What's happening
This bill allows the New York State Gaming Commission to increase the free play credit limit for video lottery facilities if it benefits the state.
Why it matters
Gives the Gaming Commission more flexibility. By allowing the commission to raise the free play credit limit for specific video lottery facilities, the bill provides a tool to respond to changing market conditions or competition, potentially helping struggling facilities.
Potential for increased state revenue. If higher free play credit limits attract more players or keep facilities competitive, the state could see an overall boost in tax revenue from increased gaming activity.
Case-by-case consideration. The amendment requires demonstration of a "benefit to the state" before any increase, meaning changes would be evaluated individually rather than applied automatically, adding a layer of oversight and justification.
Could impact local economies and jobs. If used effectively, increased free play allowances might help sustain or grow employment at video lottery facilities, which can be significant employers in their regions.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Increase Casino Free Play
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred 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.
Raise Casino Free Play Limit
In Senate Committee · Racing, Gaming And Wagering · Sponsor Pamela Helming
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1523
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 15, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. WOERNER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. LUPARDO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means
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.
LBD01234-01-9
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.