Gambling, Poker, and Bingo

Gambling, Poker, and Bingo

In compliance with federal regulations and New York State Penal Law § 225.00 et seq., Columbia University prohibits gambling at Columbia University or among its student organizations.  A person “gambles” when they risk “something of value” on the outcome of a “contest of chance” with the hope of receiving “something of value” if they win. 
 

The following guidelines ensure compliance with this policy:

  • Students or organizations cannot bet on, wager on, or sell pools for any athletic event.
  • There cannot be an admission/entry/participant fee or ticket when games of chance are involved.
  • Neither the University nor an organization sponsoring a poker tournament, casino night, or other event that involves a contest of chance can receive proceeds from that event.
  • A student organization hosting a poker tournament, casino night, or similar event involving a contest of chance cannot serve alcohol, or have alcohol at the event.
  • Raffles are not permitted.

Poker

Poker is considered a “contest of chance” in New York State. Therefore, Columbia University does not allow any student organizations to gamble on poker games at Columbia University or using University resources. Student organizations may play poker, however gambling on poker is not permitted. For example, the cards club may host poker games using chips that are distributed free of charge and may not be exchanged for anything of value.
 

Poker tournaments are permissible under the following conditions:

  • Gambling on poker is prohibited.
  • The event must be free of charge. Accepting an admission/entry/participant fee for the chance to receive something of value at the end (including a share of a “pot” or any other monetary (or monetary equivalent) prize) is impermissible gambling.
  • Under no circumstances can a participant win a “pot” or any other form of prize money (or monetary equivalent) as a result of their participation in a poker tournament. No money or other thing of value can change hands based on the results of the tournament.
  • There should be no advertising to the general public of the event.  Advertising must be limited to the University population.  

Bingo

  • No admission/entry/participant fee can be charged for the event.
  • Students or organizations cannot charge for Bingo boards.
  • Under no circumstances can a participant win a “pot” or any other form of prize money (or monetary equivalent) as a result of their participation in a bingo game. No money or other thing of value can change hands based on the results of the game.
  • There should be no advertising to the general public of the event.  Advertising must be limited to the University population.  

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