N.Y. Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law Section 224
Penalty for unlawful racing and betting

All racing or trials of speed between horses or other animals for any bet, stake or reward, except such as is allowed by this article or by special laws, is a public nuisance; and every person acting or aiding therein, or making or being interested in such bet, stake or reward is guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction is punishable by imprisonment in the county jail or penitentiary for a period of not more than one year; and in addition to the penalty prescribed therefor he forfeits to the people of this state all title or interest in any animal used with his privity in such race or trial of speed, and in any sum of money or other property betted or staked upon the result thereof.

Source: Section 224 — Penalty for unlawful racing and betting, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PML/224 (updated Sep. 22, 2014; accessed Nov. 29, 2025).

201
Incorporation 202
Restriction upon commencement of business 202–A
Liability of the directors of a franchised corporation 202–B
No debt of the state 203
Right to hold race meetings and races 204
Certificate of payment of stock 205
License for running races and steeplechase meetings 206
Franchise for running races and steeplechase meetings 207
Board of directors of a franchised corporation 208
Conditions of franchise award 209
Examination of the books and accounts by the state comptroller 210
Franchise termination 210–A
Relinquishment of franchise 211
Fair association, when entitled to privileges 212
Franchise oversight board 213
Project labor agreements 214
Acquisition of racing facilities 216
Disposition of racing facilities or certain assets 217
Revocation of licenses 218
Stewards at race meetings 219
Advertising or promotional material 220
Licenses for participants and employees at race meetings 220–A
Corporations continued 221
New York Jockey Injury Compensation Fund, Inc 221–A
Health insurance for jockeys 221–B
Health insurance for trainers 222
Notice to be posted upon grounds 223
Special police officers 224
Penalty for unlawful racing and betting 225
Registration of race horses 226
Increased or additional entrance fees 228
Pension plans for backstretch employees 229
Backstretch employees drug and alcohol rehabilitation eligibility 230
Membership in a national thoroughbred racing association 231
Pari-mutuel betting on horse races legalized 232
License to conduct pari-mutuel betting at race meetings for running races or steeplechases 233
Bond required of corporation conducting pari-mutuel betting 234
Place and manner of conducting pari-mutuel betting 235
Rules for the conduct of pari-mutuel betting 236
Disposition of pari-mutuel pools 237
Capital improvements 238
Disposition of pari-mutuel pools of the franchised corporation 239
Books and records of pari-mutuel betting 240
Yearly audit 241
Disposition of unpaid money due on account of pari-mutuel tickets not presented 242
Races for horses bred in the state 243
Free or reduced fee passes, cards or badges 244
Revocation of license or franchise 245
Hearing on refusal or revocation of license or franchise 246
Approval of plans of corporation 247
Racing zones 248
Racing season 249
Pari-mutuel employees to be citizens and residents 250
Power of commission to impose penalties 251
Definitions 252
New York state thoroughbred breeding and development fund 253
Powers of the fund 254
Resources of fund 255
Annual audit 256
Annual report 257
Actions against fund
Green check means up to date. Up to date

Verified:
Nov. 29, 2025

Last modified:
Sep. 22, 2014

§ 224. Penalty for unlawful racing & betting's source at nysenate​.gov

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