In a series of lawsuits, New York Gaming Commission (NYGC) workers have revealed that the regulator has had a toxic working environment for several years. Some of the allegations against the gambling regulator include sexual harassment, political favoritism, bullying, and racial discrimination.

a Ku Klux Klan sign was hanging in the headquarters for weeks

According to the allegations in the suits, a Ku Klux Klan sign was hanging in the headquarters for weeks in 2019, and employees were supposedly getting high while on the job. Larry Maylock, who has worked as an auditor for the NYGC’s lottery division for over three decades, described the agency as “the most toxic organization in the state.”

While many employees claim they reported issues, they believe that the complaints were not sufficiently addressed and even ignored in certain cases. The regulator faces at least four lawsuits relating to various forms of discrimination. It has also settled two age-discrimination lawsuits in recent years without admitting to any wrongdoing.

NYGC spokesman Brad Maione has disputed the toxic work environment allegations.