Repeal of Gaming Café and Amusement Arcade Licenses

On July 18, 2021, the City enacted Local Law 80 of 2021, which repeals the licensing requirement for gaming cafes and amusement arcades. This repeal went into effect on January 16, 2022.

Beginning January 16, 2022, you will no longer need a Gaming Café or Amusement Arcade license from DCWP to operate your gaming café or amusement arcade business. Because a license is no longer required, DCWP will no longer accept new or renewal license applications.

NEXT STEPS:

On January 16, 2022, your current license will expire and you may take down DCWP’s license sign. You will not need to surrender or renew your Gaming Café or Amusement Arcade license.

Even though you will no longer need a license for your gaming café or amusement arcade, you will still be required to comply with other laws DCWP enforces, such as:

• If free games or prizes are offered, you must post a sign clearly stating the number of wins or the score required to obtain a free game or prize;

• You cannot reward players with money prizes or other awards redeemable for money, credit, or allowance;

• No one under the age of 18 can be in the gaming café or amusement arcade from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekdays during the school year unless the person is otherwise exempt under New York State Education Law. You must post a sign that clearly states this prohibition;

• Your gaming café or amusement arcade may not be located within 200 feet of a public or private elementary school (grades K-6) or secondary school (grades 7-12).

Additional Resources

Download Inspection Checklist: Gaming Cafés, Amusement Arcades, and Businesses with Amusement Devices (updated 7/2022)

Download Truancy sign (updated 4/2022)

08/2022