Can I Open a Poker Room in New York State?

If you’re someone who is passionate about poker, you might have considered opening your own poker room in New York State. However, there are several legal and practical considerations that you need to keep in mind before embarking on this journey.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that the laws surrounding gambling in New York State are quite strict. While some forms of gambling are legal, such as the state lottery and horse racing, others are prohibited. This includes most types of casino games, including poker.

In fact, under New York law, playing poker for money outside of a licensed casino is considered illegal gambling. This means that if you were to open a poker room that charges players a fee to play, you would be breaking the law.

There are some exceptions to this rule, however. For example, social gambling is legal in New York if it meets certain criteria. This includes situations where all players have an equal chance of winning and losing and no one profits from running the game other than as a player.

PRO TIP:New York State does not allow for the operation of a poker room. The state has not legalized gambling, and therefore, no poker room can be legally opened in the state.

This means that if you were to host a game of poker among friends where everyone pays an equal buy-in and the winner takes all, this would likely be considered legal social gambling. However, if you were to charge players more than their buy-in or take a cut of the pot yourself as the host of the game, this would likely be illegal.

Another option for those interested in operating a poker room is to do so within one of New York’s licensed casinos. While there are currently only four casinos operating within the state (located in Schenectady, Seneca Falls, Monticello and Nichols), they do offer poker rooms as part of their gaming offerings.

To operate within one of these casinos as either an employee or business owner requires obtaining appropriate licensing from the state gaming commission. This process includes undergoing background checks and meeting certain financial requirements.

In terms of practical considerations, opening a successful poker room requires careful planning and a significant investment of time and money. You’ll need to find a location that is easily accessible and has enough space to accommodate tables and players, as well as invest in high-quality equipment and furnishings.

You’ll also need to think about marketing your poker room to attract players. This can include advertising on social media, creating a website, offering promotions or special events, and building relationships with local poker communities.

In conclusion, while it is possible to operate a poker room in New York State, there are several legal and practical considerations that must be taken into account. Whether you choose to operate within a licensed casino or host social games among friends, it’s important to do your research and ensure that you’re operating within the bounds of the law.