Bill > S05031

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the rules governing games of chance (such as bingo and lotto) in New York state municipalities. Currently, these games can only be conducted by bona fide religious, charitable, nonprofit, or veterans' organizations, with strict limitations on prize amounts and management. The key change allows employees of these organizations to participate in managing and operating games of chance, whereas previously only members could do so. Specifically, an employee who is compensated for work unrelated to the games can now help manage these events, which was previously prohibited. The amendment maintains important restrictions, including that the entire net proceeds must go to the organization's lawful purposes, and that no person can receive remuneration specifically for managing the games. The bill also maintains the existing prize limits (no single prize over $250 and no series of prizes exceeding $1,000 in one occasion) and requires the legislature to continue passing laws to ensure these games are rigidly regulated to prevent commercialized gambling and participation by undesirable elements. The proposed amendment will be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election and must be published for three months beforehand, in accordance with state constitutional procedures.

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https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5031