Three Problem Gambling Bills Advanced by NY Senate Committee

New York Senate Committee Advances Three Problem Gambling Bills

By Lisa Spencer Senior Editor Updated: 27 March 2024

Lisa Spencer Senior Editor

As a Senior Editor at Betting.US, Lisa Spencer is a valuable member of our expert team. With a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Lisa is adept in gambling theory and analyzing odds. She contributes by writing online sportsbook reviews and finding competitive markets to help our readers make an informed choice.

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Increased Funding for Problem Gambling Treatment

SB439, one of the bills approved by the committee, sponsored by Committee Chair Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., proposes allocating 1 percent of New York’s online sports betting tax revenue to treat problem gambling. This measure could add an estimated $2.5 million to the state’s problem gambling finances, supplementing the current annual funding cap of $6 million.

Addabbo said that as the handle goes up:

$6 million that we put (toward problem gambling programs) – which really was groundbreaking nationally – is staying constant. So, as we increase the activity of mobile sports betting, that $6 million stays constant. What we’re doing here is hopefully adding more money to problem gaming programs.

Patricia Lincourt, associate commissioner of Addiction, Treatment, and Recovery Services at New York’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports, also testified that the additional funds would be used to improve problem gambling prevention efforts and build recovery programs which would be based around a peer-to-peer model.

According to Lincourt, these initiatives would target New York gamblers most at risk of problem gambling harm, particularly young men, low-income individuals, and those with substance abuse issues.

Advertising Warnings and Age Restrictions Proposed

The committee also advanced S1550, sponsored by Sen. Leroy Comrie, which mandates the inclusion of warnings about the potentially harmful and addictive effects of gambling in all gambling advertisements. The bill requires cooperation between the New York State Gaming Commission and the commissioner of addiction services to ensure that a problem gambling hotline number is prominently displayed in all gaming marketing materials.

This is a similar move to what we’ve seen in other regulated gambling industries – and in addition to this, the committee also approved S1557, sponsored by Sen. Addabbo, which prohibits individuals under 21 from gambling on Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs).

Despite some concerns raised by Sens. Pamela Helming and James Tedisco regarding the bill’s potential application to bingo and the responsibilities granted to 18-year-olds, the legislation received enough votes to advance to the next stage.

Addressing Problem Gambling in New York State

The fact that these bills have gotten so far shows New York’s commitment to addressing problem gambling and promoting responsible gaming practices. As the state continues to benefit from the significant tax revenue generated by online sports betting, lawmakers are, at least, taking steps to ensure that some of these funds are spent on trying to prevent gambling addiction from developing in the first place – and treating it, where applicable.

Gambling addiction is an unfortunate reality in any legalized gambling market, and almost all states where betting has been legalized have at least some processes in place to direct funds into trying to combat problem gambling.