Tag: New York

Ending Prohibition in NY State: Can It Be Done by Constitutional Convention?

Cannabis industry leaders gathered in Washington consider a novel tactic to legalize adult-use marijuana in NY.

Press Release
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updated: May 15, 2017

Washington, DC, May 15, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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As cannabis industry leaders gather in Washington, DC, to lobby the nation’s congressmen to relax federal laws prohibiting the sale and use of cannabis, medical marijuana and hemp, one group proposes a novel tactic to bypass the NY State legislature and legalize adult-use marijuana by a direct vote of the people in New York. Restrict & Regulate in NY State 2019 (RRNY) is holding a private briefing to explain the periodic mandatory vote in NY State on whether to hold a constitutional convention, or “ConCon.”

Not to be confused with a federal constitutional convention, New York is one of 15 states whose state constitutions require a periodic popular vote on holding a state constitutional convention. Thus on November 7, 2017, a sleepy off-year election, New Yorkers will go to the polls to find, buried at the bottom of the ballot, the question “Shall there be a convention to revise the constitution and amend the same?” If they say “no,” the process will end. If they say “yes,” a two-year process will be triggered, culminating in a popular vote on changes to the NY state constitution proposed by a convention to be held in April 2019.

“Our government, both in Washington and in Albany, is dysfunctional and unpopular, and in NY it is corrupt as well. The electoral college elected Trump but the people elected Clinton, and many inside and outside of our movement believe that establishment insiders rigged the primary system to deny Bernie Sanders an opportunity to run for President. The level of anger is palpable. The vote this November 7 in New York will be an early bellwether of what will come in 2018.”

Josh Alper, Events and Communications Committee Chairman

The last time NY voted yes on this question was 1967. Voters rejected this call in 1977 and 1997, but RRNY believes 2017 will be different. “The political and technological landscape is completely different today than it was 20 years ago,” said Josh Alper, one of the organizers of the briefing. “We live in an age of cellphones and social media, live-streaming and fake news. In 1997, the internet was only just taking off. In 1967, cellphones were barely imaginable.

“Our government, both in Washington and in Albany, is dysfunctional and unpopular, and in NY it is corrupt as well. The electoral college elected Trump but the people elected Clinton, and many inside and outside of our movement believe that establishment insiders rigged the primary system to deny Bernie Sanders an opportunity to run for President. The level of anger is palpable. The vote this November 7 in New York will be an early bellwether of what will come in 2018.”

“At the same time, use of cannabis has become mainstream. 56% of Americans say the use of marijuana is socially acceptable. Support for medical marijuana and hemp is through the roof. Our industry ran ballot initiatives in 9 states in 2016 and won 89% of them, and we bring millennials out to vote, largely because they find it shameful to keep people locked up and destroy their lives for doing something or possessing something that they see as harmless and commonplace. RRNY believes it is crystal clear that New Yorkers will turn out in much higher numbers than usual and they will vote to override the NY legislature on a number of issues, including cannabis, marijuana and hemp, by voting to have a state constitutional convention on November 7.”

The briefing will be led by Dr. Peter Galie, renowned scholar and author on the NY constitution, and followed by Ben Tulchin, pollster for Bernie Sanders in 2016. Dr. Galie will speak on the NYS Constitution, its history, the history of this mandatory ballot question in NY State and the results of previous NYS ConCons, while Tulchin will talk about how to shape campaign strategy using data-driven polling and social media.

The event is being held at The Phoenix Park Hotel in Washington, DC, on May 17, 2017. Seating is limited to 75. The event will be followed by Earl Blumenauer’s DC Comedy Night fundraiser (unrelated event, separate RSVP needed), featuring the Congressman and six of the Most Talented Members of Congress. For further information and tickets to the briefing, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/changing-the-ny-constitution-on-cannabis-nov-7-2017-nys-concon-ballot-question-tickets-34598139968.

News media, please direct-message RRNY on Twitter @LegalWeed4NY.

