New York is one of the most populous states in the US (largely thanks to Manhattan and the surrounding area). There are plenty of people who would potential enjoy online gambling, as evidenced by the number of gambling day trips into New Jersey.

So, it’s a wonder that the state government hasn’t yet legalized the activity. However, recent legislative changes indicate that the future may indeed be bright for New Yorkers looking to play at online casinos and in online poker games.

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While online gambling in New York is, by and large, illegal, there are still some online activities in which players can participate due to legal loopholes. Additionally, many in-person gambling activities are already open for those willing to head to the state’s handful of casinos.

When Will Legal Online Gambling Come To New York?

For now, legal real money gambling in New York is firmly restricted to brick-and-mortar offerings. There are many options in New York ranging from horse race betting to casino games to a lottery system.

New York gambling first became widespread in 1988 with the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Later, in 2013, the state allowed non-tribal retail casinos to open. Currently, there are seven retail casinos operating in the New York area (split between tribal and non-tribal ownership).

Online gambling is still illegal in New York. However, as with many states that do not currently allow online gambling, New York’s legislative trend is looking favorable.

Online Sports Betting In New York

With its dismissal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the US Supreme Court ruled that states may determine their own laws regarding sports betting. In July 2018, New York legalized in-person sports betting. This followed a 2013 referendum from New York voters who wanted to legalize sports betting prior to the repeal of PASPA.

Unfortunately, as of the last New York government budget committee meeting, the legalization of online sports gambling is not yet on the agenda. This means it’ll likely be another full year before the issue is brought up again. In the meantime, New Yorkers who want to participate in online sports betting will need to travel to either Pennsylvania or New Jersey.

Online Casinos In New York

New York does not currently allow online casinos. However, sweepstakes casinos are a legal alternative that replicate a casino-like experience online.

Chumba Casino, for example, is one of the most popular sweepstakes casinos in the US. Instead of using a real money gambling model, gamers play with Sweeps Coins or other types of digital currency. Compared to a retail casino, Chumba doesn’t offer as many games. However, its a great site to visit if you want to play slots or table games online for a chance to win real prizes.

The future looks bright for those interested in online casinos in New York. With four brick-and-mortar casinos having been built in the last six years, the current trend seems to be in favor of the gaming industry.

Online Poker In New York

Like with online casinos, there are no legitimate venues through which you can play online poker in New York. But because interactive card games like poker aren’t as flatly profitable as table or slot games, it’s less likely that online poker will be legalized soon compared to something like online casinos.

Still, as with other forms of online gambling, online poker is likely to become more palatable to legislators soon. It’s more likely to be passed sometime in the next half-decade. New York’s government knows the potential revenue it can collect from gambling taxes. Once online casinos become a legal reality, online poker may well follow suit.

What Online Gambling Options Are Allowed In NY Today?

There are still some online gambling options that players can take advantage of if they live in New York. Many of these activities, such as sweepstakes games, are great alternatives to the real deal.

Sweepstakes Poker Sites In New York

The best legal option for New Yorker who want to play online poker is Global Poker. As a sweepstakes website, Global Poker allows players to place bets with a digital currency called Sweeps Coins.

Players compete for Sweeps Coins, which can then be traded in for prizes (including real money). In this roundabout manner, it’s still possible to play online poker for cash.

How Global Poker Works

Global Poker allows you to play against real human players all day every day. It’s a browser-based online poker hub, and it works on both Windows and Mac computers. Games on the site include No-Limit Texas Hold’Em, Sit N’ Gos, multi-table tournaments and more.

New players should definitely give the site a look. Signing up for Global Poker is quick and easy, and players will receive a handsome sign-up bonus. They only need to spend a couple of minutes submitting standard information.

Players accumulate Sweeps Coins, which are the currency for the sweepstakes games, by purchasing Gold Coins packages. In order to cash out, they need at least 50 coins in their account in order to cash out. Upon their first redemption, they’ll need to provide their driver’s license or government-issued ID and proof of residential address.

