Paul Dos Santos(Pictured) a former employee of the New York Gaming Commission, poses at his home in Yonkers, N.Y. Monday, Aug. 7, 2023. Dos Santos received a settlement from the agency after he filed an age discrimination lawsuit against them.
The New York Gaming Commission (NYGC) has been reported as a “toxic” working environment by employees who have suffered sexual harassment, racial discrimination, bullying and other issues during their time with the Commission.
The agency is responsible for regulating casinos, horseracing and the lottery within the state.Some previous employees spoke to the Times Union about working conditions and lawsuits surrounding the commission. At least four lawsuits, including discrimination on the basis of sex, race and disability are active.
Di Ma, former associate counsel for the Gaming Commission, said she could never work in state service again under the same leadership after her three years at the agency.
Two lawsuits related to age discrimination have also been settled within the past four years, in which $75,000 was paid, but no fault was admitted. Recently, an undisclosed sum was agreed in a settlement for alleged sexual harassment as well.
Former Associate Counsel for the Gaming Commission said, “I quickly realized this was not a normal workplace. I can never work in state service again under the same leadership.”
Descriptions ranged from “dysfunctional,” to “hostile,” to “a nightmare.” Former employee, Larry Maylock also spoke of a sign making reference to the Ku Klux Klan hanging on the wall of the commission’s headquarters for weeks in 2019.
New York’s Office of Employee Relations has received 41 complaints since December 2018. The Public Employees Federation also noted it has received reports of employees performing supervisory-level roles not receiving management-level pay.