Source: Restrict & Regulate in NY State 2019

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May 15, 2017
NASTY WOMEN and BAD HOMBRES—An Exhibit of Bronze and Wax Sculptures About Our Times

NASTY WOMEN and BAD HOMBRES—Bronze and Wax Sculptures About Our Times. May 1-6 2017 @ The Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery, New York, NY.

New York, NY, April 10, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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From May 1 to May 6, Peruvian-born New York Sculptor, Oscar Garcia, will present “Nasty Women and Bad Hombres,” an exhibit showcasing the Wax and Bronze work of more than 30 New-York–based sculptors, also known as “The ASL Bronze Artists.” Opening reception is May 2, 2017, from 6 to 8 p.m., at The Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery (second floor of The Art Students League of New York—see details below).

The title of this exhibit, “Nasty Women and Bad Hombres,” is a commentary on the plight of women and immigrants in today’s changing political climate. Inspiration for this show is derived from the diverse artists who make up The ASL Bronze Artists. Mostly female and/or foreign born, they embody a “cross-fertilization of imagination coming from every corner of the globe. Some of the work is satirical, of course, but also a celebration of positive energy, joy, even vulnerability,” says Oscar Garcia. “We left it open so artists could express what they wanted to communicate, what was important to them in this new era.”

“…a “cross-fertilization of imagination coming from every corner of the globe”

Oscar Garcia, Exhibit Curator

This exhibit is dedicated to the past, present and future women and immigrants who have the courage to pursue their dreams against all odds.

About Oscar Garcia and the ASL Bronze Artists

Mr. Garcia, a figurative and abstract master sculptor known for his environmental art and his creations out of organic materials, is also an expert in bronze work. Over the years, he has been commissioned to execute a number of public works as well as sculptures and reliefs for several churches. Mr. Garcia holds a BFA and an MFA from the Escuela de Bellas Artes del Peru and studied Metallurgy and Materiality at the Universidad de Lima.

Twice a week, Mr. Garcia meets with the ASL Bronze Artists at the Art Students League of New York where he mentors the group on sculpting in wax and bronze. Mr. Garcia and his group cast their own bronze through the “loss wax process,” a method dating from the 3rd millennium BC.

For this group, Bronze is a preferred medium not only because it is corrosion-resistant, resilient, and stronger than stone but also because it is carvable and weldable, allowing artists to bring their vision to life in its finest details. It takes on a delicate and powerful form, as it captures movement and emotions, emanating life-like energy.

ASL Bonze Artists (alphabetical order)

Catherine Abrams
Tina B
Freddy Borges
Val Brochard
Larry D’Arrigo
Mark Dawson
Bette Elman
Ralph Erman
Richard Fallica
Zalmen Glauber
Kate Grandin
Gaelle Hintzy Marcel
Markus Holtby
Muriel Kneeshaw
Elena Komer
Brian Lewis
Jessica Mandrick
Eileen Munson
Tony Piscitello
Sandra Schulz
Grady Searcy
Stanley Sheran
Ella Sherman
Max Singer
Michelle Smith
Sonia Stark
Maria Stephens
Nidia Tobaoda
Toru Tokashiki
Shoshana Vidra
Natalie Vie
Ray Warner
Paul Yarden

Exhibit Details

TITLE:   NASTY WOMEN AND BAD HOMBRES
—An Exhibit of Bronze and Wax Sculptures About Our Times

WHEN:    May 1- May 6, 2017

WHERE:    The Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery
At The Art Students League of New York
215 W 57th St, 2nd fl., New York, NY 10019

Gallery Hours
Mon-Fri: 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sat: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Sun: Closed

ADMISSION:   Free

OPENING RECEPTION:    Tuesday May 2, 2017
6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Phyllis Harriman Mason Gallery
At The Art Students League of New York
215 W 57th St, 2nd fl., New York, NY 10019

About the Art of the Loss Wax Process

The artist covers the wax sculpture with a mix of plaster, silica, sand and water forming a mold that is then baked slowly. If the original sculpture is large, it is divided into sections to be individually cast so that each part better retains its shape. As the temperature rises, the mold hardens and the wax melts away, leaving a hollow cavity
in a hard shell. The molten bronze is then poured into the mold and left hardening in an exact replica of the one-of-a-kind wax sculpture. Thirty minutes later, the mold is chipped away to reveal the new bronze sculpture. Once all the casting is completed,
the separate parts have to be fitted together, welded, sometimes carved or bent, and smoothed. A patina is usually applied at the very end to alter the color of the surface and prevent further metal oxidation.

