Bill > A00872

This bill proposes an amendment to the state constitution to allow employees of authorized organizations to participate in the management and operation of games of chance (such as bingo or lotto), under certain conditions. Currently, only bona fide members of religious, charitable, non-profit veterans', volunteer firefighter, and similar organizations are permitted to manage these games. The amendment would specifically allow an employee who is compensated for work unrelated to the games of chance to also participate in managing or operating such games. The bill maintains existing restrictions that the entire net proceeds must be devoted to the organization's lawful purposes, and that no person should receive remuneration specifically for managing the games. The proposed change would still require approval by a majority vote in the specific municipality and remain subject to legislative supervision and control. The amendment aims to provide more flexibility for non-profit organizations in conducting games of chance while maintaining safeguards against commercialized gambling. The bill also stipulates that the proposed constitutional amendment must be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and published for three months prior to that election, in accordance with standard constitutional amendment procedures.

Business and Industry, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A872