ALBANY - A measure tucked into Gov. Andrew Cuomo's $152.3 billion budget plan would make it easier for charities to offer raffles and other games of chance.
The proposal would ease the rules for fundraising, allowing charitable non-profits to accept credit cards and checks for raffle tickets rather than the cash-only system the state currently allows.
It would also clear the way for charities to offer alcoholic beverages to raffle winners, allow charities to better advertise the fundraisers and make it easier for them to host gaming fundraisers off their property.
“For too long, red tape and outdated laws on the books have inhibited the efforts of well-intentioned charities to raise crucial funds in support of their good work," Cuomo said in a statement Wednesday.
The proposal comes after a number of charitable raffles and similar games have run into issues with state rules in recent years, including popular rubber duck derbies on the Erie Canal.
Such duck derbies can still happen in New York, but only after the charities receives a number of authorizations and clears bureaucratic red tape.
Cuomo's proposal, however, would not allow for online sales of raffle tickets, which his office previously contended was unconstitutional.
That means it likely won't save the popular vintage car auction held for years by the Stafford Fire Department in Genesee County, which ended last year after the department was told it couldn't sell tickets online.
Cuomo's plan to reform the charitable gaming laws is similar to one he vetoed last year. But the bill last year included online sales, which Cuomo opposes.
Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, R-Batavia, Genesee County, praised Cuomo for making good on his word to push for changes to the law early in the year.
But he said he believes the state can -- and should -- allow online raffle ticket sales if the seller is based in New York.
"We want to continue to work with (Cuomo), the Assembly speaker and the majority leader in the Senate to see if we can make sure this goes through," Hawley said. "But the one area we have some concern with is the internet sales."
The state's budget is due March 31.
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