If you’re a poker player in New York, you may be wondering if live poker is legal in the state. The short answer is yes, but there are some important caveats to keep in mind.
First, it’s worth noting that gambling laws vary from state to state, and even within states depending on the specific type of gambling. In New York, for example, there are different rules and regulations for casino gambling (which is legal at certain locations) than there are for social gambling (which is generally allowed among friends and acquaintances).
When it comes to live poker specifically, New York law allows for certain types of games to be played legally. However, there are restrictions on where and how those games can be played.
One important factor to consider is whether the game is taking place in a licensed commercial casino or not. In New York, there are currently four commercial casinos that have been authorized by the state to offer casino gaming. These casinos are located in Schenectady, Waterloo, Nichols and Monticello.
If you’re playing poker at one of these casinos, then you can be confident that you’re playing in a legal environment. The casinos are regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission and subject to strict rules designed to ensure fairness and integrity.
However, not everyone has easy access to these commercial casinos. For players who want to participate in live poker games outside of these venues, things get a bit more complicated.
Under New York law, any person who “advances or profits from unlawful gambling activity” can be charged with a misdemeanor offense. This means that anyone who hosts or operates an illegal poker game could potentially face criminal charges.
That being said, there are some exceptions to this rule. Social gambling – which typically involves small-scale games among friends or acquaintances – is generally permitted under New York law as long as certain conditions are met.
For example, social gambling must take place in a private residence, and all players must have a “bona fide social relationship” with each other. In other words, you can’t just invite a bunch of strangers over to your house to play poker and call it “social gambling.”
Additionally, the game cannot be run for profit. This means that you can’t take a cut of the pot or charge a fee for hosting the game.
So, if you want to play live poker in New York outside of a licensed commercial casino, your best bet is to find a group of friends who are interested in playing and host the game in someone’s home. Just be sure to follow the rules and make sure everyone involved understands that it’s strictly for fun and not for profit.
In conclusion, live poker is legal in New York under certain circumstances. If you’re playing at one of the state’s licensed commercial casinos, you don’t need to worry about breaking any laws. If you’re playing outside of those venues, just be sure to follow the rules for social gambling and avoid any activities that could be considered “unlawful gambling.”
