Suffering and Permitting Gambling is Still Illegal

The SLA understands that it is now legal for New Yorkers to place bets on sporting events through online services.   It remains illegal, however for businesses licensed to sell alcoholic beverages – including restaurants and taverns --  to “suffer and permit gambling on the licensed premises.”  See, e.g., Alcoholic Beverage Control Law Section 106(6).   The SLA will not be charging licensees if individuals are placing bets on their telephones with legally authorized sites while at the premises of a licensed retailer, but if licensees promote gambling that has taken place, or is to take place, at their premises in any way, or allow others to promote gambling that has taken place, or is to take place, at their premises, they will be violating the law and subject to charges.