Behind the Scenes: How New York's Casinos Are Regulated

All legal gambling is regulated at a state level. Most high rollers and frequent casino goers are probably well aware of this. Whether you're most interested in sports betting, or horse racing. Whether you're into slots or table games, all of these games are regulated, and the US is a tricky situation because every state comes with different regulations and laws. Some states are more tolerant of gambling, while other states are highly regulated. For those located in New York, most gambling was historically limited to casinos located on Indian reservations, which allowed betting on horse racing. However, times are changing, and back in 2013 they approved an amendment to the New York Constitution. This amendment allows Las Vegas style casinos within the state, and everything was changed forever. This law allowed for up to seven new casinos to be permitted in New York State, along with five Indian casinos upstate.

There are other legalities to be aware of though. Promotional gambling, including possession of gambling records, bookmaking and possession of gambling devices is still illegal. Games of chance sponsored by bona fide charitable organizations are allowed, and social and private gambling is allowed. The New York State Gaming Commission oversees all gambling operations within the state, including operations at racetracks along with commercial gambling at casinos gaming facilities, along with sports betting. The lottery is only responsible for promotional activities related to VLTs.

Tribal Gambling

Right now, New York currently has three compacted tribes. These tribes are the Seneca Nation of Indians, the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. These tribal gaming commissions are responsible for all on site regulations along with the control and security of their gaming operations. That means the New York Gaming Enforcement Division has limited authority to monitor and inspect the gaming operations to ensure that the facility is operating in compliance with the applicable regulations. The Oneida Nation and the St Regis Mohawk Tribe compacts contain no limit on gaming venues, and allow the tribes to operate an unlimited number of gaming machines. The Seneca Nation allows up to three gaming venues, with an unlimited number of machines. The Oneida Nation and the St Regis Mohawk compacts remain in effect until a written agreement of both parties terminates it.

Racebooks and Lottery

Commercial gaming is different. The Vision of Gaming Enforcement oversees the licensing procedure for New York racetracks that also offer video lottery gaming. To continue to withhold their license, they need to comply with all state and local fire and safety codes. New York has a unique license in this game, unlike most commercial gaming states video lottery gaming agents are not required to pay any annual fees to operate the VLTs. All costs for applications, licensing and renewals are paid for under revenue generated from the VLT faculties.

Casinos

For your plain old casino, the New York City Gaming Commission will oversee every aspect of the licensing procedure for New York commercial casino gaming facilities. So when a land based casino wants to operate legally, they need to pay initial licenses fees. These fees range from $20 million to $50 million. They'll continuously pay an annual fee of $500 for every gaming device and table offered.