A Really Bad Bet
In 2024 there were 683 licensed bell jar organizations in New York State. As written, this bill allows any not-for-profit organization of which there are in excess of 96,000 in this state, to potentially operate electronic bell jar games. Based on geographical location this amended bill could allow a licensee to place a specified number of units at their facility. While the bill limits the number of units that may be activated by an organization, it does not limit the total number of games in a geographical market area. The bill does not limit the mobility of the units, nor does it indicate how they would be monitored for underage play. It does not limit usage to members of the organization nor require a member to monitor usage or play on the machines. Simple math shows the dramatic potential for the expansion of electronic gaming in an already saturated marketplace, with the end result being a negative impact on educational revenues provided by the VLT licensees. An example of this proliferation is in the state of Illinois where legislation allowing this type of machine has now increased to over 28,000 machines in use in the state, overwhelming the gaming market.
It would appear that the intent of this legislation is to assist presently licensed charitable organizations in their ability to sell bell jar tickets. In 2024 these organizations handled over $231 million in wagers and collected over $35.5 million on existing belljar games. This language goes far beyond that goal with the potential of a wide expansion of gaming in New York. In reality, the only beneficiary of these bills in their present form is the manufacturer of the electronic bell jar games that conform to this proposed legislation. This bill is a bad and unnecessary expansion of gaming in New York, with too many real and potential negative impacts.
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