Senate Bill S821

                                 BILL NUMBER:  S821

 TITLE OF BILL :

An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation to authorizing
additional forms of games of chance currency for certain games of
chance licensees

 PURPOSE :

To allow the New York State Gaming Board to review and approve
additional acceptable forms of payment for Games of Chance.

 SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS :

Section 1: Adds "any other form of payment approved by the commission"
to the definition of Games of chance currency.

Section 2: Sets the effective date.

 EXISTING LAW :

Currently, Games of Chance currency only includes legal tender, or a
form of scrip or chip authorized by the board.

 JUSTIFICATION :
              

Community based organizations that take part in charitable gaming make
positive impacts in the communities they represent. These
organizations continuously host charitable gaming activities but are
limited in the forms of currency they may accept. By allowing this
legislation to become law, we are expanding opportunities for these
community groups to keep participants involved while potentially
increasing revenue for the charitable gaming organizations.

Some charitable organizations currently accept personal checks as a
form of common practice, but in doing so are in violation of the law
and are susceptible to fines by the government. Similar situations may
come about as technology advances and online payment systems gain more
popularity due to their convenience. It is important that the Gaming
Board has the opportunity to review and approve additional forms of
payment in order to stay relevant with the evolving times and
technology. We should not be punishing these organizations, as the
money they generate is used to further their charitable mission,
resulting in a wide variety of much needed services being provided to
countless individuals.

 LEGISLATIVE HISTORY :

S.5239A/A.7498A of 2015-2016; Passed Senate

 FISCAL IMPLICATIONS :

None.

 EFFECTIVE DATE :
Immediately.