About The Art Students League of New York

A legendary community of artists, the Art Students League of New York (ASL) was founded by artists in 1875 and has been instrumental in shaping America’s legacy in the fine arts. Yes, Bourgeois, Hirschfeld, Nevelson, O’Keeffe, Pollock, Rockwell, Rothko, and recently departed Rosenquist have practiced their art here, along with numerous other prominent artists. Today’s artists at the League share the same passions that those greats brought to their art.

Dedicated to Non-Conformity

The League was created by artists breaking away from the National Academy of Design. That independent spirit remains at the League today, where artists pursue their work unconstrained by dogma, politics or burdensome tuition. The format of ongoing monthly studio classes allows artists to work and explore their art at their own pace, exchanging ideas and learning from other prominent artists who have a range of artistic philosophies.

Photos and Media Kits

To view and/or download photos of some of the work presented in “Nasty Women and Bad Hombres,” please go to:
http://www.bronzeworkshop.com/media/

To view and/or download photos of Oscar Garcia and some of his work, please go to:
http://www.bronzeworkshop.com/media/

Media Contact

For more information about this exhibit, please contact:

Val Brochard
PR Specialist
MG&G Advertising, Inc.
(p) 646-638-1447
vbrochard@mggadvertising.com

Websites and social media associated with the ASL Bronze Artists:
http://www.bronzeworkshop.com
http://aslbronzeartists.com
https://www.facebook.com/bronzeartists/
https://twitter.com/bronzeartists
#bronzeartists
https://www.instagram.com/bronzeartists/

For more information about Oscar Garcia, please visit
http://www.artistoscargarcia.com

For more information regarding The Art Students League of New York, please visit: http://www.theartstudentsleague.org

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Source: ASL Bronze Artists

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April 10, 2017
New York City-Based Diggz Rolls Out Its Popular Online Roommate Matching Services Nationwide

Diggz Officially launches its platform in 12 new major markets nationwide with aim to expand it’s national market share.

Press Release
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updated: Mar 14, 2017

New York City, NY, March 14, 2017 (Newswire.com)
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Diggz, a popular New York City-based roommate finder app, is officially expanding its services into 12 major metro areas and cities nationwide. Diggz has been operating successfully in New York City for over two years, and is now rolling out into new markets.

“We considered expanding into new markets earlier, but we really wanted to make sure that our product and strategy were solid before going nationwide. Today, we’re very pleased with what we’ve created,” says Ben Blodgett, Diggz’s co-founder.

We considered expanding into new markets earlier, but we really wanted to make sure that our product and strategy were solid before going nationwide. Today, we’re very pleased with what we’ve created

Ben Blodget, Co-Founder

The 12 new markets now available on Diggz include Los Angeles / Orange County, San Francisco / Bay Area, Chicago, Miami / South Florida, Washington DC / Baltimore, Houston, Austin, Dallas, Boston, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Toronto with more major cities planned to be rolled out this year. Roommate seekers in these cities that are looking for a roommate or interested to sublet a spare room can now register for free on Diggz.

Diggz is an online marketplace for finding roommates that share similar lifestyles and preferences. Via Diggz, users can post their vacant rooms for rent, find a room, or link up with others to go apartment hunting together. What’s unique about Diggz is that it’s a dynamic marketplace, “We wanted to enhance the roommate search experience and allow those renting out rooms to be more involved and proactive in the process. They don’t have to sit and wait for someone to contact them. They can browse through those looking for a room and pick out the ones they think will be good fit” says Ben Blodgett, Diggz’s co-founder.

