Proposed Bill Looks to Aid N.Y. Lottery Retailers

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York Association of Convenience Stores (NYACS) applauded state Sen. Tony Avella (D-Queens) for spearheading a bipartisan effort to help offset the rising costs of New York Lottery retailers. The proposed compensation rate adjustment would be the first in 50 years.

Backed by a bipartisan group of senators, Avella introduced a bill, S.5108, to increase the retailer's commission from the current 6 percent of the face value of tickets sold to 8 percent, reflecting the higher costs associated with selling lottery tickets.

"The exponential growth in our operating expenses has far outpaced the incremental growth in our lottery sales," stated NYACS President Jim Calvin, who noted that labor costs alone have increased 547 percent since the lottery began in 1967. "We are grateful to Sen. Avella and the many other senators from all parts of New York who have expressed support for the concept of adjusting the compensation for lottery retailers."

Statewide, the 17,700 licensed New York Lottery agents include convenience stores, delis, bodegas, taverns, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, newsstands, bowling alleys, truck stops, stationery stores, beverage centers and liquor stores.

"We're proud to be on the front lines of the New York Lottery system, providing adult customers with opportunities to win cash while helping our state generate revenue to support education," Calvin said. "But to keep doing so, we need to make ends meet. As costs continue to escalate due to public policy, adjusting lottery retailer compensation becomes vitally important."