Games of Chance License

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) issues a Games of Chance License. You need this license to run games where prizes are given based on chance. This is based on designated numbers, colors or symbols. Only certain groups can get this license. These groups include religious groups, charity groups, veterans' groups and volunteer firefighter groups.

Types of games

• Las Vegas Nights (Casino Nights): These are casino-type games like roulette, craps, blackjack and money wheels. They are played at events like carnivals and festivals.

• Bell Jars: In these games, you draw a card from a jar or a vending machine:

  • The card will have numbers, colors or symbols.
  • If you uncover a winning combination, you get a prize. Examples include coin boards, merchandise boards and seal cards.

• Raffles: In these games, you buy a ticket and if your ticket matches the winning number, color or symbol, you win a prize.

• Register with the New York State Gaming Commission: You need a Games of Chance ID number. Learn more about gaming.

• Gather your organization's documents: You need to gather documents based on your organization's legal structure. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) might ask to see them later:

  • Not-for-profit corporations must register and stay active with the New York State Department of State. You can check your application status at dos.ny.gov/corps.
  • You might also need an Assumed Name Certificate for your organization.

• Submit New York State Gaming Commission application materials:

  • For Las Vegas Nights, Bell Jars or Raffles with net proceeds over $30,000, you need to submit GC-2, GC-2A and GC-2B forms.
  • For Raffles with net proceeds over $30,000, you need to submit a signed and completed copy of GCVS-1 form.
  • All forms are available at gaming.ny.gov.

• Submit proof of right to use the premises:

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

  • Acceptable proof includes a copy of the deed, bill of sale or current lease.

  • If you submit a lease, the landowner must have a DCWP Commercial Lessor License.

• Submit an affidavit of good moral character:

  • You must submit an affidavit signed by every member of the organization.

  • A sample affidavit is available at gaming.ny.gov.

• 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 permit fees:

  • $25 license fee per Las Vegas Night occasion
  • 5% of net proceeds per game occasion as Las Vegas Night additional fee
  • $25 license fee for Bell Jar for one calendar year
  • 5% of net proceeds payable to NYS Gaming Commission as Bell Jar additional fee
  • $25 Raffle license fee for organizations that profit $30,000 or more in a calendar year; no fee for profits less than $30,000
  • Raffle additional fee: 2 percent of net proceeds over $30,000 for profits more than $30,000 from all raffles in a year; no additional fee for profits less than $30,000
  • Nonrefundable 2 percent convenience fee for credit card payments

• You can pay by:

  • Check payable to the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection for all fees except the Bell Jar additional fee; checks must be from a bank account for bingo and games of chance transactions
  • Check payable to the NYS Gaming Commission for the Bell Jar additional fee; checks must be from a bank account for bingo and games of chance transactions
  • 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 up to 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 file a GC-6 Application to Amend at least one week before the event.

• Las Vegas night reporting: After each Las Vegas Night, you need to submit these forms and pay any extra fees to DCWP within seven days:

  • GC-7 Financial Statement for Games of Chance Operations
  • GC-7B Cash Control Summary for Games of Chance
  • Learn more about charitable gaming

• Quarterly reporting: At the end of each calendar quarter, you must submit these forms and pay any extra fees within 15 days:

  • GC-7Q Quarterly Statement for Bell Jar Operations
  • GC-7Q Schedule 1 Bell Jar Deals Sold
  • Download the GC-7Q Instructions
  • Learn more about charitable gaming

• Raffle reporting: If you make less than $30,000 in a year from all raffles, you need to submit the GCVS-2 Verified Statement Raffle Operations and pay any extra fees to DCWP by January 20 of the next year. Learn more about charitable gaming.

• Renewing your license: If you want to keep running games of chance, you must file a new license application package. You need to follow the same steps as before.

• 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.

• For Las Vegas Nights: Review the requirements 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.

• For Bell Jars: Review the requirements 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.

• For Raffle with net proceeds over $30,000: Review the requirements 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.

• For Raffle with net proceeds under $30,000: Review the requirements 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.

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

• Schedule an appointment: You can only visit the Licensing Center if you have a disability and need to make an in-person visit. You can read this flyer to learn how to make an appointment.