The New York State Senate have passed a bill that requires the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to create a problem gambling education program for those on self-exclusion lists.
The bill – Senate Bill 4207 – was introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo. It will now be considered by the Assembly Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee. If it passes the Assembly and receives gubernatorial assent, it will then become law.
The problem gambling education program will be made mandatory for individuals prior to their removal from any self-exclusion list.
In New York, players can place themselves on self-exclusion lists which stop them from entering, placing wagers, or collecting winnings from a gambling facility.
“Problem Gambling Awareness Month serves as a reminder that gambling addiction is real and requires effective resources to educate, support, and treat individuals,” Addabbo said.
“As the prospect of legalizing mobile sports betting appears closer than ever, we remain focused on raising public awareness about problem gambling and its negative effects. This legislation will help raise awareness while enhancing self-exclusion services for individuals seeking to confront their issues with problem gambling.”
Currently, sports betting is only legal in New York through in-person bets at the state’s upstate casinos. However, last week the New York State Senate passed its 2021-22 state budget proposal, which included measures for legal online sports betting.
Governor Andrew Cuomo, previously an opponent of online betting, has reversed course and now backs online sports betting, but currently supports a model where online betting would be operated by the state lottery, rather than by multiple licensees.