New York Problem Gambling Advisory Council bill passes Senate

The bill now moves to the Assembly.

US.- The New York State Senate has passed Senate Bill S.3632, which aims to establish a Problem Gambling Advisory Council to improve awareness, prevention, and treatment services in the state. The bill now moves to the Assembly.

The bill is co-sponsored by Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee. It would establish a council to “make findings and recommendations to the Governor and Legislature on how to prevent and treat problem gambling in the State of New York.”

The council will assess existing problem gambling programmes and recommend best practices for prevention, education, and treatment. It will also aim to improve coordination between state agencies, gaming operators and community organisations.

The council would have thirteen members, including the commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, the chair of the Gaming Commission, and eleven additional members: four appointed by the temporary president of the Senate, four appointed by the speaker of the Assembly, one appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, one appointed by the minority leader of the Assembly, and one appointed by the state’s governor.

Meanwhile, the New York Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee has given its support to S5935, which would prohibit online sweepstakes casinos in the state. The committee’s approval moves the proposal to the Senate floor.