BINGO GAME OPERATOR (089)

DCA Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
For more information, call 311 (or 212-NEW-YORK outside of New York City). 

This description is only a general explanation of which businesses need to have a Bingo Game Operator license.

Note: New York City businesses must comply with all relevant federal, state, and City laws and rules. All laws and rules of the City of New York, including the Consumer Protection Law and Rules, are accessible using the Public Access Portal. For convenience, sections of the New York City Licensing Law (and Rules, if enacted) are available as a downloadable handout. 

Visit www.racing.ny.gov for New York State Statutes and Rules related to Bingo.

Please note that businesses are responsible for knowing and complying with the most current laws, including any City Council amendments. The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is not responsible for errors or omissions in the handout. The information is not legal advice. You can only obtain legal advice from a lawyer.

APPLICATION FILING PROCESS:

You can file an application in person or by mail.

In Person
Visit the DCA Licensing Center between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and on Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mail
If you apply by mail, you must submit all required documents to the address below at least two (2) weeks before the event start date.

DCA Licensing Center
42 Broadway, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

Before You File Your DCA License Application:

• You must get a Bingo Identification Number from the New York State Racing & Wagering Board. To apply, complete 1A-Application for Registration and Identification Number, available at http://www.racing.ny.gov
  
  
• You must obtain the following required documents before filing your application. Although DCA does not require submission of these documents in order to process your application, DCA reserves the right to request and examine the documents under section 20.104 of the New York City Administrative Code.
  • Nonprofit organizations must register and remain active with the New York State Department of State. Active status will be verified by DCA prior to license issuance. You can confirm the status of your organization at NYS Web site. If applicable, you must also file an Assumed Name Certificate for your organization.

When You File Your DCA License Application:
Below are requirements when filing your license application:

• New York State Racing & Wagering Board Application Materials
  Submit three (3) signed, completed copies of the following New York State Racing & Wagering Board application materials available for download at http://www.racing.ny.gov
  • BC-2 Application for Bingo 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.
  • BC-2A Application for Bingo License Schedules 1, 2, 3, 4. On this form you must provide information about staff and members.
  • BC-2B Application for Bingo License Schedules 5, 6, 7. On this form you must provide additional information about the games.
  • Members’ Affidavit Of Good Moral Character.
    
    
• Granting Authority to Act Affirmation (download)
  If this application will be filed by someone other than the license applicant, the license applicant must submit a Granting Authority to Act Affirmation. 
  
  
• Proof of Right to Use Premises
  Submit ONE of the following documents as proof of right to use premises where you will conduct bingo games:
  • 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 DCA.
    

• License Fee of $18.75 per occasion. The maximum number of occasions you can hold each year is 216. You cannot conduct bingo games on more than 18 days in a three-month period. Fees must be paid by check payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Check must be issued from a bank account that is established solely for bingo game transactions. 

After You File Your DCA License Application:
Below is information you need to know after submitting your license application. Please note that all New York State Racing & Wagering Board forms listed below are available for download at http://www.racing.ny.gov

• Application to Amend Bingo License
  After you receive your Bingo Game Operator license, you may conduct bingo game activity. However, if you have any changes to the license application, please file BC-6 Application to Amend Bingo License 10 days before the originally declared occasion date OR within 72 hours after an emergency cancellation (e.g., snowstorm, hall closure).

• Financial Statements, Cash Control Report, and Additional License Fee
  You must submit BC-7 Financial Statement of Bingo Operations, BC-7B Cash Control Report, and pay an Additional License Fee of 3% of net profits to DCA within seven (7) days of each bingo occasion. Fees must be paid by check payable to NYC Department of Consumer Affairs. Check must be issued from a bank account that is established solely for bingo game transactions. Please submit the documents and payment in person OR by mail to:
  
  Attn: Licensing Center
  New York City Department of Consumer Affairs
  42 Broadway, 5th Floor
  New York, NY 10004

• Quarterly Summary Statement of Bingo Operations
  You must complete BC-7Q Quarterly Statement of Bingo Operations within 15 days after the end of each calendar quarter. Submit the original to the New York State Racing & Wagering Board (address on form) and one copy to DCA (address above).