Diggz utilizes a proprietary algorithm to provide users with personalized search results of prospective roommates which takes into account a user’s preferred neighborhoods, work schedule, cleanliness, smoking and drinking habits, mutual friends and other attributes. Like on Tinder and other popular dating apps, users that have both indicated an interest (a “match”) can then talk directly and safely on the platform without the need to exchange personal contact information until they are comfortable to do so.

Unlike other roommate matching apps that make claims that they verify each profile, Diggz actually has a robust behind-the-scenes fraud detection tools as well as actual humans reviewing suspicious profiles, keeping the platform scammer and spammer free. In addition, Diggz is the first and only roommate matching app that enables users to request a tenant screening report from prospective roommates within the app. This feature is extremely helpful for those users who want that extra piece of mind.

About Diggz

Diggz is based in New York City and was founded in 2014 by Avi Burstein and Ben Blodgett. After both founders personally experienced bad roommate situations they found on craigslist, they decided to create something different and solve one of the most painstaking experiences New Yorkers have to endure, an experience that has almost become a rite of passage. Their aim was to make the roommate search experience efficient, fun and safe that will deliver a roommate that meshes with your lifestyle and preferences. Diggz is available on desktop and is mobile friendly, so it is easy to use at home, work or on the go without needing to install anything.

For more information please contact:
press@diggz.co
Or contact us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram

Source: Diggz

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March 14, 2017
The Future is Unwritten – Finding Hope in the Face of Global Uncertainty

A RIOT original short film, shot in New York City that highlights the grim realities of changing times.

Press Release
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updated: Dec 20, 2016

New York, NY, December 20, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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2016 has been a year of heavy emotion for everyone. We’ve had to cope with the loss of some of the world’s brightest talents whilst also enduring what has been some of humanity’s most painful and personal struggles ever witnessed. Many are ready to put 2016 behind them already, left wondering what the future may hold for the world and humanity in general in 2017.

Shot on a freezing cold day on the streets of New York City, “The Future Is Unwritten” is a short film that was carefully crafted by Chris “MUG5” Maguire and Zach Jopling for pioneering NYC creative agency RIOT. Jopling and Maguire pose one question to their subjects asking them about their individual hopes for the world in 2017. While the answers are as diverse as the people themselves, ranging from understanding, unity, and peace, to love and finding common ground, one word repeatedly surfaces and serves as a common thread, connecting each and every individual: hope.

“The Future Is Unwritten” is a short film we created to showcase real peoples feelings and hopes for the world moving in to 2017. It is a project we are very passionate about and one we hope gets to be seen across the world.

Chris MUG5 Maguire, Filmmaker

“The Future Is Unwritten” is a carefully and lovingly cultivated short film that is beautifully rendered in black and white to capture intimacy and urgency through the eyes of the subjects, with a perception of how even the smallest details matter. The soundtrack is dramatic and simple, consisting of little more than a stunning piano motif rippling over a flurry of percussion and a New York City streetscape. It’s bold and expressive but also stunningly alluring and further amplifies the dialogue and gorgeously gritty New York scenery, effectively underscoring the collective emotions of peace, love and hope.

The future is unwritten, but that doesn’t mean we have to blindly accept the potential fate that is lurking in the shadows. As this short film proves, humanity has the power to create a world that it wants to live in – one full of love, acceptance, understanding, and compassion, and the tools needed to create this reality lie in the hands and hearts of everyone.

About RIOT – A New York City Creative Agency:

RIOT was founded with one aim: to put a whole new spin on creativity. A New York City based Creative Agency we smash rudimental, old-school, text book thought & creative processes. We break down creativity blocking walls, and we annihilate the rules & regulations that have stifled the creative world far too long. We mix creation with technology to offer breathtaking results.

