Lawmakers Urge Cuomo To Sign Charitable Gaming Act

Senator Joseph Griffo and Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi are urging Governor Andrew Cuomo to sign the Charitable Gaming Act of 2016.

Griffo and Brindisi sponsored the legislation, which passed in the Senate and Assembly last month.

The new law would update current state regulations and allow charities to conduct raffle sales online and accept payment through credit or debit cards.

“We are fortunate enough to live in very giving communities, and if someone desires to donate their money through local raffle fundraisers to help people in need, then New York State should not get in the way of their generosity by making it more cumbersome to contribute to these charities. Instead of requiring cash-only donations, we should be enabling such organizations to raise more money on behalf of the elderly and disabled by allowing them to accept debit or credit card payments through the Internet,” Griffo said.

Several local charities worked to help develop the legislation, including Sitrin Health Care, the Children's Miracle Network and Hospice and Palliative Care.