ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) _ A key lawmaker is pitching a plan to legalize, license and tax Internet poker in New York state.
The legislation from Republican Sen. John Bonacic would amend state gambling laws to license up to 10 operators to offer online poker games, specifically including Texas Hold `em.
Operators would pay a $10 million licensing fee and a tax of 15 percent of their gross revenues.
There's no companion bill in the state Assembly, and Bonacic, who chairs the Senate's gambling committee, said Monday that he doesn't expect the proposal to pass this year. But he says lawmakers must begin considering how to regulate the growing industry.
Internet gambling is now allowed in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware. Several other states are expected to consider legalizing online gambling this year.
