New York Bills to Regulate Ads, Secure More Funds for Gambling Treatment

Three separate New York bills seek to better regulate gambling and shield risky players from harm. Authored by Senator Joseph Addabbo and Senator Leroy Comrie, the bills would protect vulnerable players by reminding them of the dangers of gambling and raising more funds for treatment.  

All of the bills are now on the Senate table.

Senate Bill 1550 Would Change How Ads Are Regulated

S1550, sponsored by Sen. Comrie and co-sponsored by Liz Krueger and Luis R. Sepúlveda, would make it mandatory for gambling companies to include warnings in their ads. These warnings must communicate the dangers of excessive play to customers and highlight the potential addiction gambling can cause.

Furthermore, the bill would require advertisers of gambling content to include a problem gambling hotline number in their ads. This would raise awareness of treatment services, allowing customers experiencing harm to reach out for help.

In addition, the bill would require the New York State Gaming Commission to cooperate with the commissioner on addiction services.

The bill advanced to the Senate floor after receiving strong approval from the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.

Senate Bill 1557 Would Prevent Under 21s from Gambling

The second bill on the list, authored by Sen. Addabbo, would prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from gambling. This somewhat controversial measure is co-sponsored by Krueger and managed to reach the Senate floor despite firm opposition from other committee members.

According to critics, including Senator Pamela Helming and Senator James Tedisco, the bill has certain problems. Sen. Helming, for example, was concerned whether the bill would also apply to bingo.

In the meantime, Sen. Tedisco wondered whether it is right to allow 18-year-olds to vote, participate in the military and get married but prohibit them from playing games of chance.

Senate Bill S8439 Would Raise More Money for Gambling

The final bill, sponsored again by Sen. Addabbo, also made its way to the Senate floor. The measure would allocate 1% of New York’s online sports betting tax revenue to be used for the treatment of problem gambling. This means that problem gambling organizations could receive as much as $2.5 million, allowing them to more efficiently combat harm.

Addabbo pointed out that the current legislation prevents problem gambling services from receiving more than $6 million a year.