York State recently took a step closer to regulating online poker by passing a bill which would see poker reclassified as a skill game.

New York Senate Finance Committee passed online poker bill S-3898 to the senate floor, where it will soon be debated and voted on.

At present, games like Texas Hold’em and Omaha Hold'em are classified as games of luck, making them illegal within state borders. The new bill would see them reclassified and legalised.

The bill includes standards and safeguards for players to prevent fraud, underage play and compulsive gambling.

Whilst there are still many legislative hurdles to overcome, many in New York believe the senate bill has gained the necessary support to be passed this year.

If the bill is signed into law, interested online poker operators will be able to apply for a license from the New York State Gaming Commission. They would be taxed 15% on gross revenue.