Global Poker is a great alternative for anyone who really wants to play online poker in New York before legalization inevitably rolls out. It’s not the best in terms of poker game variety or in terms of frequent bonuses or promotions. But it’s a stable platform, easy to use, and provide the only legal window into online poker at this time.

Sweepstakes Casinos In New York

Like Global Poker, Chumba Casino operates according to a sweepstakes model and thus remains legal. With plenty of variety including slots and table games, Chumba is a great casino-like option for any New Yorker.

How Chumba Casino Works

Chumba Casino offers generous sign-up bonuses including free Sweeps Coins for new players. The sign-up process only takes a couple minutes and the only confirmation requirement is your email address. However, you will need to provide your identification info when you want to redeem your coins.

Regular promotions are available via Chumba Casino’s Facebook page, awarding even more free coins and special offers. Email offers and daily competitions can also add to your bankroll on the site.

The user experience on Chumba Casino has a lot to like. The website is intuitive, and all games are presented cleanly on one page. You can scroll through the entire catalog in just a couple of minutes.

While Chumba Casino doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app, its website is optimized for mobile. There aren’t any real performance losses if you decide to play with your smartphone instead of your desktop.

In total, there are 36 games you can play at Chumba Casino. Most are slot games (including three progressive jackpot slots), while table games include blackjack and Jacks or Better.

Players can purchase coins with MasterCard or Visa with more payment options coming soon. Keep in mind that Chumba Casino does have a pretty high redemption limit of 10,000 sweeps coins, or about $100.

LuckyLand Slots

New Yorkers have an additional option called LuckyLand Slots, which is another online sweepstakes casino. It’s powered by the same parent company that owns Chumba Casino and Global Poker. As you might expect, LuckyLand Slots is a sweepstake slot game site.

New players receive sign-up bonuses of up to several thousand Gold Coins and 10 Sweeps Coins. Additional Sweeps Coins are available when you purchase Gold Coin packages with your MasterCard or Visa.

As of this writing, LuckyLand Slots is accessible on desktop and app (but only if you have Android). Games are all played in full-screen, which allows for extra features like direct messages and special tournaments.

LuckyLand Slots offers 26 online slot games, all of which are original and unique to its platform. The games each require an initial download, so those with slower Internet speeds will take a little longer to enjoy these offerings.

The plus side is that most of the games look fantastic with high-quality 3D graphics. Even better, 12 titles are all joined to a single progressive jackpot that can reach up to the tens of thousands of dollars.

On the downside, LuckyLand doesn’t offer any games aside from slots. This makes Chumba Casino slightly better in terms of variety, since it also offers some table games.

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) In New York

Daily fantasy sports (DFS) became legal in New York in 2016. Shortly thereafter, the US Supreme Court overruled New York’s decision and DFS once again became illegal. But with New York’s appeal against the decision, things are far from final.

Every major DFS operator is active in New York. Technically, there is no oversight or regulation for daily fantasy sports at this time. However, depending on the outcome of its legal status DFS may have to leave New York. In the meantime, players have several options.

Who Provides Fantasy Sports?

DraftKings, FanDuel, Fantasy Draft, and Yahoo! all provide daily fantasy sports competitions and betting. Of these, DraftKings is by far the best choice. It has many incentives for new players including a $20 sign-up bonus. It also tends to provide plenty of traffic for better action. Players can always find others with whom to bet, no matter how large or small the wager.

Furthermore, DraftKings offers plenty of deposit methods through its browser, which is optimized for desktop and mobile viewing. Indeed, DraftKings’ website is known to be one of the most flexible in the entire industry. It provides betting options for all kinds of sports competitions including:

What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New York State Vs

• Most professional sports
• Some college sports like football
• MMA fighting
• eSports
• Auto racing like NASCAR

Another great option is FanDuel (arguably DraftKings’ biggest competitor). It’s website is highly functional, user friendly, and accessible by desktop or mobile. It also provides industry-standard features like guaranteed prize pool tournaments. It’s at the forefront of new game formats, so it’s a great choice if you want something visually fresh.

