In 1997, the City of New York enacted Local Law 57 to regulate gambling "cruises to nowhere." These are cruises that operate from piers located in New York, and engage in gambling activities beyond the three-mile territorial water limit. Local Law 57 was enacted to ensure public confidence and trust in such gambling activities and to safeguard the security of the public who participate in them since gambling activities are susceptible to criminal activity and historically have been controlled by organized crime.

Businesses that operate gambling "cruises to nowhere," and their employees and suppliers, must be licensed by BIC.

Currently, there are no businesses operating gambling "cruises to nowhere" in New York City.