Addabbo seeks to establish NY gambling harms body

The council would advise the governor’s office as well as the legislature on issues arising from problem gambling and recommend ways to make prevention and treatment more accessible.

Addabbo has played a major role in progressing gaming legislation in New York in the past. He has introduced igaming bills in New York – as well as putting forward the legislation for retail sports betting and being a key driving force in the efforts to legalise online sports in the state.

The 13 members of the body will include the commissioner of New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS), the chair of the Gaming Commission and eleven additional members.

Addabbo stated: “As co-sponsor of this bill and chair to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, I am pleased that we are fulfilling a promise to provide additional resources and raise public awareness for problem gambling in our state.

“The legalisation of mobile sports betting brought higher than forecasted educational funds and revenue to our state, and the recent approval of downstate casino licenses will create jobs and additional resources, but this legislation demonstrates that we have not forgotten that we must prioritise problem gambling and address it in a timely, proactive manner.”

The news comes in the wake of a survey by the state Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS), which found that five percent of adults in the state demonstrated problem gambling behaviours, with ten percent of 7th through 12th grade students additionally exhibiting signs of problem gambling.  

Lawmakers in the state recently approved plans for three new casinos in a downstate region that includes New York City.