Senate racing, gaming panel advances three bills, highlights Problem Gambling Awareness Month

The Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on March 18 advanced three bills aimed at tightening rules for gambling activity in New York and used the meeting to note Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Committee members moved each bill to the Senate calendar after brief discussion. The measures are: S2294, a proposed amendment to the General Municipal Law concerning employees of authorized organizations operating gaming channels; S2610, which would restrict individuals under age 21 from certain gambling activity and was amended to focus on video lottery terminals; and S5935, a proposal to prohibit online sweepstakes games and the flow of revenue from those games into the regulated market.

The committee’s discussion linked the bills to efforts on problem gambling. Committee members and staff referred to ongoing work with the Gaming Commission and outside groups and to a resolution expected to be introduced in the Senate marking Problem Gambling Awareness Month. A committee speaker noted that in the Assembly an approach had been taken to dedicate 2% of mobile sports-betting revenue to problem-gaming programs.

On S2294, introduced in committee by Senator Scofus, members offered no extended debate. A motion to report the bill was made and seconded; committee papers indicate the measure passed the committee and will move to the calendar.

S2610, introduced by Senator Adabo, would bar individuals under 21 from specified gambling activities. Committee members discussed concerns about the age restriction and noted that the bill was amended to concentrate on video lottery terminals. A motion to report the bill was moved by Senator Connery; the motion passed and the bill will be sent to the calendar.

S5935, also introduced by Senator Adabo, would make illegal certain online sweepstakes games that closely resemble casino games and, according to the sponsor’s remarks, have in other states been run by operators who targeted people on self-exclusion lists. Committee members expressed support for the intent; one member said they had received technical questions about the bill language and planned follow-up with the sponsor’s office after the meeting. The committee moved the bill to the calendar.

All three measures were advanced on committee voting sheets; the meeting record does not list a roll-call tally in the transcript. Committee staff said they would follow up on specific language questions raised during the discussion.

The committee meeting included legal and policy staff in attendance and lasted through the consideration of the three bills. Members emphasized coordination with the Gaming Commission and other stakeholders as the measures proceed to the Senate calendar.