Relates to authorizing licensed authorized organizations to conduct certain poker tournaments as licensed games of chance fundraisers

1 Co-sponsor

• Thomas F. O'Mara

BILL NUMBER:S876A

Title of bill

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to poker tournaments

Purpose

To allow authorized organizations to conduct poker tournaments.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1:Amends section 185 of the General Municipal Law to provide that the Legislature finds that the various games of poker, including the game known as "Texas hold 'em," should be regulated under the General Municipal Law.

Section 2:Amends subdivision 3 of section 186 of the General Municipal Law to include "poker tournaments" within the list of fundraising games which authorized organizations may offer.

Section 3:Amends section 186 of the General Municipal Law by adding a new subdivision 3-f which defines the term "poker tournament."

Section 4:Amends subdivision 14 of section 186 of the General Municipal Law to define "one occasion" of a poker tournament as the period of time from the commencement of such tournament until a winner or winners are determined or a pre-determined time to conclude the tournament has been reached.

Section 5:Amends subdivision 5 of section 189 of the General Municipal Law to exempt poker tournaments from the limits on single prizes.

Section 6:Amends subdivision 8 of section 189 of the General Municipal Law to exempt poker tournaments from the limits on a series prizes distributed on any one occasion.

Section 7:Amends section 195-d of the General Municipal Law to provide that no more than one hundred dollars ($100) shall be charged as an admission fee to a poker tournament and that fifty percent (50%) of such fee shall be applied to a prize or prizes and fifty percent (50%) shall be retained by the authorized organization.

Section 8:Amends section 195-e of the General Municipal Law to authorize the advertisement of a poker tournament by a licensed authorized organization.

Section 9:Effective date.

Justification

Poker tournaments have become a national craze, due to media attention provided by such television shows as "World Series of Poker." At the same time, traditional games that are conducted by charitable organizations that are licensed by the Racing and Wagering Board, such as Black Jack, Roulette and other casino games, have declined in popularity. It is believed that the interjection of poker tournaments - conducted under the strict licensing scheme that applies to existing

games - will provide these charitable organizations with new and needed revenue, while providing a social outlet for its members and patrons.

Prior legislative history

S.4662-A of 2012: Died on Senate Floor Calendar, Died in Assembly Racing and Wagering S.4662 of 2011: Died in Senate Finance, Died in Assembly Racing and Wagering S.767-B of 2010: Died in Senate Investigations and Gov. Operations, Died in Assembly Racing and Wagering S.767-A of 2009: Died in Senate Finance, Died in Assembly Racing and Wagering

State and local fiscal implications

Increased revenue to the State through Racing and Wagering. Increased revenue to local governments through additional licensing fees

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth (180th) day after it shall have become a law; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date is authorized to be made and completed by the state racing and wagering board on or before such date.