FanDuel offers single-game contests, beginner contests, and so on. It also provides contest entry limits, so new or amateur players won’t miss out on the action. Innovative features like late-swap options, third-party software blockers, and plenty of core games to choose from make FanDuel a great DFS choice.

Betting On Horse Races In New York

Interestingly, New York does allow online horse race betting. This is likely because horse racing has a particularly rich history within this state. The three main companies that provide online horse betting include: TVG, Twin Spires, and BetAmerica. Of these, TVG is by far the best choice.

How TVG Works

TVG (and its counterpart channel TVG2) offers 24/7 horserace betting action. Anyone participating through its platforms can bet on races at over 150 racetracks worldwide. Staple tracks or events like the Kentucky Derby or Saudi Cup are, of course, included.

You’ll be able to place multiple types of wagers, too. TVG allows common wagers for winning, placement, or showing. It also allows pick bets and exotic wagers. Finally, the site provides its own specialty wagering opportunities. These are unique to specific tracks or operators.

The website is optimized for desktop and mobile. Alternatively, an app is available for iOS, but not yet Android. Once in the site, you’ll benefit from a user friendly interface. Expert analyses, comprehensive coverage, and easy-to-use live streaming tools are all there.

TVG accepts a wide range of deposit methods. Some methods are free while others, like debit and credit cards, require a small fee. The site handles withdrawals in a similar way. Some methods, such as check by mail, require no additional fee.

New Player Bonuses And Other Offers At TVG

New players at TVG have a lot to like in particular. As a sign-up bonus, they have the option to place a bet without any loss risk up to $300 (on a first, single-win wager). All a player has to do is join and the offer is automatically applied to their account. The refund, of course, is in site credit rather than cash.

Other bonuses include promotional opportunities such as a $1,000 bankroll for select participants. There’s also a special wager in which participants guess the winning horse for eight races. The winning player gets a prize of $100,000. Even players who only guess a few of the winning horses still receive minor prizes.

Online Lottery Options In New York

The New York Lottery does not currently offer online options. Instead, players must purchase tickets from retail establishments. This rule applies to any of the in-state New York lottery games.

What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New York State 2019

The only exception to this rule is when purchasing tickets through the New York Lottery’s subscription service. People who want to play a number set multiple times for all drawings within a specific period can do so on the New York Lottery website.

On the other hand, any multi-state drawing such as Powerball, Mega Millions, and Cash4Life can be enjoyed online. These are lottery games that take place throughout multiple states. They aren’t as restricted by New York’s online gambling legislation.

Live Sports Betting In New York

Sports betting at retail locations became legal in New York in 2018. Rivers Casino and Resort was the first to open its doors to sports bettors on July 17, 2018. However, other state-licensed casinos and tribal casinos have caught up quickly.

Rivers Sportsbook

Rivers Sportsbook is located in upstate New York and offers a 5000 ft.² venue with plenty of seating and five private booths. People can easily keep track of the action while making their bets thanks to dozens of TV monitors and 14 betting kiosks. Of course, the betting kiosks are open 24/7.

Tioga Downs

Tioga Downs, located in Nichols, NY, is a smaller alternative to Rivers Sportsbook. It offers a 2600 ft.² space near the main casino entrance with 27 video displays and eight betting windows. There’s enough room for at least 50 customers.

Del Lago

Del Lago Resort Casino is currently partnered with DraftKings. Its 6000 ft.² sportsbook includes 23 betting kiosks and four betting windows. Over 1000 ft.² of video screens display the games and statistics. Real-time odds boards also keep the action interesting and allow for accurate moment-to-moment betting.

Resorts World

Gamblers can head to Resorts World’s Sportsbook 360 in Monticello, NY for a main bar surrounded by 360° of monitors broadcasting various sports events. The 6000 ft.² space includes 35 flatscreen TVs, 14 betting kiosks that are open 24/7, and enough seating for 100 people.

Turning Stone Resort

Gamblers can also head to the Turning Stone Resort in Verona, NY. Here players will benefit from a translucent bar with a modern aesthetic touch. A full menu and drink service is included with 17 screens broadcasting the most significant sports events.

