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Games of Chance
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:
- Las Vegas Nights (Casino Nights): Casino-type games—for example, roulette, craps, blackjack, money wheels, bang—played at carnivals, festivals, or similar events.
- 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.”
- 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.
License Requirements
The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will deny your application if you fail to provide the required documents and information.
BEFORE YOU FILE your DCWP license application, you must do the following:
Obtain 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.
Obtain Required 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 www.dos.ny.gov/corps.
If applicable, you must also have an Assumed Name Certificate for your organization.
WHEN YOU FILE your DCWP license application, you must submit the following materials:
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 completed, signed 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 completed, signed and notarized 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 current lease. Note: The landowner must have a Commercial Lessor license issued by DCWP.
Members’ Affidavit of Good Moral Character
Every member of the license applicant organization must complete and sign.
Download a sample Member's Affidavit of Good Moral Character.
Granting Authority to Act Affirmation
Required if someone other than the license applicant will prepare and submit this application. The applicant must sign the license application and all related forms. Download Granting Authority to Act Affirmation.
License and Additional Fees
Las Vegas Nights
- License Fee*: $25 per occasion
- Note: There is a limit of 12 days per calendar year.
- Additional Fee**: 5% of net proceeds
Bell Jars
- License Fee*: $25 for one calendar year
- Additional Fee**: 5% of net proceeds (make check payable to NYS Gaming Commission)
Raffle with net proceeds OVER $30,000 for the calendar year
- License Fee*: $25 for one calendar year
- Additional Fee**: 2% of net proceeds over $30,000
Raffle with net proceeds UNDER $30,000 for the calendar year
- License Fee*: No license fee required
- Additional Fee**: No additional fee required
*Due when you file your license application
**Due after you file your license application
Pay by:
- Credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Card only) (Online or in person)
You will be charged a nonrefundable 2% Convenience Fee. - eCheck (Online)
- Check or money order payable to DCWP (In person or by mail)
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 on page 4 to DCWP within seven (7) days of each Las Vegas Nights occasion.
Attn: Licensing Center
NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
42 Broadway
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 on page 4 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 4 to DCWP by January 20 of the year following the conduct of a raffle occasion. - 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.
Application Filing Process
File Online
- Review requirements and gather all materials.
- 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: Licensing appointments are available in hardship cases that require an in-person visit. View flyer to learn how to schedule an appointment for an in-person visit.
Email: LicensingHotelUnit@dcwp.nyc.gov
Phone: (212) 436-0575. (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Free Interpretation Services are available on-site. To request a disability-related accommodation, visit our Accommodations page.
Additional Resources for Games of Chance Operators
- For the laws and rules that may affect your business, visit our Laws page.
- For resources to help your business open, operate, and grow, visit nyc.gov/business.
Get Voter Information
Note: Whether you apply to register to vote or not, it will not affect the assistance DCWP will provide to you.