PoliticsNY is excited to introduce the first Inside Government special edition, Inside Government: Racing, Gaming & Wagering. This special edition features the public officials shaping New York’s racing, gaming and wagering landscape.Today’s Q&A is with Stacy Harvey. Stacy Harvey is director of the New York State Gaming Commission’s division of charitable gaming. This division investigates, audits and monitors the sale of millions of bell jar tickets annually; verifies the lawful disbursement of bingo, bell jar, casino night, and raffle proceeds by authorized charitable organizations across New York State; licenses the manufacturers and distributors of bingo and games of chance equipment; and issues bingo and games of chance identification numbers to applicant organizations as a prerequisite to their licensing by municipalities.
How does the racing, gaming and wagering industry benefit New Yorkers?
Thousands of NY’s authorized charitable organizations rely on games like bingo, raffles, pull-tabs and casino nights to raise revenue for worthy causes. Our unit ensures the games are operated in accordance with the law and the revenue raised is managed appropriately.
What improvements would you like to see made to racing, gaming and wagering in New York?
Charitable gaming in New York would benefit from ease of access for license applications and financial reporting for charities.
How do you see new technology impacting racing, gaming and wagering in the future?
There’s no doubt that technology is changing gambling behaviors. My concern is that charitable organizations, many of which are small and run by volunteers, can raise revenue in the face of expanding gambling options.
What is a recent change to the racing, gaming and wagering industry that you are excited about?
Raffles are now legally able to be held online, which gives charitable organizations a powerful tool to raise revenue. Additional tools to benefit veterans groups and volunteer fire houses in raising revenue are also welcome.
What influenced you to join this industry?
The ability to combine my interest in public service financial and regulatory oversight. Charitable gaming provides an important funding source for authorized charitable organizations, and effective regulation ensures that those activities remain fair, transparent and compliant with state law. I wanted to contribute to maintaining the integrity of that system.