Point Place Casino

Point Place Casino, in Bridgeport, NY, has also recently begun offering sports betting. Its sportsbook includes 30 large LED screens across a 24-foot high resolution video wall. Luxury VIP areas with dedicated screens are available for rental for more private betting parties.

Yellow Brick Road

All three of tribal casinos, which are overseen by the Oneida Indian Nation, offer sports betting activities. The Yellow Brick Road Casino’s sports betting area features a 32-foot video wall and over 30 large display TVs. Seven VIP areas for exclusive events and dozens of recliners are also available. There’s enough space for over 200 people in total.

Sports Betting Details For New York Gamblers

As with most forms of gambling, the minimum age for these sports betting activities in New York is 21-years-old. The gambling tax rate is 10 percent in New York, so make sure to set aside that amount from your winnings.

Sports betting in New York is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission. The commission allows betting on 11 sports in total, and all bets are restricted to certain leagues or tournaments. The available sports are:

• MLB and Olympic baseball
• NBA, WNBA, and NCAA Division I basketball
• NASCAR, Formula One and IndyCar Series auto racing
• Certain types of boxing
• UFC and Bellator MMA
• NFL, CFL, and NCAA FBS football
• Several types of golf tours and events
• Rugby World Cup
• Several leagues of soccer including FIFA World Cup
• Several tennis events and grand slam tournaments

Bettors in New York may not wager on local college team events if their home team is participating.

Aside from that, New Yorkers and visitors may place bets on any of the permitted events. There are several types of bets that can be made:

• Moneyline bets
• Futures bets
• Spread bets
• Totals bets
• Parlay bets
• In-game bets

How Are Neighboring States Approaching Legal Online Gambling?

Pennsylvania Online Gambling

Pennsylvania, in some ways, has a similar story to New York when it comes to online gambling. It’s just a little bit ahead of NY in the timeline.

Like most other states, Pennsylvania outlawed online gambling for a long time. This changed on October 30, 2017, after Gov. Tom Wolf signed a bill into law making online poker, online casinos, and online sports betting legal. This came many months before the Supreme Court declared PASPA to be unconstitutional.

As a result, Pennsylvania quickly began issuing licenses to 12 pre-existing racetrack and land-based casinos. This was an effort for the state to jumpstart or bootstrap its gambling activities in the pursuit of greater state revenue. The opportunity was great for existing casinos, too, which already had the brand recognition necessary to hit the ground running.

What Gambling Options Are Available In Pennsylvania?

Most types of online gambling are legal in Pennsylvania. Options include online casinos, online sports betting, online horse betting, daily fantasy sports, and more. Pennsylvania also allows players to participate in an online lottery, as well as intra-state games.

Pennsylvania officially launched online sweepstakes poker in November 2019. PokerStars is a great opportunity for online poker aficionados, and it’s something that could well come to New York soon.

It’s likely that online gambling, and especially live sports betting, will only continue to grow in Pennsylvania due to the revenue it’s generated. Live sportsbook events have generated $32 million in the last year alone. Add to this fact that Pennsylvania’s state government receives one of the highest amounts of revenue from gambling.

At the very least, Pennsylvania’s success with online gambling will likely inspire New York legislators to get going on their own legalization efforts.

New Jersey Online Gambling

New Jersey is way ahead of New York when it comes to legalizing online gambling. Online casinos have been legal since February 2013, with the first casinos launching shortly thereafter.

In the years since 2013, the New Jersey state government has benefited from nearly $1.5 billion in tax revenue from gambling. Hundreds of millions of tax dollars have come in from the online sites alone.

All this goes to show that online gambling is almost certainly there to stay in New Jersey. This kind of payoff is a great example for New York legislators who might be dragging their feet.

What Kinds Of Online Gambling Are In New Jersey?

Sports betting is alive and well in New Jersey. In fact, it was New Jersey lawmakers who helped push the Supreme Court to declare the PASPA unconstitutional the first place.

NJ online sportsbooks have numerous opportunities for new and experienced players alike. With nearly a dozen brick-and-mortar locations, players can bet on most major sports within New Jersey borders.

