Relates to electronic bell jar games

BILL NUMBER:S1889

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to electronic bell jar games

Purpose

To authorize the use of electronic bell jar devices by chari- table organizations.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends section 186 of the General Municipal Law by adding two new subdivisions 22 and 23 which define the terms "electronic bell jar device" and "swipe card."

Section 2: Amends section 195-n of the General Municipal Law by adding a new subdivision 1-a which requires that all manufacturers of electronic bell jar devices who wish to distribute the devices in New York State receive a license from the New York State Gaming Commission and that the Commission approve an identical version of the device before the manufacturer can distribute it.

Section 3: Renumbers subdivision 2 of section 195-q of the General Municipal Law as subdivision 3 and adds a new subdivision 2 which imposes restrictions, reporting requirements and fees upon manufacturers and authorized organizations that use electronic bell jar devices.

Section 4: Effective date.

Justification

This bill seeks to provide a more entertaining form of a "bell jar" game that has been a popular fundraising device for charita- ble and fraternal organizations for over twenty-five years. The elec- tronic form of this game will also inhibit the purchase of illegal bell jar tickets and the manipulation of the outcome of bell jar games and provide state-of-the-art accounting devices that will provide regulators with assurances that bell jar games are conducted in accordance with law.

Legislative history

S.6961 of 2012: Died in Senate Finance, Died in Assembly Racing and Wagering

Fiscal implications

Potential for enhanced revenues to the state through licensing fees and increased utilization of charitable gaming.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.