Applying for a racing license in New York State involves several steps and requirements, ensuring all participants meet the necessary standards for safety and integrity within the racing industry. This guide outlines the essential information for owners, trainers, drivers, and other personnel seeking to obtain or renew their licenses.
Understanding License Application Requirements
All individuals involved in racing, including Owners, Trainers, Assistant Trainers, Drivers, and Veterinarians, must complete a specific License Application Supplement in addition to the main application form. Applicants are required to submit two recent passport-quality photos, measuring 2″ x 2″, with their name printed on the back.
Annual License Fees and Payment
License fees must accompany the application and should be paid via money order or check drawn on the U.S. Government or a U.S. bank, payable to the “NYS Gaming Commission.” Checks from banks without a U.S. office are not acceptable, and credit cards are not currently accepted.
Thoroughbred Annual License Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Owner Original* | $100 |
| Owner Renewal | $50 |
| Trainer | $30 |
| Assistant Trainer | $30 |
| Jockey | $50 |
| Apprentice Jockey | $50 |
| Farrier | $20 |
| Veterinarian | $30 |
| Authorized Agent | $5 |
| Track Management | $20 |
| Mutuel | $10 |
| General Service | $10 |
| Security/Peace Officer | $10 |
| Tote Employee | $10 |
| Cleaning Service | $5 |
| Food Service | $5 |
| Stable Employee | $5 |
| Groom | $5 |
| Exercise Rider | $5 |
Harness Annual License Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Owner Original* | $100 |
| Owner Renewal | $50 |
| Trainer | $30 |
| Driver | $20 |
| Farrier | $20 |
| Veterinarian | $20 |
| Track Management | $20 |
| Mutuel | $10 |
| General Service | $10 |
| Security/Peace Officer | $10 |
| Tote Employee | $10 |
| Cleaning Service | $5 |
| Food Service | $5 |
| Groom | $5 |
| Exercise Rider | $5 |
* An Owner Original is defined as an owner who has never held an owner’s license in New York State or has not held one in the five years preceding the application date.
Racing License Terms and Expiration
All new applicants must obtain a one-year license. License expiration dates are set to coincide with the licensee’s birthday. Initial applicants whose birthdays fall within six months of their application date have the option to extend their license term to their next birthday by paying an additional 50% of the license fee. This provision is only for initial applications.
Renewal applicants can choose one-, two-, or three-year renewal terms. The applicable annual fee must be multiplied by the number of years selected. Stable employees and grooms are limited to one-year renewals.
Reciprocity of Disciplinary Actions
The Commission enforces disciplinary actions, including license denials, suspensions, and revocations, imposed by racing and gambling authorities in other jurisdictions, such as other states, U.S. territories, and Canadian provinces, as per Section 912 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel, Wagering and Breeding Law. Licensees have the right to apply for a hearing to contest the enforcement of such penalties in New York. However, an application for a hearing does not guarantee a hearing or an automatic stay. The decision to grant a hearing or stay is at the discretion of the Commission. The Application for Hearing form can be obtained at any Commission Office at an open track.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Individuals employing track, stable, or other workers in New York State must submit a Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Insurance using NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Form C-105.2 or NYS State Insurance Fund Form U-26.3. The NYS Gaming Commission must be listed as the certificate holder, as Acord forms are not accepted. Applicants who do not employ workers must submit a completed NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Form CE-200 (Certificate of Attestation of Exemption) to the Gaming Commission.
Specific Applicant Requirements
Driver Applicants
Driver applicants must provide a current vision certificate, issued within the last six months, confirming a minimum of 20/40 vision in at least one eye, corrected. Certification should be from a licensed optometrist, oculist, or ophthalmologist, as per Rule 4116.2(a)(5). A copy of a USTA membership card indicating adequate visual acuity is also acceptable.
Security Applicants
Security applicants need to submit a copy of either their New York State Department of State-issued Registration Card or their employer-issued Temporary Registration Card.
Owner Applicants
For horse entries, if a horse has 35 or fewer owners, all owners must be licensed by the Commission. If a horse has more than 35 owners, each individual with a three percent or greater interest must be licensed.
Reporting Criminal Charges and Convictions
All applicants are obligated to report any arrest, criminal charge, or conviction for a violation or crime that occurs after the date of their application.
Fingerprinting Requirements
First-time applicants for an occupational license must submit both State and Federal fingerprints. Individuals who have not been licensed for over five years must also submit new fingerprints. A processing fee of $87.00 is charged for fingerprinting. Payment must be made by check or money order payable to “NYS Gaming Commission.” Electronic fingerprint scanning is available at Commission offices at open race tracks. The Commission also accepts ink-rolled fingerprint cards, which are scanned. Applicants using this method must complete and submit the FBI fingerprint cards, the NYS Request for Card Scan Services – Information Form, and the Proof of Identification Form and Chart.
This comprehensive process ensures that all individuals participating in New York’s racing industry are properly vetted and adhere to regulatory standards. For any further clarification or specific guidance, it is always recommended to consult the official NYS Gaming Commission resources or contact their offices directly.