New Jersey is also a great state when it comes to online poker. Poker apps partnered with land-based casinos like Caesars, Resorts, or Borgata are available. PokerStars has a presence here, too.

Online horse betting in New Jersey is also option as are daily fantasy sports (DFS).

The one area where New Jersey doesn’t allow online play is the lottery. Though they do have a lottery app, it’s only usable for checking lottery winnings and tickets (as long as you picked up those tickets in person).

All in all, New Jersey is likely a picture of New York’s future as it pertains to online gambling. While it will likely be several years until New York reaches that point, it seems inevitable considering the direction that the legislative wind is blowing.

Legal Online Gambling In New York FAQ

Which states near New York have legal online sports betting?

Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These two states are both close to New York geographically and have legal online sports betting in addition to other legalized forms of online gambling.

Of the two, New Jersey has a wider variety of online gambling activities. Pennsylvania does have some variety, but they are a little further behind. Regardless, both are solid options compared to New York, which does not currently have legal online sports betting.

Will New York legalize online sports betting or casino games in 2020?

It’s not likely. New York’s government recently passed a budget document in which they had the opportunity to place online casino gambling or online sports betting as important agenda items. They decided to pass in favor of other concerns.

Thus, the next opportunity for the legalization of online casino games or sports betting will be in the spring of 2021. Even if it gets passed then, it likely won’t be until 2022 that things start changing.

Is Global Poker an option from New York?

Yes. New Yorkers can play Global Poker games because they use a sweepstakes model. Since the site doesn’t allow you to play games for real money, it remains a legal option.

Are legal online sportsbooks available in New York?

No. However, New York does allow retail sportsbooks and in-person sports betting at a wide variety of casinos.

Is FanDuel available from New York?

Yes. Players can participate in FanDuel features like daily fantasy sports (DFS). However, the company’s online casinos and poker games are not legal to play within New York’s borders.

Does New York allow legal online casinos?

Not at this time. However, New York may revisit legislation concerning legal online casinos in 2021.

Is Sports Betting Legal In New York?

New York sports betting has taken a turn in the right direction, but there’s still more work to do to catch up with its neighbors.

As of January 2019, New York State offers physical sportsbooks. The closest in-state option to New York City is Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, while most of the rest are located in Upstate New York toward Binghamton, Syracuse, and Albany.

However, the state has yet to legalize online sports betting. It’s currently being discussed as part of an emergency revenue-raising strategy in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. If authorization of online sports betting apps is included, we expect NY online sports betting apps to launch in 2021. If it isn’t, online sportsbooks won’t become a reality in New York until at least 2023.

Mobile Sports Betting In New York

According to State Senator Joseph Addabbo, the senator spearheading the campaign to bring mobile sports betting to New York, there is a possibility that mobile sports betting could become legal. In October 2020, NY Sports Day interviewed Sen. Addabbo about the chances and he seemed positive. Specifically, he hoped to see mobile sports betting in time for Super Bowl LV and March Madness.

Addabbo clearly recognizes the importance of mobile betting to the New York economy. New York online sports betting could help plug a multi-billion dollar budget deficit that has only been exacerbated during 2020. Mobile sports betting could bring in $900 million annually in state revenue.

Governor Cuomo, thus far, has stood in the way of progress on this front, finding any movement on gambling in New York State would require an amendment to the state Constitution. The mobile sports betting bill passed the state senate by a vote of 57-5, so at this point, Governor Cuomo’s signature is the final hurdle.

Current NY Online Sportsbook App Options

While waiting for mobile sports betting in New York, it is possible to sign up at these online sportsbooks in New York and bet in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

If you would like to place wagers online or via a sportsbook app, your best choice is to sign-up and deposit while in New York and cross the border into New Jersey or Pennsylvania to place your bets. New users at DraftKings get a 20% deposit bonus up to $1000. This is likely a faster option than going to any of the physical New York sportsbooks which are listed below.

A great option for NY players that are willing to travel to New Jersey to place bets. New users at Sugarhouse sportsbook get 100% up to $250 dollars with a 1x wager requirement. This is a great bonus for players looking for a solid sportsbook with an easy to get bonus.

