For New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr., June is more than the arrival of summer. Lawmakers in Albany approved S.8439, which sets aside 1 percent of the mobile sports tax revenue for gambling addiction services.
“Part of our tireless work to get mobile sports gaming enacted in New York included ensuring NYS maintained a strong commitment to providing services and support for gambling addiction,” Addabbo told QNS. “My bill solidifies that promise by ensuring annual funding is allocated to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for gambling addiction.”
On the second anniversary of the legalization of mobile betting at the start of 2024, Gov. Kathy Hochul indicated more than $1.55 billion in taxes on bets was allocated for education spending. She added that the Office of Addiction Services and Supports received $6 million of the total $898 million collected in fiscal year 2024.
Addabbo, who heads the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, has hammered the point that such success in New York must also include funding for a system to prevent and treat gambling addiction.
“While I recognize some might lack enthusiasm for mobile sports gaming, I hope everyone can appreciate that many education services and youth sports have been sustained because of this additional revenue from our successful mobile gaming,” Addabbo told QNS. “As more individuals participate in mobile sports wagering, this set percentage will make sure funding levels coincide appropriately with any gambling addiction needs.”
Addabbo’s bill still needs to pass through the Assembly Ways and Means Committee.
