Relates to regulations implementing video lottery gaming in this state

3 Co-sponsors

• Eric Adams
• John J. Bonacic
• Bill Perkins

Title of bill

An act to amend the tax law, in relation to rules and regulations necessary for the implementation of video lottery gaming

Purpose or general idea of bill

This legislation is intended to clarify the types of video lottery games that are permitted at video lottery facilities in the State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Amends Tax Law section 1617-a.

- Subdivision b sets forth revised time periods for which video gaming machines can operate at vendor tracks having fewer than 1,575 video lottery machines and vendor tracks having more than 1,575 video lottery machines.

- Subdivision c is amended to state that rules and regulations promulgated for the implementation of video lottery gaming must provide for lottery versions of any game capable of generating random results, including but not limited to roulette, baccarat, and "21 ", as approved by the division.

- Subdivision d is created to protect the state's revenues by establishing a labor peace agreement between labor organizations and video lottery facilities. Labor organizations are prevented from engaging in work stoppages, picketing, boycotts, and any other economic interference while obtaining the right to unionize employees for new positions created in relation to electronic table games at existing video lottery facilities, with the exception of Buffalo Raceway/Fairgrounds in Erie County. The labor peace agreement shall apply universally to any video lottery facilities opening a after the effective date of the bill. Section 2 of this bill is the effective date.

Justification

This legislation recognizes that in addition to the electronic versions of games currently offered, the State's video lottery program can offer other games that are based on the same game features that have been traditionally included in the State Lottery's online games and allows for such other games to be offered at vendor tracks in New York State.

Surrounding states already allow other games of chance and New Yorkers and visitors are spending their funds in those states. Enactment of this bill will allow video lottery facilities to compete successfully with racinos and other gaming facilities in neighboring states. The labor peace agreement will ensured continued positive labor relations between video lottery facilities and their employees.

This amendment to a "D" print was for technical reasons related changing the effective date from 2009 to 2010. That is the only change to this bill.

Fiscal implications

This bill should raise at least $ 100 Million to support State Education Programs.

Effective date

This act shall take effect in 30 days; provided that the amendments made to Section 1617-a of the tax law by section one of this act shall not affect the repeal of such section and shall expire and be deemed repealed therewith.