Enacts the "charitable gaming act of 2016"; allows games known as "raffles" to accept legal tender, credit or debit card for payment; further authorizes "raffles" at the discretion of the games of chance licensee, to be purchased via the internet or mobile application with a credit or debit card upon the account holder's direct consent; makes related provisions.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10249A
SPONSOR: Schimminger TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the general municipal law, in relation
to enacting the "charitable gaming act of 2016"
PURPOSE OF THE BILL:
This legislation establishes the "Charitable Gaming Act of 2016" by
amending the governing statute in relation to the sale of raffle tickets
to provide for additional payment methods, enhanced purchasing options
and the authorization of new advertising methods.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides for the title of the act.
Section 2 establishes the legislative intent.
Section 3 amends subdivision 20 of section 186 the General Municipal Law
to include additional payment methods for raffle games.
Section 4 adds a new subdivision 16 to section 189 of the General Munic-
ipal Law to allow for the purchase of raffle tickets via the internet.
Section 5 amends section 195-e of the General Municipal Law to permit
advertising games of chance via magazine and the internet.
Section 6 establishes a severability clause.
Section 7 is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Charities licensed to conduct raffles often include, but are not limited
to, the types of organizations committed to protecting vulnerable popu-
lations, supporting veterans, providing fire safety education and for
the care of animals.
In recognition of the many contributions provided by such bona fide
charitable organizations, in 1994, the New York State Legislature passed
legislation, subsequently signed by the Governor, which added the sale
of raffles to the types of games of chance.
Since the authorizing statute was codified, there have been considerable
advances in technology which necessitates the amendments set forth with-
in this legislation. Furthermore, as proposed, expanding payment,
purchasing and advertising options will afford these worthwhile charita-
ble organizations the ability to reach their intended fundraising goals,
which in turn will enhance their capability to support vital programs
and services within the community.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the 180th day after it shall have become a
law.
