Nonprofit organizations and charities must have a Bingo License to host bingo games where players must pay money to participate.

There are two steps to getting a Bingo License. 

  1. Get an ID number from the New York State Gaming Commission.
  2. Contact the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to complete the application process.

You can learn how to get a Bingo License ID number and required applications online or by phone.

Online

Learn about Bingo Licenses.

Download Bingo License applications.

By Phone

  • Agency: New York State Gaming Commission
  • Phone Number: (518) 388-3300
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

After you've been issued an ID number by the State, you must apply for a Bingo Game Operator License with the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP).

The license fee is $18.75 per occasion. You can hold a maximum number of 216 occasions each year. You can't conduct bingo games on more than 18 days in a three-month period.

Online

Learn how to apply for a Bingo Game Operator License.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Bingo and Games of Chance Special Application
  • Phone Number: (212) 487-4075
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

Online

On the DCWP website, you can:

  • Live chat with a DCWP representative
  • Learn about laws you need to know and obey
  • Learn about other licenses you might need
  • Download valuable publications, tips, and FAQs
  • Request an inspection
  • Read checklists to learn what DCWP inspectors look for in your industry and avoid violations
  • Learn how to handle consumer complaints
  • Pay fines by credit card
  • Resolve a DCWP violation
  • Update important business information, including your contact information, your name or business name, or corporate officer information
  • Request the replacement of a lost, stolen, or damaged DCWP license document
  • Download DCWP's model contracts and model receipts, required signs, and other templates

Go to the DCWP Business Toolbox.

With a DCWP online account, you can:

  • Access your DCWP records
  • Renew a license
  • Change address
  • Change name
  • Change officer information
  • Request license replacement
  • Follow the status of applications
  • Submit additional documents as part of your license application (if you submitted your application at the DCWP Licensing Center)

Log in or register for a DCWP account.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Bingo and Games of Chance Special Application
  • Phone Number: (212) 487-4075
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

In Person

In-person assistance at the DCWP Licensing Center and NYC Small Business Support Center is by appointment only.

  • DCWP Licensing Center
    42 Broadway
    New York, NY 10004
    Mon - Thu: 8 AM - 4 PM; last appointment at 3:30 PM
     
  • NYC Small Business Support Center
    90-27 Sutphin Boulevard, 4th Floor
    Jamaica, NY 11435
    Mon - Thu: 8 AM - 4 PM; last appointment at 3:30 PM

Email or call DCWP to schedule an appointment.

By Email

Email LicensingAppointments@dcwp.nyc.gov.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Licensing Appointment Line
  • Phone Number: (212) 436-0441
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

If you’re using the online services portal to submit applications and other requests to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), you can get help with technical problems, including:

  • Log-in problems
  • Resetting user names or passwords
  • Document upload issues
  • Error messages
  • Web page not loading
  • Button not responding

Email ELP@dcwp.nyc.gov for help.

You can get answers to license-specific questions and information about application requirements.

By Email

Email onlineappsdocs@dcwp.nyc.gov for assistance.

By Phone

  • Agency: Department of Consumer and Worker Protection
  • Division: Bingo and Games of Chance Special Application
  • Phone Number: (212) 487-4075
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4 PM

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