Electeds announce bill
expanding bingo for seniors
BY JENNA BAGCAL
Bingo enthusiasts can now enjoy
the popular game of chance more frequently
following a bill that was just
signed into law.
Queens representatives Senator
Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblyman
Daniel Rosenthal announced the
passage of their bill which expands
the operation of bingo games for senior
and community centers. Under
the legislation, centers can now host
games roughly once per week and
also covers nonprofit and religious
organizations under the provisions.
“Restrictions around bingo were
long overdue for a change,” said
Rosenthal. “Senior centers across the
state were taking chances by offering
social opportunities for our residents.
By partnering with Senator Stavisky
and Governor Cuomo on this legislation,
New York ensures that no one
has to play the odds between building
friendships and facing a fine.”
Rosenthal and Stavisky introduced
the bill back in April in order
to change New York state’s laws which
governed games of chance with monetary
prizes. New York’s stringent and
longstanding laws concerning games
of chance even applied to games with
prizes of nominal amounts.
The state required organizations
to register games of chance if it (1)
promoted consumer products or services,
(2) had a prize totaling $5,000
or more, (3) determined a winner by
chance, (4) required no consideration
to enter the game. All applications
also required a nonrefundable $100
filing fee.
Under an old statute, community
organizations could host bingo games
15 days per year without a state-issued
license. Though the state rarely
enforced the statute, senior and community
organizations put themselves
at risk by providing such games as a
form of recreation.
“I want to thank Gov. Cuomo for
signing this legislation and Assemblyman
Daniel Rosenthal for his dedication
in passing this bill in the Assembly,”
said Stavisky. “As a result,
older adults will be able to play additional
bingo games without the senior
centers being penalized. Studies
show that participating in activities
has positive results. It gives seniors a
reason to get up in the morning, meet
friends and participate with other
community members.”
Senator Toby Ann Stavisky and Assemblyman Daniel Rosenthal announced the passage
of their bill expanding the operation of bingo in New York state.
Courtesy of Rosenthal’s offi ce
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