WINMANWIN
03-08-2003, 11:55 AM
March 8, 2003 -- EXCLUSIVE
ALBANY - Problem gamblers can now ask the state's racetracks and OTB parlors to stop them before they bet again.
An emergency regulation enacted by the state Racing and Wagering Board establishes a procedure for bettors to have themselves voluntarily blocked from entering race tracks, simulcast theaters and Off-Track Betting parlors.
The regulation also lets individuals with a telephone wagering account to place limits on the amounts they can wager on a daily or weekly basis.
An itchy gambler wanting to get off the list will have to go through a seven-day waiting period.
At least seven states, including New Jersey and Missouri, have similar self-exclusion rules.
"It definitely targets problem gamblers by giving them something to protect themselves," said Racing and Wagering Board spokeswoman Stacy Clifford.
Each track, OTB and simulcast theater is required to submit their enforcement plans to the Racing and Wagering Board for approval by the middle of this month.
Anti-gambling legislators and activists, as well as those in the horse racing industry, believe the new rule will help - but they question how effectively the measure can be enforced.
New York City OTB is considering procedures that may include the use of photos or physical descriptions of those on the list, said organization spokeswoman Denise DePrima.
"It will be a challenge for us to enforce this because we have about 75 locations, but we're going to do our best to let the people who work in our branches know about it," DePrima said.
Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Queens), the Legislature's top gambling foe, called the measure "a Band-Aid on a very large wound."
Added James Maney, executive director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling: "This is a beginning, but just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helping problem gamblers."
Currently, racetracks maintain their own security plans for excluding undesirable patrons from entering the grounds.
The new regulation will enable tracks to utilize existing track security systems to identify and prevent the admission of those who ask to be excluded, according to state officials.
ALBANY - Problem gamblers can now ask the state's racetracks and OTB parlors to stop them before they bet again.
An emergency regulation enacted by the state Racing and Wagering Board establishes a procedure for bettors to have themselves voluntarily blocked from entering race tracks, simulcast theaters and Off-Track Betting parlors.
The regulation also lets individuals with a telephone wagering account to place limits on the amounts they can wager on a daily or weekly basis.
An itchy gambler wanting to get off the list will have to go through a seven-day waiting period.
At least seven states, including New Jersey and Missouri, have similar self-exclusion rules.
"It definitely targets problem gamblers by giving them something to protect themselves," said Racing and Wagering Board spokeswoman Stacy Clifford.
Each track, OTB and simulcast theater is required to submit their enforcement plans to the Racing and Wagering Board for approval by the middle of this month.
Anti-gambling legislators and activists, as well as those in the horse racing industry, believe the new rule will help - but they question how effectively the measure can be enforced.
New York City OTB is considering procedures that may include the use of photos or physical descriptions of those on the list, said organization spokeswoman Denise DePrima.
"It will be a challenge for us to enforce this because we have about 75 locations, but we're going to do our best to let the people who work in our branches know about it," DePrima said.
Sen. Frank Padavan (R-Queens), the Legislature's top gambling foe, called the measure "a Band-Aid on a very large wound."
Added James Maney, executive director of the New York Council on Problem Gambling: "This is a beginning, but just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to helping problem gamblers."
Currently, racetracks maintain their own security plans for excluding undesirable patrons from entering the grounds.
The new regulation will enable tracks to utilize existing track security systems to identify and prevent the admission of those who ask to be excluded, according to state officials.