The State Racing and Wagering Board regulates all legalized gambling activities in New York State with the exception of the State Lottery. The Board also has shared responsibility for the oversight of bingo and other permitted games of chance conducted by not-for-profit and religious organizations. The Board is included in the Transportation, Economic Development and Environmental Conservation appropriation bill.

State Operations

The Executive recommends an All Funds appropriation of $19,512,000 in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2003-04, reflecting an increase of $3,433,000, or 21.4 percent over the current year funding level.

This appropriation includes a $12,200,000 Special Revenue Fund appropriation to support staff and costs associated with the processing of racing licenses; the review of financial statements submitted by regional OTBs; legal hearings to suspend or fine violators of racing regulations; seasonal employees at the thoroughbred and harness tracks; and the testing of race horses for prohibited drugs.

A $2,119,000 Special Revenue Fund appropriation is also recommended for support of regulatory activities of charitable gaming such as bell jar games; and $5,193,000 Special Revenue Fund appropriation is recommended to support on site monitoring and investigation of Indian casinos.

Article VII

The Executive proposes legislation that would levy an assessment on racing wagers. The generated revenues would be dedicated to the operations of the Racing and Wagering Board. The assessment, 0.5 percent on racing wagers, would be used to support the operations of the Board, thereby making the industry pay for its own regulation. With this proposal, General Fund Support for the Board would be eliminated. The legislation would also make various statutory changes to current law intended to enhance industry revenues, expand simulcasting opportunities to include night time thoroughbred race betting, and eliminate balances on phone betting accounts.