- A bill to establish a new Problem Gambling Advisory Council in New York has advanced to the Governor’s desk.
- If Governor Kathy Hochul sign’s the bill, then the new council would be created 180 days after the fact.
- The new council would be funded via $500 annual fees per casino game/table and through the tax generated from online sports betting.
NEW YORK – New York lawmakers are prepared to deliver a bill to Governor Kathy Hochul in the coming days with the hopes of establishing a new Problem Gambling Advisory Council.
The bill, S409A, passed through New York’s Senate with a 63-0 vote in support on June 2.
Problem Gambling Bill’s Purpose And Final Step
S409A is largely expected to be established into law once it reaches Governor Hochul’s desk. Her approval and signature is the only step remaining before the proposal is finalized into law.
If signed, the new law would be put into effect 180 days later.
She has 30 days to review.
The goal of the Problem Gambling Advisory Council would be to help identify, educate, and provide information to New York lawmakers on the needs of their citizens. The council would be made up of 13 members appointed by various New York government officials. The breakdown of members would be:
- Commissioner of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services
- Chair of the Gaming Commission
- Four appointments each from the Temporary President of the Senate and the Assembly Speaker
- One appointment each from the Governor, Senate Minority Speaker, and Assembly Minority Speaker
The council would be required to meet at least twice per year. There would be no maximum in place for total meetings.
Funding Of The Problem Gambling Council
With New York leading the country in sports gambling revenue, betting handle, and sports betting tax, their is plenty of ways for the state to fund the new council. The proposal included two specific funding plans that would work together to fund the proposal:
- $6 million dollars out of the tax revenue generated from online sports betting once a year.
- A $500 annual fee charged to each casino per slot machine and gambling table they operate.