N.Y. Rac. Pari-Mut. Wag. & Breed. Law § 518
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 offtrack 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.
N.Y. Rac. Pari-Mut. Wag. and Breed. Law § 518