Media Contact:
Chris MUG5 Maguire
Phone: 646.713.7170
Email: chris@riot.nyc

“The Future Is Unwritten” direct link: https://vimeo.com/196228633

“The Future Is Unwritten” hi-resolution imagery: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/q2kl380st83xydl/AAD57KZjbYhUU3k-s6K57RsBa?dl=0

@riotwashere

Source: RIOT

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December 20, 2016
JUST CONFIRMED – PTAB Chief Judge to Speak at Momentum’s Complimentary IP Counsel Exchange

Press Release
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Jul 14, 2016

New York, NY, July 14, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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Momentum announced that Hon. David P. Ruschke, newly confirmed Chief Judge for the Patent and Trial Appeal Board (PTAB) will be speaking at Momentum’s IP Counsel Exchange taking place on December 1, 2016 in New York City.

Dr. Ruschke will join a panel of his peers on the topic, Cross-Jurisdictional IP Litigation Interplay – Pet Peeves from the Bench on Timing, Discovery, Evidence, Claim Construction and the Management of Joint Proceedings – Practice Recommendations for Counsel from the Federal District Court, PTAB and ITC Bench.

As Chief Judge, Dr. Ruschke manages the PTAB as it conducts trials, including inter partes, post-grant, and covered business method patent reviews and derivation proceedings, hears appeals from adverse examiner decisions in patent applications and reexamination proceedings, and renders decisions in interferences. In his previous role, Dr. Ruschke managed the intellectual property portfolio of Medtronic’s CSH business unit, with sales in excess of $3 billion. As Chief Patent Counsel, Dr. Ruschke participated in numerous patent appeals, interferences, post grant reviews, inter partes reviews, and covered business method patent reviews.

Additional topics to be explored at the IP Counsel Exchange will include –

·      PTAB Litigation Crash Course: A Litigator’s Guide to Obtaining Successful Results at the PTAB
·      In-House Benchmarking – Strategies for Using IP as a Catalyst for Your Business
·      Building Your IP Litigation Dream Team – Tips for Selecting, Screening & Managing Outside Counsel to Oversee a Diverse IP Litigation Docket
·      Settlement & Appeals: When and How to Approach Settlement and Perspectives on the Treatment of IP Proceedings By Way of Appeal – From the Federal Circuit to the Supreme Court

To view the most up-to-date program agenda, confirmed speaker list and reserve space for you and your colleagues in your IP department, visit the event site at ptabevents.com or call (646) 807-8555. Registration to this event is complimentary and only offered to in-house IP executives and corporate patent counsel.

About Momentum

Momentum is a leading international event creation and execution specialist working with numerous partners in order to bring their brands to life through customized live-event experiences. With an emphasis on rigorous research and world-class customer service, its team comprises many of the leading names in event creation and execution. For more information about Momentum, visit momentumevents.com.

Momentum contact:

Julia Guarini
Marketing Manager
Momentum
julia@momentumevents.com

Source: Momentum

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July 14, 2016
George Martorano Has Been Added as a Featured Speaker to the TEDxPenn at the University of PA

George Martorano, self-taught prolific writer, poet, educator, and mentor is appearing as a featured speaker tomorrow, April 10, during the TEDxPenn event hosted at the University of Pennsylvania. Martorano, who was recently released from prison after serving a ridiculous 32-year sentence for a non-violent offense without a chance for parole, endured one of the saddest tragedies ever handed down in the American justice system. https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/17048 – Event is open to the public.

Press Release
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Apr 9, 2016

Philadelphia, PA, April 9, 2016 (Newswire.com)
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TEDxPenn announced today that Philadelphia native, George Martorano has been added as a featured speaker to the list of some of the brightest, most inspiring and engaging business leaders, professionals, students and alumni, who are reshaping some of today’s thought-provoking ideas and newest possibilities, bringing eureka moments that pioneer our society.

Martorano, who was recently released from prison, intends on sharing his inspiring message of hope, even where there was none.

“No matter what you are going through in life, there is always hope, never surrender, never give up”.

