NY Senate passes problem gambling education bill

Added: March 24, 2021

The New York State Senate has now passed a bill which will need the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to come up with a problem gambling programme which is entirely educational and aimed at those on the self-exclusion lists.

The bill, called the Senate Bill 4207, was initially introduced by Senator Joseph Addabbo, and it is now being considered by the Assembly Alcohol and Drug Abuse Committee. Once the Assembly passes the bill and it acquires governmental assent, it will officially turn into law.

This new programme will become compulsory for all those who are on the self-exclusion lists, before their removal. In the state, all players are able to put themselves on these lists which will not allow them to place bets, collect their winnings or even enter a gambling venue or establishment.

Addabbo stated:

“Problem Gambling Awareness Month serves as a reminder that gambling addiction is real and requires effective resources to educate, support, and treat individuals. 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.”

Right now, sports betting is legal in the state of New York solely via in-person bets at the upstate casinos. Just last week, the NY State Senate also passed its 2021-22 budget proposal, and it incorporated some courses of action for legal online sports wagering.

New York, Safer gambling, USA