New York lawmakers continue to redefine the state’s approach to gambling
Three different bills are on the table in the New York Senate as lawmakers seek to improve gambling regulations and protect at-risk players. The bill proposed by Senators Joseph Addabbo and Leroy Comrie would protect vulnerable players by stressing the dangers of problem gambling and providing more funds to treat addiction.
S1550 is co-sponsored by Senators Liz Krueger and Luis R. Sepúlveda and would require gambling providers to include warnings in their ads that convey the dangers of excessive gambling and the likely addiction it can cause.
The bill requires gambling advertisers to include a problem gambling hotline contact number in all ads to raise awareness of treatment services and allow customers to get help. The legislation also requires the New York State Gaming Commission to collaborate with the commissioner on services related to gambling addiction.
The second bill would prohibit persons under 21 from gambling. The controversial measure, co-sponsored by Krueger, reached the Senate floor despite strong opposition from some committee members.
Critics of the legislation, including Senators James Tedisco and Pamela Helming, think the bill has several issues. Senator Helming, for example, is concerned about whether the law would involve bingo. Senator Tedisco had worries about the age restriction and whether it’s right for 18-year-olds to legally marry and join the military but not be permitted to play games of chance.
The final proposal, also sponsored by Addabbo, is on the Senate floor and would allocate 1% of New York’s online sports betting tax revenue to treat problem gambling. Estimates indicate that institutions could obtain up to $2.5 million annually to better combat problem gambling.
