Senate Bill S7305

                                BILL NUMBER:S7305

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law, in relation
to the qualifications of members of the gaming commission

PURPOSE:
To provide expertise to the New York State Gambling
Commission on issues related to problem gambling.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
This legislation will require at least
one of the Commission's seven board members significant experience in
the prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling

JUSTIFICATION:
The recently enacted 2012-2013 New York State budget
amended the state constitution to allow for non-tribal casino gaming
in New York and also included provisions to merge the Division of
Lottery and the Racing and Wagering Board creating the New York State
Gaming Commission.

The Commission will be comprised of an Executive director and seven
members that must have no less than five years administrative
experience in public or business administration and one or more
              

qualifications in the following areas: (1) significant service as a
certified public accountant;
(2) knowledge of corporate finance and securities; (3) professional
experience in gaming regulation administration or management; and (4)
experience in fields of criminal investigation, law, or law
enforcement.

While New York State appears to have the necessary structure in place
to ensure casino gaming will be properly regulated, be profitable
financially, and maintain integrity and fairness with all gaming
activity, there remains no internal controls to make certain that
gaming policies exist which promote responsible gaming practices.

Other states have recognized the importance of developing a
comprehensive gaming plan that is proactive in diminishing the risks
and consequences associated with problem gambling. In Pennsylvania, a
Gaming Control Board regulates its gaming industry. Within that Board
is the
Office of Compulsive and Problem Gambling and one of its roles is to
make recommendations to the Board on how to improve programs and
change policy to achieve a positive impact on the gaming industry's
responsible gaming practices.

The New York State Commission, as it is currently formed would be ill
prepared and lacks the knowledge or experience to address issues that
are related to problem gambling. It is imperative that as we move
forward with our plan to expand gaming opportunities in New York,
there is a member of the Commission with significant experience in
the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. This ensures that


gaming facilities in New York State will implement effective problem
gambling programs which promote responsible gaming by their patrons.

This bill will enable the New York State Gaming Commission to promote
responsible gaming practices and aim to mitigate problems associated
with problem gambling in gaming facilities

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect at the same time and in
the same manner as section 1 part A of chapter 60 of the laws
of 2012 takes effect.