New York State Sen. Joseph Addabbo introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at providing problem gambling prevention and treatment services to players.
Addabbo filed Senate Bill S8352 on Wednesday as a measure requiring insurance companies to provide problem gambling services.
The bill amends New York law to require insurance policies that provide medical or similar coverage to offer outpatient coverage for diagnosing and treating problem gambling. In doing so, it places problem gambling in the same sentence as “outpatient coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorder.”
Addabbo has filed his latest bill as he anticipates an increase in New Yorkers seeking help for problem gambling as the gaming industry continues to diversify across the country.
Under current New York law, insurance providers are not required to cover problem treatment offered by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS). Problem gambling treatment is only covered if the person has an associated substance use disorder. The office oversees more than 1,500 addiction prevention and treatment programs. It serves over 730,000 people annually with 12 treatment centers.
New York lawmakers are also considering an Assembly version of Addabbo’s measure.
Assemblymember Phil Steck introduced Assembly Bill A8518 in May. The bill includes the same language as Addabbo’s iteration and was referred to the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Insurance. Addabbo’s bill was referred to the Senate Rules Committee.
NY lawmaker files multiple gaming bills
SB S8352 adds to recent legislative efforts by Addabbo related to New York gaming.
Earlier this year, Addabbo introduced Senate Bill S5935A as a piece of legislation that bans online sweepstakes casinos in New York. The bill also impacts affiliates and suppliers with a footprint in New York as the bill bans entities that knowingly accept “revenue that is directly or indirectly derived from online sweepstakes games” from operating in the state.
Addabbo has also filed a bill that aims to authorize online casinos and iLottery. The bill, introduced in January, was referred to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee.
Illinois lawmakers file a compulsive gambling bill
Four Illinois lawmakers filed Senate Bill 118 in January as a bill that amends the state’s Substance Use Disorder Act to include gambling disorders. The measure defines a gambling disorder as “persistent and recurrent problematic gambling behavior leading to clinically significant impairment or distress.” The bill was passed in the Senate in April.
Last week, it was re-referred to the state’s Rules Committee after House amendments.
