Bingo Game Operator License

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) offers a license for bingo game operators. This license is needed for any nonprofit group that wants to run bingo games. For-profit groups cannot get this license. Bingo games involve matching numbers or symbols on a card with those chosen at random. Winners get prizes.

• Get a bingo Identification number:

  • You need a bingo ID number from the New York State Gaming Commission.

• Register your nonprofit organization:

  • If your nonprofit is located in New York State, it must be registered and be active with the New York State Department of State.

  • Your registration status will be checked by DCWP.

  • If you use a Doing-Business-As (DBA) name, you need an Assumed Name Certificate. You can check here for more details.

• Get a certificate of doing business in good standing:

  • If your nonprofit is from outside New York State, you need a Certificate of Doing Business in Good Standing from your home state. This is given by the Secretary of State.

  • You must file this in New York with the New York State Secretary of State.

  • DCWP might ask for this document later. You can check here.

• Submit NYS gaming commission application materials:

  • You must submit three completed and signed copies of your NYS gaming commission application materials.

  • This includes File Forms BC-2, BC-2A and BC-2B.

• Submit proof of right to use premises:

  • You must provide proof that you can use the place where you will hold bingo games.

  • Acceptable documents include a deed, bill of sale or current lease.

  • If you submit a lease, the landowner must have a commercial lessor license from DCWP.

• If someone else will prepare and submit the application:

  • You need to fill out the Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (PDF).

• You need to pay fees:

  • $18.75 license fee per bingo game occasion, up to 216 occasions per year
  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments
  • 5 percent of net proceeds per game occasion as bingo additional fee

• You can pay by:

  • Check payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection; the check must be from a bank account for bingo game transactions only
  • Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)

Two weeks after the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) gets all your papers, they will send a letter. The letter will have the following details:

• If your application is approved: DCWP will send you a license.
• If more information is needed: The letter will explain what documents to send. Your application will be denied If you do not send the documents within 10 days.
• If your application is denied: DCWP will provide you with the reason. They will ask you to apply again.

• License validity: Licenses are valid for one year. They expire on December 31 every year.

• Informing DCWP of changes:

  • If any information in your approved application changes, you must inform the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).
  • You need to also file an Application to Amend the Bingo License.

• Financial reporting:

  • You need to submit a Financial Statement of Bingo Operations and Cash Control Report.
  • You must pay an extra fee to DCWP. You need to do this no more than seven days after each bingo game.

• Quarterly reporting:

  • At the end of each calendar quarter, you need to submit a Quarterly Summary Statement of Bingo Operations.
  • You must submit this within 15 days of the end of each calendar quarter.
  • You need to submit one copy to the New York State Gaming Commission and one copy to DCWP.

• License renewal:

  • If you want to keep running bingo games, you must complete and file a new license application package.
  • You need to follow the steps in the Apply tab.

• Follow all laws and rules: You must follow all laws and rules of New York City, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules. You can review the Public Access Portal.

Contact information

• The address and email information for DCWP Licensing Center is as follows:
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center 42 Broadway New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov

• Review the requirements: You must review and gather all materials before selecting Apply Online. You will need a registered account with the City of New York to submit an online application.

• Submit online: You must select Apply Online to complete and submit an application:

  • You will need to log in or register a City of New York account.

  • Make sure you have the information listed under prerequisites. You must also have a major credit card ready.

• Complete the required forms: You must complete the forms and gather all necessary documents.

• Schedule an appointment: You need to schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center. Licensing appointments are only available if you have a physical disability or other impairment that requires an in-person visit. You can view flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment.

• Contact information: The address and email information for DCWP Licensing Center is as follows:
  
  NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP)
  Licensing Center
  42 Broadway
  New York, NY 10004
  Email: onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov