Code of Ethics

The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to outline what is expected in order to maintain a professional and ethical workplace and a high standard of business values that will lead to a successful future for all of us and for New NYRA. If you have any questions or feel uncertain about anything stated in this Code of Ethics, please contact the Ethics Compliance Officer who has been appointed to address ethical issues that may arise at New NYRA. As employees of New NYRA, we are not only obligated to perform our jobs to the best of our capabilities, but we also have the ongoing obligations to properly serve the betting public, and to represent New NYRA in a professional capacity. Looking forward, New NYRA has the potential for great accomplishments in both the horse racing and gaming industries. This Code of Ethics should serve as a reminder that, “good conduct results in good business.”

Old NYRA conducted, and New NYRA continues to conduct, thoroughbred racing operations and pari-mutuel wagering on horse races consistent with Article I, Section 9 of the New York State Constitution.   

Old NYRA is a private, non-profit racing association that, from 1955 to 2008, owned and operated thoroughbred horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at four racetracks located in New York State: Jamaica Racetrack in Jamaica (through 1959), Belmont Park Racetrack in Elmont, Aqueduct Racetrack in Ozone Park, and Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs.  Old NYRA operated racing and pari-mutuel wagering under a franchise, which was granted by the New York State Legislature in 1955, extended from time to time, and expired on December 31, 2007. Old NYRA continued to retain the rights to conduct racing and pari-mutuel wagering into 2008 pursuant to stipulations with, among others, the State of New York.  New NYRA is a New York State not-for-profit corporation incorporated in 2008, following consummation of a chapter 11 plan of reorganization of Old NYRA.  New NYRA is governed by a Board of Directors (the “Directors”), whose members receive no compensation or dividends.  In February 2008, New NYRA was awarded a new twenty-five year franchise to continue racing and racing operations at Belmont Park Racetrack, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course.  

Certain provisions of sections 73 and 74 of the New York State Public Officers Law, which are applicable to officers and employees of state agencies, were used as a guideline for this Code of Ethics and its application at New NYRA.  While the Public Officers Law is not binding on New NYRA, as it is not a State Agency, the Public Officers Law is a standard that we are choosing as a guideline, in light of our ongoing obligation to operate in a sound economical and efficient manner.  Additionally, The New York State Ethics Commission rulings and opinions will be used for guidance in deciding conflicts and ethics issues at New NYRA. We want all of our business practices to be ethical and transparent at every level.

Ethics are very important to NYRA. NYRA urges you to please report ethics issues or concerns to NYRA’s Ethics Officer by email at [email protected] or via NYRA’s confidential ethics hotline at 1-800-605-1340.

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