Pro-poker Dems say they’ll fold

ALBANY — Those hoping that New York will legalize online poker this year shouldn’t bet on it.

Though the Senate recently passed the bill, Assembly Democrats, who discussed the issue behind closed doors last week, are not expected to take it up before the legislative session’s scheduled end Wednesday.

“There was some opposition; we’ll pick it up next year more than likely,” said bill sponsor Assemblyman Gary Pretlow (DWestchester County).

The bill would allow New Yorkers to play such poker games as Texas Hold ’em online. To address concerns about the impact that would have on the state’s casinos, the bill was amended to ensure they got a share of the profits by having the games run out of established casinos and racetrack virtual casinos.