N.Y. Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law § 518: Off-track pari-mutuel betting; objectives

§ 518. Off-track pari-mutuel betting; objectives. In the exercise of

the power vested in it by subdivision one of section nine of article one

of the state constitution, the legislature hereby prescribes that

off-track pari-mutuel betting on horse races, conducted under the

administration of the commission in the manner and subject to the

conditions provided for in this article, shall be lawful,

notwithstanding the provisions of any other law, general, special or

local, including any law prohibiting or restricting lotteries,

pool-selling or bookmaking or any other kind of gambling; it being the

purpose of this article to derive from such betting, as authorized by

this article, a reasonable revenue for the support of government, and to

prevent and curb unlawful bookmaking and illegal wagering on horse

races. It is also the intention of this article to ensure that off-track

betting is conducted in a manner compatible with the well-being of the

horse racing and breeding industries in this state, which industries are

and should continue to be major sources of revenue to state and local

government and sources of employment for thousands of state residents.