Allow people their freedoms, and put time and energy into more important government tasks. Dictating to New Yorkers what games they can play on their phones is an abuse of power and is an insult to New Yorkers freedoms. People have to pay taxes on any winnings and can benefit the state.

This bill is blatantly sponsored by the casino industry that wishes to further corner a market where they cannot compete because they offer worse experiences to the consumer. Sweeps casinos provide the consumer with ways to play 100% for free if they wish, while regular casinos just want to take all your money. I think it is worth noting that the senator who proposed this bill received a donation of $51k from the Saratoga Casino Hotel, a clear conflict of interest when it comes to deciding if their competition should be banned from operating in the state. This bill strips NY residents of the right to decide where to get their entertainment from and should not be voted through.

Many New Yorkers rely on the mail-in requests that these Sweeps Casinos offer to help alleviate rising COL. This seems to be solely proposed because NYS wants their cut. Let's not pretend it's anything other than that.

Just when I start believing this state might crawl out of its repressive swamp, politicians sell our rights for chump change. $50k in casino donations buys what now? A bill (S5935) that stomps on New Yorkers’ freedom to choose how we entertain ourselves, all to protect corporate casinos too greedy to compete fairly. This isn’t governance—it’s corruption on full display, and any lawmaker backing it proves they’ve lost touch with reality and their constituents. Shameful betrayal, and we’re watching.

Disappointing because they are banning it but not replacing it with anything else since digital game play for the most part is still illegal in NYS. At the very least Senator Addabbo should be pushing his other bill through at the same time to legalize digital gaming so there is a replacement for the loss of the Social Casinos.

A blatantly corrupt bill sponsored by a gambling industry shill. This bill does not even have a veneer of pro-consumer garnish - it's just hitjob on competition that makes the regulated gambling industry look like a mob protection racket.

I find it interesting that the Bill that would allow reciprocity for nurses across states and would allow nurses to more readily join NY forces got tabled indefinitely, but this bill that harms no one but the shady casinos and has actually benefited New Yorkers by providing entertainment and occasional extra funds to combat the high cost of living, this one miraculously pushes through in a matter of weeks.
The funny thing is that in many ways this Bill is discriminatory (beyond NY once again telling me what I can and cannot do on my own time), because online I can turn off the sound for games and look away if the visuals become too much for me. I've walked into a physical casino only once- and the sights and sounds were extremely overwhelming and I've never been back. So ramming this through a vote might not benefit the casinos that donated to the Senator much as they might think and it certainly hurts average New Yorkers who are the actual constituents.

This bill should be thrown straight in the trash!! People should have the freedom to play whatever they want without being dictated whether or not!! Thousands of people rely on this desperately needed extra income in these dismal times. Taking away this opportunity will be remembered, come election time!! Don't do it!! It's about time you all "elected" officials, start listening to the people who put you there!!

Dear Senator,

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Senate Bill S5935, which seeks to ban sweepstakes promotions in New York. As a constituent and someone who recognizes the economic benefits and responsible gaming practices of these platforms, I urge you to reconsider this bill and instead support the continued regulation and operation of sweepstakes-based gaming.

Sweepstakes gaming has become an important industry that contributes significantly to the economy by generating jobs, business opportunities, and state tax revenues. By banning these promotions, the state risks driving players to unregulated markets, which lack the strict consumer protections currently in place. The existing sweepstakes model operates within a structured, legal framework that ensures fair play, responsible gaming, and financial transparency.

Furthermore, modern sweepstakes gaming platforms are exceptionally committed to responsible gaming measures. They strictly prohibit individuals under the age of 21 from participating in any paid activity, and their verification systems effectively enforce this restriction. Additionally, these platforms employ advanced responsible gaming software, allowing users to track their time spent on the platform, set limits on their activity, and even voluntarily pause or restrict their accounts for extended periods. These built-in protections ensure that users remain in control of their experience.

Unlike traditional gambling platforms, sweepstakes games also offer an alternative, no-cost method of entry, ensuring that individuals can participate without any financial risk. This flexibility allows users to enjoy these platforms recreationally, removing any concerns that they promote excessive wagering.

Rather than banning an industry that actively works to protect consumers and boost the state’s economy, I urge you to advocate for sensible regulations that continue to enforce safe gaming practices while preserving personal choice and business growth.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this matter further and hope you will consider the perspectives of those who support a balanced approach to sweepstakes gaming in New York

New York isn’t getting a cut which is why they want to ban sweepstakes. Go focus on the more important things because there are MANY of them.

Any sponsors get election donations from Online gaming
or Casino entities?

I am saddened that this bill even passed 2nd reading. I oppose this bill banning sweepstakes sites to pave the way for what?? online casino games! We can choose to use either one but banning one to lobby for the other is not democratic!

Another freedom under attack—this is really the priority? Online sweepstakes? With all due respect, Senator, New Yorkers are dealing with real issues. We need leaders focused on lowering taxes, getting homeless veterans off the streets, and addressing the mental health crisis. People are fed up with government overreach. It’s time to focus on policies that actually improve lives—not restrict personal freedoms.

It’s not fair at all, let New Yorkers be free. Pay attention to more important issues in our city. Like crimes, robbery, early age pregnancy, school funds, transportation…. We are responsible adults and we are not harming anyone