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Introduction
From our perspective, nonprofit organizations and local clubs in New York often rely on raffles, bell jar games, and other prize-based fundraising events to support their missions. These activities help generate community involvement and funding, but they must be properly licensed and bonded to operate legally. The New York – Games of Chance Bond is a key part of this process.
This bond is required by the New York State Gaming Commission and must be filed by any group seeking approval to conduct games of chance. It acts as a financial guarantee to the state and the public, confirming that the organization will follow the law, report revenues, and award prizes as promised. If rules are broken or funds are misused, the bond serves as a safety net for those affected.
Other regulatory bonds follow a similar structure. The New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond ensures timely payments between farm product buyers and sellers. The New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond protects funds collected through license sales. Each bond builds trust and reflects compliance with state rules.
Clear Bond Misunderstandings
We’ve noticed that many event organizers assume that a raffle license is the only requirement. While licensing is necessary, the New York – Games of Chance Bond is a separate and mandatory filing. It confirms your commitment to follow state law and properly manage event proceeds.
Some believe the bond protects their organization, but that’s not its role. It protects municipalities and participants from loss if your group fails to award prizes or mishandles funds. Submitting a license application without the required bond will lead to delays or outright denial.
Organizations with other bond obligations must be careful not to confuse them. For example, a group already bonded under the New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond for agricultural dealings still needs this separate bond for prize-based fundraising. Likewise, city clerks bonded under the New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond must follow separate gaming regulations if they manage community raffles.
Get Help From Swiftbonds
Based on our experience, Swiftbonds supports nonprofit groups, religious organizations, and municipal clerks with quick and compliant bond issuance. For the New York – Games of Chance Bond, we provide state-approved forms, help determine the correct bond amount, and guide the filing process with local and state licensing agencies.
The required bond amount may vary depending on the event’s size and expected prize totals. Swiftbonds helps applicants assess their exposure and issue the right bond without overspending or missing a compliance step.
Many of our clients have multiple licensing responsibilities. An organization that already holds a New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond for food distribution or a New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond for license sales must manage distinct rules for each activity. Swiftbonds helps them keep it all organized.
Follow These Steps
What we’ve discovered is that organizations succeed when they follow a clear bonding plan. Here’s how to get started:
- Apply for Your License
Begin with a Games of Chance License application through your local municipality or the New York State Gaming Commission. - Request the Bond
Provide Swiftbonds with your organization’s information, the number of events planned, and estimated prize totals. - File the Bond
Submit the bond along with your license paperwork. Keep it active as long as your license remains valid.
Following these steps can prevent costly delays. They also help organizations managing multiple obligations—such as a nonprofit that holds both a New York – Games of Chance Bond and a New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond—stay on track.
Avoid Common Mistakes
In our observation, many community organizations discover the bond requirement too late in their event planning. Without the New York – Games of Chance Bond, the licensing agency may deny or delay approval, forcing you to cancel or postpone fundraising efforts.
Bonding errors don’t just cause scheduling problems—they can harm your organization’s reputation and legal standing. If you’re running multiple programs, such as outdoor licensing or agricultural distribution, a missed bond like the New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond or New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond can affect your overall compliance status.
The best way to avoid this is to treat bonding as a first step, not a final task. Swiftbonds can guide you through each requirement with clarity and speed.
Understand New York Regulations
State Bond Law
The New York – Games of Chance Bond is required under New York General Municipal Law, Article 9-A. The law regulates raffles, bell jar games, and other prize-based events. The bond ensures:
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Proper management of collected funds
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Distribution of prizes
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Payment of license fees and reporting to local officials
More details can be found at: New York State Gaming Commission
Additional Bond Rules
Organizations holding other licenses must file separate bonds for each role. For instance, a produce buyer must file a New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond, while a town clerk issuing hunting permits must file a New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond. These bonds are not interchangeable and apply to specific regulatory functions.
Conclusion
We’ve come to appreciate that the New York – Games of Chance Bond is more than just a licensing formality. It protects the public, maintains event integrity, and allows organizations to conduct legal, trusted fundraisers in communities across the state.
Swiftbonds makes the bonding process simple and fast—whether you’re hosting a raffle, managing agriculture under the New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond, or handling licenses with a New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond. With our support, your organization stays compliant and focused on what matters: your mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the New York – Games of Chance Bond cover?
We’ve often noticed confusion about this bond. It protects the public and licensing agencies if an organization fails to award prizes or handle raffle proceeds properly.
Who is required to obtain this bond?
We’ve often noticed event hosts assume only large events need bonding. Any nonprofit or group holding a Games of Chance License must file this bond regardless of event size.
Can one bond cover multiple raffles?
We’ve often noticed this question. A single bond may cover multiple events within the license term, depending on local rules. Check with the licensing agency to confirm.
Is this bond the same as other business bonds?
We’ve often noticed organizations confuse bond types. This is not the same as the New York – Farm Products Dealer Bond or the New York – Hunting & Fishing License Issuing Officer Bond—each serves a different purpose.
How long does it take to get this bond issued?
We’ve often noticed time-sensitive planning. Most New York – Games of Chance Bonds are issued within 24 to 48 hours through Swiftbonds once underwriting is complete.