Sylvia Hamer

The meeting convened following the establishment of the New York State Franchise Oversight Board, consisting of five members, requiring three for a quorum. Discussions included noting the resignation of a long-serving member. Key business involved the adoption of previous minutes and the decision to dispense with the quarterly financial results review in favor of focusing on the 2026 proposed operating budget and capital expense plan reviews, as required by law. The budget review highlighted that 2026 is a transition year with frontloaded investment for the new Belmont facility, projecting a $7 million loss primarily due to capturing $13 million in new expenses without offsetting revenue until 2027. Significant discussion focused on revenue projections, specifically a $13 million decrease in on-track revenue due to a tax law change affecting high-value players, which is partially offset by anticipated growth in export wagering. Labor and operating expenses showed increases related to the New Belmont project. Furthermore, the board discussed updates to race days, moving from 190 to a proposed 196, and a detailed plan to address Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) volatility by implementing volume caps one minute before post time and developing volatility metrics in conjunction with the TRPB. Finally, the closure of live racing at Aqueduct on June 28, 2026, was noted, with plans for commemorative TV coverage and a final day party.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum. Key discussion points included the remittance of $500M license fees by all three commercial casino licensees to the Metropolitan Transit Authority, and the finalization of completion bonds for two of the three licensees. The Executive Director reported on the Governor's directives to explore biometric approaches for controlling illegal youth betting access and to issue guidance on technology to assist with problem gambling. The Governor's Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal included four legislative proposals affecting pari-mutuel tax technical amendments, authorized use of capital acquisition funds for the Capital District Regional Off Track Betting Corporation, permanent extension of certain pari-mutuel tax provisions, and extension of horse racing seasonal employee licensing requirements. Several rulemakings were adopted, including the consolidation and standardization of general lottery rules, conforming amendments for individual games (Daily Numbers, Win 4, Take 5, Quick Draw, Pick 10, Lotto, Mega Millions, Powerball, and Raffle Game), and the repeal of the Monopoly Millionaires Club game. The Commission adopted rules for a new draw game, "Millionaire For Life," intended to replace Cash 4 Life. Amendments to lottery rules were adopted to mitigate the risk of syndicates purchasing substantially all combinations in a draw game, referencing issues experienced by the Texas Lottery. Amendments were also adopted for a new Powerball Double Play feature and to detail existing Powerball Power Play rules. The repeal of Cash For Life was also authorized for full rulemaking. Discussions emphasized that the integrity of proposition betting policing belongs primarily to the respective sports leagues, and the Commission is seeking input from league commissioners, noting disappointment with the lack of timely response from the NBA. The Commission also met with the three casino licensees regarding compliance monitoring and reviewed the Lottery advertising agency's new ad campaign proposals. Finally, follow-up actions were confirmed regarding the Governor's directive on biometric safeguards for mobile sports betting to prevent underage or problem gambling access. The meeting concluded by recognizing the retirement of the Director of Communication.

The Executive Director reported on the status of the downstate casino process, noting that all licensees remitted their required fee to the Metropolitan Transit Authority and that two of three licensees submitted their completion bonds. The report also covered Governor Hochul's directive for the Commission to explore biometric approaches and technology utilization to curb illegal betting app use by young people and assist individuals needing gambling addiction support, as outlined in the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Proposal. The Commission considered and adopted several amendments to Lottery Rules, including consolidating general rules, conforming individual game rules (such as MEGA MILLIONS, POWERBALL, and LOTTO), repealing the discontinued MONOPOLY MILLIONAIRES' CLUB game, adopting a new multi-jurisdictional game ("Millionaire for Life"), adopting amendments to mitigate bulk ticket purchases, proposing a new POWERBALL Double Play feature, and proposing the repeal of the CASH 4 LIFE game. In business items, the Chair announced that the competition bond for the additional casino licensee was set at five percent, directed staff to send a letter to sports leagues regarding wagers authorized in New York, and advised that Commissioners met with commercial casino licensees regarding third-party monitor requirements and commitments made to community advisory committees. The Chair also recognized the impending retirement of the director of communication.

The agenda for the meeting included the establishment of a quorum and consideration of minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting, though the main focus was on rulemaking. Key rulemaking items included the adoption consideration of various lottery rule consolidations and conforming amendments across multiple games such as MEGA MILLIONS, LOTTO, and POWERBALL. Further items for adoption consideration involved the MILLIONAIRE FOR LIFE DRAW GAME and LOTTERY BULK TICKET PURCHASES. There were also proposals concerning POWERBALL DOUBLE PLAY and POWER PLAY, and the withdrawal/re-proposal of the CASH FOR LIFE LOTTERY GAME repeal. The minutes from the December 15, 2025 meeting detailed the adoption of amendments to rules governing license duration, and the licensing process for commercial casino facilities, specifically addressing Bally's Corporation (Bally's Bronx), Queens Future, LLC (Hard Rock Metropolitan Park), and Genting New York, LLC (Resorts World New York City). The Commission unanimously approved suitability and licensing thresholds for all three applicants, contingent upon a five-year independent third-party monitoring agreement.

This document is an update to del Lago Resort and Casino's written plan, detailing strategies to rebuild its economic infrastructure. The plan outlines two primary pillars: significant capital investment in facility infrastructure improvements, encompassing additional meeting facilities, new restaurant concepts, and gaming machines; and maintaining and increasing employment through annual hiring goals for full-time employees, alongside enhanced wages and benefits over a five-year period. The overarching objective is to drive visitation, increase employment, grow gaming revenue, and stimulate economic activity and tourism in the Finger Lakes region.