New York to introduce problem gambling framework after Senate nod
Empire State looks to navigate potential at-risk gambling spike following legalization of mobile sports betting earlier this year
New York legislators have approved a bill to create the state’s first Problem Gambling Advisory Council as a potentially crucial tool in avoiding a problem gambling epidemic in the Empire State.
Senators including State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. approved S.409A/A.658A, enabling the creation of the council, just before the end of the current legislative session.
Its principal aim is to identify issues affecting those suffering from problem gambling disorders and recommend ways to make prevention and treatment more accessible to New York State residents.
The council will report these issues to New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, who can then raise these issues in the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly.
It will consist of 13 members including the commissioner of the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) and the chair of the New York State Gaming Commission.
The remaining 11 members of the council will be appointed by separate parts of the New York State Senate and New York State Assembly.
The Senate will appoint five members of the council, including four members appointed by the temporary president of the Senate and one member appointed by the Senate minority leader.
Four members will be appointed by the Assembly speaker, with one member appointed by the assembly minority leader.
In the case of appointments to the council made by the temporary presidents of the Senate and the assembly speaker, at least two each of their respective appointees must be representatives of community-based behavioral health services providers.
Finally, one member of the 13-strong council will be appointed by Governor Hochul.
The council can meet as often as necessary, but no less than two times per year.
Its most immediate task will be to examine the impact of mobile sports betting on New York’s existing problem gambling services, including calls to problem gambling hotlines, additional staffing needs, and whether there has been an increase in self-exclusion rates since the January 8 launch.
Finally, the council will develop an annual report to present to the governor and legislature containing its findings and recommendations concerning problem gambling, with the first of these reports due on October 1.
A prominent advocate for gambling expansion in the Empire State, Addabbo, Jr., co-sponsored the legislation and cited the need to introduce such programs in the state.
“As co-sponsor of this bill and chair to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I am pleased that we are fulfilling a promise to provide additional resources and raise public awareness for problem gambling in our state,” he said.
“The legalization of mobile sports betting brought higher than forecasted educational funds and revenue to our state, and the recent approval of downstate casino licenses will create jobs and additional resources, but this legislation demonstrates that we have not forgotten that we must prioritize problem gambling and address it in a timely, proactive manner,” Addabbo, Jr., added.
The bill now passes for signing into law by Governor Hochul and will take effect 180 days after.