Veterans and fraternal organizations across New York recently testified before the state Gaming Commission in support of legislation to allow them to replace their outmoded bell jar-style pull-tab games with more advanced technologies.
Struggling with declining membership and increasing competition from the state’s casinos and racinos, the groups are urging passage of bills in the Assembly and Senate that would authorize the use of an enhanced video display vending device by charitable gaming operators.
“The proposed electronic bell jar device would greatly enhance the entertainment value as well as the integrity of gaming offered at charitable facilities,” said John Bonacic, the Orange County Republican sponsoring the Senate bill.
The Assembly bill is sponsored by Mt. Vernon Democrat Gary Pretlow.
The two chair the Racing, Wagering and Gaming committees in their chambers.
According to the Council of Private Organizations, a group formed to assist fraternal groups such as the Elks and the Moose, revenue from charitable gaming fell by $49 million across New York from 2001 to 2015. The decline has forced some clubs to close, while threatening the sustainability of suicide counseling and mentoring programs and other veterans services.
“We must attract younger veterans in order to keep our programs going,” Dennis Sullivan, New York State Veterans of Foreign Wars commander, said.
A spokesman for the commission, which also oversees the state Lottery and thoroughbred and harness tracks, said officials are in the process of updating rules for charitable gaming and are conducting the hearings to devise ways to help groups raise more money for worthy causes.
As the hearings go forward, “More changes could be on the way,” the spokesman said.
