State Senator Addabbo’s bill directing mobile sports tax revenue to gambling addiction services passes in Albany – QNS

New York State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. has heralded another significant milestone in the sports gambling industry as his introduced legislation to authorize 1% of mobile sports tax revenue for gambling addiction services passed in Albany this month. 

The New York State Senate approval of Addabbo’s sponsored bill, S.8439, helps bolster casino gaming in the state while providing aid to problem gamblers, the Senator explains.

“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,” stated Addabbo. “My bill solidifies that promise by ensuring annual funding is allocated to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) for gambling addiction,” Addabbo added.

At the start of the year, on the two-year anniversary of legal mobile sports wagering, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that more than $1.55 billion in taxes on bets had been collected and used for education spending. 

According to the governor, $6 million of the total $898 million collected in Fiscal Year 2024 went to the Office of Addiction Services and Supports, and additional national records were set in the prior fiscal year.

Addabbo, who is also as the chair of the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee, insists that the success of mobile sports wagering, especially in the state, must accompany a supported system to prevent 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 sustained because of this additional revenue from our successful mobile gaming,” Addabbo said. “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 has been delivered to the Assembly Ways and Means Committee for consideration after receiving approval by the Senate. 

Addabbo represents New York State’s 15th Senate District, which includes Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth and parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside and The Rockaways.