How to Conduct Charitable Gaming in New York State

Overview

NYS-based organizations seeking to conduct charitable gaming must first obtain a Games of Chance and/or Bingo Identification Number:

  1. Submit a completed and notarized Application for Registration and Identification Number (Form 1A) and all required documentation* to:

    NYS Gaming Commission Division of Charitable Gaming
    PO Box 7500, Schenectady, NY 12301-7500
     
  2. The Commission will approve or deny the application and notify the applicant and municipality by mail.  Applications take 6-8 weeks for processing.
     
  3. Once the Commission provides a Games of Chance and/or Bingo identification Number, the organization may apply for a license with the municipality.


NOTE:

  • Organizations may not conduct charitable gaming unless they obtain both a Games of Chance/Bingo Identification Number from the Commission and a license from the municipality.
  • Organizations with a Games of Chance/Bingo Identification Number that have not been licensed by a municipality more than a year must reapply for a Games of Chance/Bingo Identification Number.
  • Only bona fide members of licensed authorized organizations or auxiliary/affiliates of the licensed organization with Games of Chance/Bingo Identification Numbers may assist in the conduct/operation of bingo and games of chance.


*Required Documentation:

  • Corporations: Articles of incorporation and By-laws showing certification of filing with the proper state agency
  • If unincorporated: Constitution and By-laws, showing certification of filing with the proper state agency
  • Charter for organization
  • Names and titles of governing body members
  • Names of all current members
  • List of the organization’s prior year’s expenses including all charitable disbursements
  • The organization’s most recent general ledger, Form 990, Form 990-EZ, or Form 990-N and all supporting schedules
  • IRS tax exemption determination letter (if applicable)