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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

Raffles, Poker, Games of Chance

Important Information Regarding Poker and Games of Chance 

Under New York State law, advancing or promoting “gambling” is generally illegal. Penal Law § 225.05. A person “gambles” when they stake or risk “something of value” on the outcome of a “contest of chance” with the hope of receiving “something of value” if they win.  

Poker

Poker is considered a “contest of chance” in New York State. Therefore, Cornell cannot knowingly allow any student organizations to gamble – meaning stake or risk “something of value”– on poker games using Cornell property or resources. 

Student organizations may play poker, however gambling on poker is not permitted. For example, a poker club may host poker games using chips that are distributed free of charge and may not be exchanged for anything of value. Under New York state law, “something of value” is broadly defined to include more than money or tangible property; instead “something of value” means any money or property, any token, object or article exchangeable for money or property, or any form of credit or promise directly or indirectly contemplating transfer of money or property or of any interest therein, or involving extension of a service, entertainment or a privilege of playing at a game or scheme without charge.

Poker tournaments (or similar events) are permissible if no gambling is allowed and only under the following conditions:

  • There cannot be an admission fee or ticket when games of chance are involved. Accepting an admission fee/entry/participant fee or ticket for the chance to receive something of value at the end (including a share of a “pot” or any other monetary (or monetary equivalent) prize) is gambling. A small fee to cover actual costs (i.e., the cost of using the space, refreshments, and advertising) is permissible. Collecting voluntary donations to be donated entirely to a charity is permissible.
  • Under no circumstances can a participant win a “pot” or any other form of prize money (or monetary equivalent) as a result of their participation in a poker tournament held on Cornell property. No money or other thing of value can change hands based on the results of the tournament, even if donated. Awarding a trophy or plaque as a prize is permissible.
  • Door prizes are permissible so long as all attendees have an equal chance to participate and no entry/participant fee is charged.
  • There should be no advertising to the general public. Advertising must be limited to the Cornell community only.

Bingo

Bingo-type games are permissible if no gambling is allowed and only under the following conditions:

  • No admission/entry/participant fee can be charged for the event
  • No charge for Bingo boards
  • Under no circumstances can a participant win a “pot” or any other form of prize money (or monetary equivalent) as a result of their participation in an event held on Cornell property. No money or other thing of value can change hands based on the results of the activity, even if donated.
  • There should be no advertising to the general public. Advertising must be limited to the Cornell community only.

Raffles

Raffles are not permitted. 

Charitable Gaming

New York State gives municipalities an option to allow religious, charitable, educational, fraternal and service organizations to conduct certain games of chance upon application for a game of chance license. For licensing purposes, these games fall into three categories: Las Vegas nights (i.e., events involving casino-type games and other games played), Bell Jars, and Raffles. Obtaining licenses for Casino Nights, Bell Jars, and Raffles can be complicated and time consuming. Cornell does not allow use of university property for any such games of chance unless the event sponsor has secured the required license for charitable gaming. Please contact the University Events Team at events@cornell.edu before you begin planning any charitable game of chance event.