Relates to the premises on which games of chance may be conducted

2 Co-sponsors

• Owen H. Johnson
• William J. Larkin Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to games of chance

Purpose

To allow qualifying not-for-profit organizations to conduct customary and lawful activities, such as fundraising raffles, away from their ordinary premises.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 of the bill amends subdivision 13 of § 189 of the General Municipal Law to define "premises" as any venue to conduct the customary and lawful activities of the authorized organization.

Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.

Justification

The Legislature has affirmed that raising funds for the public good is in the public interest. The proposed amendment would modify regulations to include all venues where authorized organizations normally conduct business. Games of chance fundraising activities are currently restricted to the premises of the authorized organization or an authorized games of chance. lessor, thereby hindering fund raising activities for authorized non-profit organizations that utilize the premises of others for their regular activities. Many not-for-profit entities use donated space provided by others to carry on part of their regular activities. For example, raffles during a golf fundraiser, or at a charity banquet in a hotel would currently violate the existing statute. Amending the law to include all venues where authorized organizations conduct their customary and lawful activities would increase opportunities for raising funds for the public good.

Legislative history

2007-08: Passed Senate/Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.