New York Lotteries

In November 1966, New York State voters approved a constitutional amendment, Article 1, Section 9, authorizing the New York Lottery. Proceeds were to help support education in New York State. A new commission was created to administer the Lottery under the Department of Taxation and Finance. Revenues benefited state education. Later, administrative responsibilities moved to the NY State Racing and Wagering Board. In September 1976, the Lottery was reorganized, making the Division of the Lottery an independent entity of the Department of Taxation and Finance. In 2012, the Division of the Lottery merged with the Racing and Wagering Board to form the New York State Gaming Commission.

The New York Lottery offers traditional lottery games, including draw games such as Powerball, Mega Millions, daily Numbers and Lotto, and instant scratch-off games such as Win-for-Life and Cashword. Instant games do not have a lump-sum cash prize option and Lotto, mandated by statute, has a 40% payout, the lowest of all state lotteries. Powerball, added in 2010, and Mega Millions, added in 2002, are the highest-selling of the traditional games, with bigger prizes, higher payouts (49% for Mega Millions) and a cash prize option.

The New York Lottery also sells an online subscription service.

Casino City considers VLTs to be a casino and card room gaming activity.