George Martorano, Speaker

While serving time as an exemplary prisoner, Martorano helped prevent a plane hijacking of prisoners. During his incarceration, he graduated over 8000 student prisoners in lifestyle change classes. 2016 is a very important year especially as a prelude to an election year, where our justice system needs to be addressed in campaign topics. Today, Martorano remains focused on spreading his message of hope and introducing successful re-entry programs for non-violent offenders.

Martorano is a writer/author with published works online who looks forward to penning his fascinating life story to be played out on the big screen one day. From LaFamilia, to the godson of Angelo Bruno to the stiffest penalty ever handed down to a non-violent offender to a writer, teacher, coach & humanitarian.

About TEDxPenn – The program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences.

About George Martorano – George Martorano @ Writer. When sentenced to life in prison without parole, George Martorano did not give up. He graduated over 8,000 inmates during his 27 years in prison and taught them how to start a business.

Why you should listen – George Martorano is a self-taught prolific writer, poet, educator, and mentor. While in prison, he taught inmates yoga, prevented the hijacking of an aircraft by inmates, started a creative writing course, authored 31 books, pioneered a prison course called Release Preparation: Starting a Business for Under $1,000, among others. Thus, George became a role model and a positive influence in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Released in October 2015 under the Department of Justice’s Compassionate Release program, George is the longest incarcerated non-violent offender. He has been featured in Philly Mag and Salem News and is now sought out to be featured by the United Nations. He resides in Philadelphia and continues to write and inspire others.

For all interviews, appearances, speaking engagements and business dealings please contact TPD Marketing at 888.859.8824.

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April 9, 2016
New York state sen. Joseph Addabbo introduces bill to legalize online casino games | Yogonet International
New York state Sen. Joseph Addabbo introduced on Wednesday bill S4856, which seeks to legalize online casino gaming, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. The bill includes a 30.5% iGaming tax rate. Most states average 15% to 18% for their iGaming tax rates.

Despite the bill’s introduction, it faces an uphill battle for passage. Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) did not include iGaming provisions or plans in her recent executive budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024.

In her budget proposal, Hochul suggested using downstate casino license fees and tax revenue, already earmarked for education, to fund the MTA in 2026. However, Addabbo said iGaming revenue could be used to fund the MTA much sooner than 2026.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) 
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According to the rules, the following entities would be allowed to legally offer online casino wagering in New York: the four downstate casinos and three forthcoming upstate casinos; VLT parlors MGM Empire City Casino and Resorts World NYC; New York tribes; online sports betting operators; and three independent applicants with a minimum of 5% minority ownership.

This could result in 21 operators, each of whom must pay a one-time fee of $2 million to be granted a license. If a licensee is to permit another entity, such as an online operator, to utilize their license to advertise their brand, the online operator would need to pay an additional $10 million.

The proposed legislation would permit slots, table games, online poker, and live dealer studios to be offered, although there would be some restrictions on the live dealer setup. Additionally, any operator must agree to “produce an affidavit stating it shall enter into a labor peace agreement with labor organizations that are actively engaged in representing or attempting to represent gaming or hospitality industry workers.”

The state would receive $11 million annually from taxes dedicated to problem gambling funding. In addition, when a lifetime total of $2,500 has been deposited, the individual will be presented with responsible gambling messaging. Additionally, individuals will only be able to deposit up to $2,500 a year via a credit card.

At last month’s hearing on New York online sports betting, Spectrum Gaming Group offered evidence that online casinos in the state could bring in up to $4.3 billion annually in revenue by year five. This would mean approximately $1 billion yearly in taxes for the state and additional funds to assist with the treatment of problem gambling and gambling addiction.

While this is a lot of legal gambling expansion talk for one state, New York interests the online gambling industry because it became the No.1 revenue-generating state in its first year of online sports betting. From Jan. 8, 2022, to Jan. 8, 2023, Gov. Hochul said New York received $909 million in tax revenue and license fees from mobile sportsbooks.
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December 31, 1969