New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli recently issued a report questioning if problem gambling services are receiving enough resources. He said more than $270 million is spent annually to promote the lottery and racinos—far more than the amount of money going to combat gambling addiction.
DiNapoli said, “State policymakers may wish to consider whether the current levels of resources that are intended to increase gaming activity, and those devoted to mitigating harmful impacts of such activity, strike an appropriate balance.”
The report noted the state Division of the Budget projects revenue from casinos and racinos will decrease by $616 million this year due to the impact of Covid-19. From January through September, lottery revenue fell by $132 million from $958 million in the same period in 2019, DiNapoli said. He noted in the fiscal year ending March 30, the state spent $90.8 million to promote the lottery, compared to $170 million spent in the previous fiscal year.
“While numbers are down this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the gaming commission is studying ways to boost revenues going forward. Before expanding gambling, the state must take a closer look at the impacts of casinos and other gaming already in place, as well as the problem of compulsive gambling,” DiNapoli said.
Legislators have proposed legalizing mobile sports betting but Cuomo has so far opposed that.
