ALBANY, NY -- The New York Lottery over the past five months has placed at least 92 video lottery terminals in bars that don't serve food on its way to installing units in an estimated 500 locations.
The original 1995 lottery authorization law had restricted VLTs to establishments that serve meals. The expansion to all bars and taverns is pursuant to legislation supported by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, said Crain's New York Business.
The VLTs offer Quick Draw, a keno-style game with prizes of up to $100,000. The expanded market is expected to generate $11 million in new tax revenues this year; out-years should see and $22 million annually, according to NY Lottery deputy director Gardner Gurney.
Cuomo has said he favors expanding gambling programs to help meet the state's budget deficit and make New York more competitive with nearby states, New Jersey among them, that offer more gaming options.
Separately, the Amusement and Music Owners Association of New York is keeping a close eye on the proliferation of so-called Internet sweepstakes cafés, which like any form of gambling compete with legitimate amusement devices.
The number of electronic sweepstakes games in the Empire State is reportedly growing, especially in New York City. AMOA-NY is exploring legislation that would legalize sweepstakes videogames and permit authorized independent service organizations to operate them in licensed liquor establishments.
