Amherst, NY Gambling & Gaming: Charitable Bingo and Raffles (2026)

Chapter 77 of the Amherst Code, titled the "Bingo Licensing Law," was adopted by the Town Board on April 7, 1958 and approved at a public referendum on May 10, 1958; under § 77-21 it stays inoperative unless approved that way, which it was. Only an "authorized organization" (a bona fide religious, charitable or nonprofit group, or a nonprofit organization of veterans or volunteer firemen) may apply for a license, filed with the Town Clerk under § 77-5 with financial and officer details. The Town Board investigates each applicant under § 77-6, and on approval issues a license good for no more than one year at a fee of $10 per occasion; by the 30th of each month the Town Supervisor must remit 50% of the fees collected to the State Comptroller.

Section 77-4 caps any single prize at $250 and any session's aggregate prizes at $1,000, bars paying anyone to run the games, and forbids leasing a hall on a percentage-of-receipts basis. Section 77-14 limits admission charges to $1 per person and $1 per special game, requires all prizes to be awarded the same calendar day as play, and bans alcoholic beverages as prizes. Section 77-12 caps play at six days per calendar month and bars bingo where alcohol is sold or served during the game.

Section 77-11 bars anyone under 18 from playing unless accompanied by an adult. Section 77-15 restricts advertising to one on-premises sign of up to 60 square feet plus a sign at the prize location. Licensees must file a verified financial statement with the Town Clerk within 15 days after each game under § 77-16, and the Town Board and State Lottery Control Commission retain inspection and audit rights under § 77-9 and § 77-17. Appeals from a Town Board licensing decision go to the Control Commission within 30 days under § 77-18.