Senator Paul R. Feeney put forward SD 2240 in the Senate.

However, there is a catch. Neither bill mentions joining MSIGA. Without access to a bigger player pool, launching online poker platforms could be a tough sell for operators in the Bay State.

Indiana Looks to Lock It In

Indiana State Representative Ethan Manning is back with a new bill, House Bill 1432, pushing to allow online casino games and poker. Online sports betting has been legal since 2019, and this bill just cleared the House Public Policy Committee.

“Hoosiers are already playing casino games online, just Google it,” Manning told the Indy Star. “This is happening already. Let’s authorize it, regulate it, and capture some of that tax revenue.”

While Indiana’s 13 brick-and-mortar casinos are mostly on board, some heavy hitters like Churchill Downs and Penn National have voiced their opposition through lobbyists.

It is clear 2025 could be a breakthrough year for online poker. The cards are being dealt and now it is up to the lawmakers to play their hands.