NY Gaming Assoc. backs ‘problem gambling’ bills

The New York Gaming Association, which represents the state’s nine racetrack casinos, is backing a slate of legislation sponsored by Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz, D-Brooklyn, and Sen. Jeffrey Klein, D-Bronx/Westchester — chairs of their respective chambers’ Alcoholism and Drug Abuse committees — to address “problem gambling.”

This can be seen as an attempt to blunt the argument made last week by anti-gaming advocates that casinos depend on the small percentage of gamblers who are desperate addicts.

“New York does gaming the right way. Gaming venues are sensibly located, thoughtfully, regulated, and operated in a socially responsible, economically reliable way that promotes the interests of all of New York citizens. For most people going to a casino is a benign form of entertainment but for a small percentage it can be a problem that has a negative impact on their lives,” said James Featherstonhaugh, president of the Gaming Association, in a statement.

“The New York Gaming Association wants to protect New Yorkers by ensuring that the proper information and services are available to them if they are in need. The bills put forth by Assemblyman Cymbrowitz and Senator Klein are common sense approaches to address these needs. As the gaming market is evolving in New York State with the creation of the new Gaming Commission and potential passage of a constitutional amendment to allow for full commercial gaming, the time to put measures in place to address these issues is now.”

The package, as summarized by the Gaming Association:

• A.10023/S.7305 would require at least one of the Gaming Commission’s seven board members significant experience in the prevention and treatment of compulsive gambling.
• A.10024/S.7300 would require gambling facilities to post signs in a prominent manner within reasonable proximity to every exit and entrance of a gambling facility.
• A.10025-A would require the Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services to develop a problem gambling education program that all individuals, prior to being removed from any self-exclusion list must complete.
• A.10054-A would establish the New York State Legislative Task Force on responsible gaming which will provide recommendations to the New York State Gaming Commission and each Division on issues related to the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
• http://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/132805/gaming-assoc-backs-problem-gambling-bills/