Bill > A02260

This bill amends the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law to explicitly allow bars and restaurants to organize and manage sports squares pools, which are a type of betting game where participants choose cells on a grid corresponding to potential scores of a sports event. Specifically, the bill defines a "sports squares pool" as a grid-based wagering activity where two competing teams are assigned to x and y axes, with numerical values for columns and rows, and winners are determined by the grid cell matching the final or pre-determined score. The legislation permits licensed bars and restaurants to host these pools, with a critical stipulation that the establishment cannot profit from the pool - all wagers must be paid out to the winner(s). To qualify, the bar or restaurant must be compliant with public health regulations and licensed to sell alcohol on-premises. The bill emphasizes that organizing such a sports squares pool will not be considered a violation of existing gambling regulations, thereby providing legal clarity for these types of social betting activities. The act is designed to take effect immediately upon passage.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2260