What's happening
This bill allows games of chance licensees to accept additional forms of payment, beyond legal tender, scrip, or chips, as approved by the board.
Why it matters
Expands payment options for games of chance. By allowing the use of “any other form of payment approved by the board,” this bill could enable licensees to accept modern, convenient payment methods such as credit/debit cards, mobile payments, or electronic transfers, reflecting current consumer habits.
Potentially increases participation and revenue. Easier and more flexible payment methods may encourage more people to participate in games of chance, which could lead to higher revenues for licensees and the charitable or community organizations they often support.
Raises regulatory oversight considerations. The bill gives the board authority to approve new payment forms, which means careful oversight is needed to ensure security, prevent fraud, and address issues like responsible gambling and traceability of funds.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow More Gambling Payment Options
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 55
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to racing, gaming and wagering
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to racing, gaming and wagering
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.
Expand Games of Chance Payments
In Assembly Committee · Racing And Wagering · Sponsor J. Gary Pretlow
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
821
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 5, 2017
Introduced by Sen. FUNKE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering
AN ACT to amend the general municipal law, in relation to authorizing additional forms of games of chance currency for certain games of chance licensees
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 20 of section 186 of the general municipal law, as added by chapter 574 of the laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows:
20. "Games of chance currency" shall mean legal tender or a form of scrip or chip authorized by the board, or any other form of payment approved by the board, any of which may be used at the discretion of the games of chance licensee.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD04252-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to authorizing additional forms of games of chance currency for certain games of chance licensees
Purpose
To allow the New York State Gaming Board to review and approve additional acceptable forms of payment for Games of Chance.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: Adds "any other form of payment approved by the commission" to the definition of Games of chance currency.
Section 2: Sets the effective date.
Existing law
Currently, Games of Chance currency only includes legal tender, or a form of scrip or chip authorized by the board.
Justification
Community based organizations that take part in charitable gaming make positive impacts in the communities they represent. These organizations continuously host charitable gaming activities but are limited in the forms of currency they may accept. By allowing this legislation to become law, we are expanding opportunities for these community groups to keep participants involved while potentially increasing revenue for the charitable gaming organizations.
Some charitable organizations currently accept personal checks as a form of common practice, but in doing so are in violation of the law and are susceptible to fines by the government. Similar situations may come about as technology advances and online payment systems gain more popularity due to their convenience. It is important that the Gaming Board has the opportunity to review and approve additional forms of payment in order to stay relevant with the evolving times and technology. We should not be punishing these organizations, as the money they generate is used to further their charitable mission, resulting in a wide variety of much needed services being provided to countless individuals.
Legislative history
S.5239A/A.7498A of 2015-2016; Passed Senate
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.