Formal Opinion No.

Hon. Richard F. Corbisiero Chairman New York State Racing and Wagering Board

Your Director of Wagering Systems has asked whether two proposed television programs are subject to the Bingo Licensing Law (General Municipal Law, §§ 475-499). The particular question raised is whether use of the word "bingo" in the titles of these games brings the games within the regulatory purview of the Bingo Licensing Law.

By way of background, Article I, section 9 of the New York Constitution, with specified exceptions, prohibits all forms of gambling. As originally enacted, the Constitution of 1894 banned any…