Brooklyn Council members battle illegal gambling
New York City Council Members Jumaane D. Williams (D-Flatbush) and Lewis A. Fidler (D-Southeast Brooklyn) have set forth to combat illegal gambling in New York City, in general and Brooklyn specifically. They have proposed legislation that would revoke the license of arcades and gaming cafes where the owner permits unlawful gambling activity on their premises.
During a hearing of the Committee on Consumer Affairs, Fidler and Williams challenged representatives from the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) on their lack of enforcement over Internet sweepstakes cafes and other establishments that give away chances to win cash and other prizes. The proposed legislation, Intro 1035, is intended to provide the DCA with enforcement tools to combat illegal gambling.
“Unlawful gaming activity is detrimental to our local community, and Intro 1035 will help to establish our position against the promotion of such vice,” said Williams. “DCA has a responsibility to enforce this law.”
Fidler added that “though we believe DCA already has some tools to regulate these establishments, we want to give them both a stronger hand and the motivation to address the problem effectively and now.”