What's happening
This bill allows the New York Gaming Commission to increase the cap on free play allowance credits for video lottery facilities if it benefits the state.
Why it matters
Enables targeted economic strategies. By allowing the Gaming Commission to raise the free play cap for specific video lottery facilities, the state can tailor incentives to boost activity at underperforming venues or in regions that need more economic stimulation.
Potential for increased state revenue. If higher free play allowances attract more players and wagering, the state could see an overall uptick in lottery-related revenue, benefiting public programs funded by these proceeds.
Greater regulatory flexibility. The bill gives the Gaming Commission discretionary power to respond quickly to changing market conditions or competition (such as from nearby states or casinos) without waiting for further legislative action.
Emphasis on demonstrable state benefit. The requirement that any increase in the free play cap must show a clear benefit to the state adds a layer of accountability and aims to ensure that the change serves the public interest rather than just facility operators.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Increase Free Play Limits
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Print number 9526b
- Amend and recommit to ways and means
- Print number 9526a
- Amend and recommit to ways and means
- Referred to ways and means
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Allow More Free Play Credits
In Assembly Committee · Ways And Means · Sponsor Pamela Helming
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
9526--B
IN ASSEMBLY
January 19, 2018
Introduced by M. of A. WOERNER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means -- committee discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee -- again reported from said committee with amendments, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted to said committee
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to the percentage of free play allowance credits
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph 3 of subdivision i of section 1617-a of the tax law, as amended by section 1 of part SS of chapter 60 of the laws of 2016, is amended to read as follows:
(3) For each video lottery facility, the annual value of the free play allowance credits authorized for use by the operator pursuant to this subdivision shall not exceed an amount equal to fifteen percent of the total amount wagered on video lottery games after payout of prizes. The gaming commission shall establish procedures to assure that free play allowance credits do not exceed such amount. However, the commission may, at the commission's discretion, authorize an increase to the above limitation for individual video lottery facilities, upon illustration of benefit to the state.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13147-05-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.