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

The Town of Colonie has adopted both of New York's local charitable-gaming schemes in its own chapters rather than leaving the topic to the county or state alone. Chapter 59, Bingo, operates "subject and subordinate" to Article 14-H of the General Municipal Law under § 59-2, and § 59-4 bars anyone but a licensed authorized organization from conducting bingo within Town limits. Chapter 108, Games of Chance, does the same under Article 9-A of the General Municipal Law via § 108-2, with § 108-4 barring unlicensed conduct of games of chance the same way.

Both chapters delegate licensing, amendment, and cancellation authority to the Town Clerk and the Chief of Police under §§ 59-3 and 108-3. Restrictions differ by game: bingo prizes under § 59-5E/F cap at $250 per single game and $1,000 aggregate per occasion, while games of chance under § 108-5E cap single prizes at $100 ($250 for merchandise wheels) and wagers at $2. Net proceeds from either must go entirely to the licensee's lawful charitable purposes, and neither chapter lets a licensee buy supplies from an unlicensed source. The Clerk and Chief of Police retain a right of entry to inspect any premises where bingo or games of chance are being conducted.