New York lawmakers are advancing a bill that aims to ban online sweepstakes games. Assembly Bill 6745 was approved on April 30 by the state’s Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee following a unanimous vote during a public hearing.
New York Assembly Bill 6745 Would Ban Casino-Style Games
Proposed by Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, the measure defines an online sweepstakes game as an online contest or promotion that “utilizes a dual-currency system of payment allowing the player to exchange the currency for any cash price, cash award or cash equivalents.”
Woerner’s bill proposes amendments to New York’s racing, parimutuel wagering, and breeding law to ban online sweepstakes games. A6745 would ban online sweepstakes games that simulate casino-style games, video poker, bingo, lottery games, or sports betting.
Sweepstakes casinos would be prohibited from operating in the Empire State.
In addition, the ban would include sweep-style lottery games, draw contests, keno, and instant win games. The online sweepstakes ban applies to licensed gaming entities in the state along with suppliers, payment processors, geolocation providers, gaming employees, investors, and board members.
Violators Are Subject To A Fine Between $10,000 And $100,000
Entities or patrons that violate A6745’s standards are subject to a fine between $10,000 and $100,000 for each violation. Violators are also subject to gaming license revocation.
The measure also gives New York’s gaming commission, state police, and Attorney General the authority to conduct investigations and issue cease-and-desist orders to entities and patrons that violate the bill.
All fines that the state of New York collects from banned online sweepstakes games would be deposited into the Commercial Gaming Revenue Fund to support problem gambling education and treatment programs.
A6745 was introduced in March and immediately referred to the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee where it underwent amendments before its approval.
The measure is now heading to the Standing Committee on Codes for consideration.
Senate Version Of Anti-Sweepstakes Bill
Sen. Joseph Addabbo filed Senate Bill 5935 in March as a measure that also bans sweepstakes operators and suppliers. The bill includes the exact same language as A6745, the Assembly’s version of the bill.
SB 5935 advanced to its third reading in the last week of April, and the bill reached the Senate floor in March but saw no significant action. Lawmakers have just over a month to make progress with SB 5935 and A6745 as New York’s legislative session adjourns June 12.