Relates to the qualifications of members of the gaming commission

BILL NUMBER:S3278

Title of bill

An act to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation to the qualifications of members of the gaming commission

Purpose or general idea of bill

To provide expertise to the New York State Gambling Commission on issues related to problem gambling.

Summary of provisions

This legislation will require at least one of the Commission's seven board members significant experience in the prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling.

Justification

The 2012-2013 New York State budget amended the state constitution to allow for non-tribal casino gaming in New York and also included provisions to merge the Division of Lottery and the Racing and Wagering Board creating the New York State Gaming Commission.

The Commission will be comprised of an Executive director and seven members that must have no less than five years administrative experience in public or business administration and one or more qualifications in the following areas: (1) significant service as a certified public accountant; (2) knowledge of corporate finance and securities; (3) professional experience in gaming regulation administration or management; and (4) experience in fields of criminal investigation, law, or law enforcement.

While New York State appears to have the necessary structure in place to ensure casino gaming will be properly regulated, be profitable financially, and maintain integrity and fairness with all gaining activity, there remains no internal controls to make certain that gaming policies exist which promote responsible gaming practices.

Other states have recognized the importance of developing a comprehensive gaming plan that is proactive in diminishing the risks and consequences associated with problem gambling. in Pennsylvania, a Gaming Control Board regulates its gaming industry. Within that Board is the Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling and one of its roles is to make recommendations to the Board on how to improve programs and change policy to achieve a positive impact on the gaming industry's responsible gaming practices.

The New York State Commission, as it is currently formed would be ill-prepared and lacks the knowledge or experience to address issues that are related to problem gambling. It is imperative that as we move forward with our plan to expand gaming opportunities in New York, there is a member of the Commission with significant experience in the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. This ensures that gaming facilities in New York State will implement effective problem gambling programs which promote responsible gaming by their patrons.

This bill will enable the New York State Gaming Commission to promote responsible gaming practices and aim to mitigate problems associated with problem gambling in gaming facilities

Prior legislative history

2013-14 A. 2268 2011-12: A.10023 Referred to Racing, Gaming & Wagering S.7305 Referred to Racing, Gaming & Wagering

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect at the same time and in the same mariner as section 1 part A of chapter 60 of the laws of 2012 takes effect.