New York legislation seeks to create Problem Gambling Advisory Council

A bill introduced in New York State is seeking to create a Problem Gambling Advisory Council, a new body tasked with identifying issues affecting those suffering from a problem gambling disorder and recommending ways to make prevention and treatment more accessible. The legislation, approved earlier this month, now awaits for Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign it into law.

Bill S.409A/A.658A seeks to increase efforts to combat problem gambling in the state at a crucial time for New York. The proposal follows the launch of mobile sports betting at the start of the year -which has quickly resulted in the nation’s largest market for the activity- and the approval of three additional downstate casinos.

Shortly before the legislative session ended earlier this month, the 63-member State Senate unanimously passed the Council legislation, sponsored by State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi (D-Bronx) and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan). Among its co-sponsors is Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, who explained why the bill is necessary.

“I am pleased that we are fulfilling a promise to provide additional resources and raise public awareness for problem gambling in our state,” said Addabbo. The Problem Gambling Advisory Council would make findings and recommendations to the governor and legislature on how to prevent and treat problem gambling in New York.

Source

https://www.yogonet.com/international//news/2022/06/28/63196-new-york-legislation-seeks-to-create-problem-gambling-advisory-council-amid-sports-betting-boom