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Games of Chance

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Games of Chance License Application Checklist

Who Must Have a Games of Chance License?

A license is required to run games of chance in which prizes are awarded on the basis of a designated winning number(s), color(s), or symbol(s) determined by chance. Only bona fide religious and charitable organizations and bona fide organizations of veterans or volunteer firefighters can get a Games of Chance license.

These games fall into three general categories:

  1. Las Vegas Nights (Casino Nights): Casino-type games—for example, roulette, craps, blackjack, money wheels, bang—played at carnivals, festivals, or similar events
  2. Bell Jars: Games in which a participant draws a card from a suitable container, typically a jar, or New York State Gaming Commission-approved vending machine that contains numbers, colors, or symbols that, when uncovered, may reveal a prize awarded on the basis of a designated winning number, color, or symbol or combination of numbers, colors, or symbols. Bell jars include “coin boards,” “merchandise boards,” and “seal cards.”
  3. Raffles: Games in which a participant pays money in return for a ticket or other receipt and a prize is awarded on the basis of matching a randomly selected winning number(s), color(s), or symbol(s) designated on the ticket or receipt.

This description is only a general explanation of who must have a Games of Chance license.

Quick List of Requirements to Apply for a Games of Chance License

See Requirements section for detailed descriptions. Make sure you provide all requirements; otherwise, your application is incomplete. DCWP can only consider complete applications for license issuance.

Before you file your DCWP license application, you must do the following:

  • Get Games of Chance Identification Number from the New York State Gaming Commission.
  • Get Required Organizational Documents.

When you file your DCWP license application, you must submit the following materials:

  • New York State Gaming Commission Application Materials
  • Proof of Right to Use Premises
  • Affidavit of Good Moral Character
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (if applicable)
  • License Fee

After you file your DCWP license application, you must submit the following materials:

  • Application to Amend Games of Chance License (if applicable)
  • Financial Statements and Additional Fee Payments

Submitting your application does not mean your license is automatically approved.

Important Message about Organizational Documents

You must have the applicable documentation based on your organization’s legal structure. Although DCWP does not require submission of these documents in order to process your application, DCWP may request this information under section 20-104 of the New York City Administrative Code.

Not-for-profit corporations must register and remain active with the New York State Department of State. You can check your status at dos.ny.gov/corps.

If applicable, you must also have an Assumed Name Certificate for your organization.

Requirements

Before You File Your DCWP License Application:

  • Get Games of Chance Identification Number from the New York State Gaming Commission.
    To apply, complete 1A Application for Registration and Identification Number available at gaming.ny.gov.
  • Get Required Organizational Documents.
    See description above.

DCWP will deny your application if you do not submit these required documents and information:

  • New York State Gaming Commission Application Materials.
    Re:   Las Vegas Nights
             Bell Jars
             Raffles (with net proceeds OVER $30,000 for the calendar year)

    You must submit a signed, completed copy of:
    • GC-2 Application for Games of Chance License. On this form you must provide information about your nonprofit organization, the type of games to be played, the location of games, and the purpose of games.
    • GC-2A Application for Games of Chance License. On this form you must provide information about staff and members.
    • GC-2B Application for Games of Chance License. On this form you must provide additional information about the games.

    Re:   Raffles (with net proceeds UNDER $30,000 for the calendar year)

    You must submit a signed, completed copy of:
    • GCVS-1 Verified Statement of Raffle Ticket Operations. On this form you must provide information about your nonprofit organization.

    All forms are available at gaming.ny.gov.
  • Proof of Right to Use Premises.
    Submit ONE of the following documents as proof of right to use premises where you will run games of chance:
    • A copy of your deed or bill of sale OR
    • A copy of your current lease. Note: The landowner must have a Commercial Lessor license issued by DCWP.

    Exception: You do not need to submit this requirement if you are running raffles only.
  • Affidavit of Good Moral Character.
    Submit an affidavit of good moral character signed by every member of the license applicant organization.

    A sample affidavit is available at gaming.ny.gov. Search “affidavit of good moral character.”
  • Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download Affirmation).
    Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. 
    Note: The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms.
  • License and Additional Fees.
    License Fee is due when you file your license application. Additional Fee is due after you file your license application.
    You must pay by check. Make check payable to NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. (Exceptions are in italics in the chart below.) Check must be from a bank account established solely for games of chance transactions.

Games of Chance Category License Fee Additional Fee
Las Vegas Nights $25 per occasion

Note: There is a limit of 12 days per calendar year.		 5% of net proceeds
Bell Jars $25 for one calendar year 5% of net proceeds

Make check payable to NYS Gaming Commission.
Raffle with net proceeds OVER $30,000 for the calendar year $25 for one calendar year 2% of net proceeds over $30,000
Raffle with net proceeds UNDER $30,000 for the calendar year No license fee required No additional fee required

After You File Your DCWP License Application:

Below is information you need to know after submitting your license application. All New York State Gaming Commission forms are available at gaming.ny.gov.

  • Application to Amend Games of Chance License.
    After you receive your Games of Chance license, you may run games of chance. However, if you need to make changes to the license application, file GC-6 Application to Amend at least one (1) week before the event.
  • Financial Statements and Additional Fee Payments.
     
    • Las Vegas Nights
      You must submit GC-7 Financial Statement of Games of Chance Operations, GC-7B – Cash Control Report, and pay the additional fees outlined above to DCWP within seven (7) days of each Las Vegas Nights occasion. Schedule an appointment to submit the documents and payment in person OR mail them to the address below.
      Attn: Licensing Center
      New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
      42 Broadway, Lobby
      New York, NY 10004
    • Bell Jar
      You must submit GC-7Q Quarterly Statement of Bell Jar Operations, GC-7Q Schedule 1 Bell Jar Deals Sold, and pay the additional fees outlined above to the New York State Gaming Commission within 15 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Address information is on the forms.
    • Raffle with net proceeds OVER $30,000 for the calendar year
      You must submit GC-7R Financial Statement of Raffle Operations and pay the additional fees outlined on page 5 to DCWP by January 20 of the year following the conduct of a raffle occasion. Schedule an appointment to submit the documents and payment in person OR mail them to the DCWP Licensing Center.
    • Raffle with net proceeds UNDER $30,000 for the calendar year
      You must submit GCVS-2 Verified Statement of Raffle Operations to DCWP by January 20 of the year following the conduct of a raffle occasion. Schedule an appointment to submit the documents in person OR mail them to the DCWP Licensing Center.

Application Filing Process

File Online

  1. Review requirements and gather all materials.
  2. Click the applicable Apply Online link below to login or create an account to start your online license application.

Important: If you need to file another license application, return to the Apply for a DCWP License page to read requirements and proceed to the next online application.

OR

File In Person
Schedule an appointment to file in person at the DCWP Licensing Center or NYC Small Business Support Center

DCWP LICENSING CENTER
42 Broadway, Lobby
New York, NY 10004
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT CENTER
90-27 Sutphin Blvd, 4th Floor
Jamaica, NY 11435
By Appointment Only Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Last appointment: 3:30 p.m.

By Email: LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov
By Phone*: Call (212) 436-0441. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)

*This number is to schedule an appointment for in-person service only. For general questions, email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov.

Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.

Additional Resources for Games of Chance

  • For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.

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