S6351B

The New York State Senate passed legislation authorizing bell jar machines for charitable organizations and veterans groups, with a 55-4 vote. Sponsored by Sen. Joe Addabbo, the bill (S6351B, Calendar 1990) represents a revised version of legislation previously vetoed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2018. The key changes address concerns raised by the Seneca Nation by removing all gamification features that made the machines resemble slot machines and limiting their geographic placement and membership scope. Under the bill, 5 percent of revenues would go to the state. Sen. Robert Borrello was the primary critic, arguing that New York has already oversaturated the gaming market and that the machines, despite modifications, may still violate the Seneca compact. He also contended that the 5 percent state payout is insufficient compared to the 25 percent the Senecas pay under their gaming compact. Borrello and three other senators voted against the measure. Addabbo defended the bill as benefiting charitable organizations rather than serving as a state revenue source.