Addabbo to chair NYS Senate committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering in upcoming 2019 legislative session

NYS Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has been chosen by incoming Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins to serve as chairman of the NYS Senate Standing Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering in the new 2019 Legislative Session beginning in January.

“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,” said Addabbo. “I thank Senator Stewart-Cousins for her confidence in me, and I look forward to getting to work on the committee.”

With Aqueduct Racetrack and the Resorts World New York City Casino located in his district, Addabbo is very familiar with the economic impact of these industries both locally and statewide. “Over the last few years, a number of casinos have opened throughout the state, and the Racing Committee will undoubtedly be paying close attention to their performance, contributions to the economy, and the concerns related to Gaming and Wagering,” he said.

One important issue that will come before the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee in the New Year will likely be the future of legal sports betting in New York. The Committee’s jurisdiction also 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. In addition, the Committee oversees the operations and regulatory mission of the NYS Gaming Commission, as well as the work of the New York Racing Association (NYRA), which runs the Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga racetracks.

“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.”

Addabbo’s other committee assignments for the 2019 session will be announced in January.