Addiction is the biggest challenge when trying to pass an online casino gaming bill in New York, Sen. Joe Addabbo told PlayNY.

Addabbo, who chairs the Senate’s Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, plans to significantly push the New York online casino expansion bill again for next year’s state legislative budget should he win re-election in District 15. Addabbo’s Democratic primary is on Aug. 23.

US-gaming expansion bills traditionally face significant opposition, as increased gaming means increased addiction issues. But by not having legal gaming, states essentially force bettors to play in competing states or on unregulated offshore accounts.

Addabbo’s initial bill – which was released late in the New York State legislative session as a way to start the conversation – included $11 million in additional funding for gambling addiction.