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“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead this panel, and to help shape the future of the racing, gaming and wagering industries in New York State,” Sen. Addabbo said.
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) has been selected to serve as chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering for the 2019 Legislative Session beginning in January.
In announcing the assignment last week, Addabbo thanked Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins “for her confidence in me.”
“Having served as the ranking Democratic member of this committee for a number of years now, I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead this panel, and to help shape the future of the racing, gaming and wagering industries in New York State,” the senator said.
Addabbo noted that perhaps the most important issue that will come before the committee next year will be the future of legal sports betting in the Empire State. In May, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the federal ban on sports betting, allowing states to decide if they want to permit wagering on such events.
The Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee’s purview includes oversight of the state’s racetracks, video lottery terminal placements, care of retired racehorses, off-track betting, the New York State Lottery, charitable gaming, and other issues associated with racing and wagering in New York. The panel also oversees the operations and regulatory mission of the State Gaming Commission, as well as the work of the New York Racing Association, which runs the Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga tracks.
With Aqueduct Racetrack and the Resorts World Casino New York City located in his 15th Senate District, Addabbo indicated that he’s very familiar with the economic impact of these industries—both locally and statewide.
“As we move forward towards 2019, I am eager to continue the work of the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee,” Addabbo said. “I look forward to hearing from stakeholders both inside and outside of government, including sports fans, those who work to combat problem gambling, horse racing interests, and, of course, my own constituents. We must all work together to promote strengths and identify weaknesses in these critical industries throughout our state.”
The senator noted that his other committee assignments for the 2019 session will be announced next month.
