Ny online poker bill passes Senate

Despite fear from a chief opponent who said it would create the "next generation of zombies," a bill to regulate and legalize online poker in New York scored a huge victory on Tuesday, passing a Senate vote by a convincing 53-5 margin.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. John Bonacic (R-Mount Hope), would allow the state's 11 racetrack casinos to apply for 11 online poker licenses, good for 10 years and costing $10 million each.

But online poker players in the Empire State must be patient. The bill still has to pass the Assembly and receive a signature from Gov. Andrew Cuomo. And since the legislative session ends in two days, it is unlikely to see further advancement anytime soon.