Download In New York And Bet In New Jersey

Here are all of the mobile sportsbooks that licensed in New Jersey and available to New Yorkers once they are inside of New Jersey state lines:

• FanDuel Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• PointsBet
• SugarHouse Sportsbook
• BetMGM Sportsbook
• William Hill
• 888 Sport
• Caesars Sportsbook
• FOX Bet
• Hard Rock Sportsbook
• Golden Nugget Sportsbook
• BetAmerica
• Bet365 NJ
• theScore Bet
• Borgata Sports
• Unibet Sport

All New York Sportsbook Locations

For the time being, New York sports betting locations are limited to casinos. Legally, New Yorkers cannot yet place a bet online or at an off-track betting (OTB) facility.

Here are all the locations currently accepting NY sports bets. We’ve also included whether there’s a New Jersey sportsbook app for those who find themselves in the Garden State.

Top 3 Best Sportsbooks In New York State

DraftKings Sportsbook

There is simply no avoiding the two most successful mobile sportsbook apps, FanDuel and DraftKings. They’re producing successful results in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania that hit too close to home for New York to ignore.

In fact, DraftKings currently operates a sportsbook app in seven of the legal online betting states. Now, success in other states notwithstanding, DraftKings has an affiliation on their side. DraftKings sportsbook app in New Jersey is under the sports betting license of Resorts World.

This is the same Resorts World that operates three casinos in New York. One of their locations is the Resorts World Catskills, and it’s one of the legal sportsbook venues in New York.

Due to DraftKings’s massive customer base, proven track record, and ties to current New York sportsbook operations, they’re at the top of any list of candidates for New York mobile sportsbook app providers.

Plus, the DraftKings app in other states is currently pushing $1,000 worth of new accounts and first deposit incentives, so it can’t come soon enough.

FanDuel Sportsbook

FanDuel has just as strong a chance of gaining access to New York’s mobile sports betting market as its daily fantasy sports (DFS) rival DraftKings. They’re currently operating successful mobile sportsbook apps in five states, with bordering New Jersey and Pennsylvania being two of them.

One of the current physical FanDuel sportsbook locations in New York is at the Tioga Downs Casino Resort. FanDuel provides all sportsbook operations at this venue.

Already having skin in the New York sports betting game should certainly bode well for FanDuel. And the fact that they have overwhelmed their competition right across the border in New Jersey will be a huge factor as well.

FanDuel and DraftKings have a huge sportsbook app presence already established across the country. One or both operate in nearly every state where online betting is legal, and their DFS platforms are the far and wide leaders. They also provide the logistic platform for a number of brick-and-mortar sportsbook facilities, including at a couple of New York sportsbooks.

When FanDuel does launch its sportsbook app, FanDuel will almost certainly pass along the same $500 risk-free first bet opportunity it offers in other states.

Rivers Sportsbook

BetRivers doesn’t have the kind of name recognition as FanDuel and DraftKings. But their mobile app is offered in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Indiana, and Colorado.

So whenever New York decides to allow online sports betting, you can expect the BetRivers app to be one of the choices.

In the meantime, you can head to Schenectady, NY; Philadelphia, PA; or Pittsburgh, PA to experience the Rivers Sportsbook in person. It’s the same odds you’ll find on their highly popular sports betting website. And you can use the odds picker to make your selection ahead of time.

At the Schenectady location, you can bet via 14 self-serve kiosks or six betting windows. They have close to two dozen TVs, luxury seating, and food and drink service.

Not too shabby, but we’re holding out for the online version. In New Jersey, the BetRivers app will double your first deposit up to $250.

The Recent History Of New York State’s Sports Betting Legislation

Brick-And-Mortar Sportsbooks

New York’s legislators approved regulations for sports betting at physical locations in January 2019.

After watching New Jersey’s success, lawmakers realized that revenue was simply walking across the proverbial state line. When Pennsylvania legalized sportsbooks, the problem compounded. The idea that New York would hand over much-needed financial revenue seemed senseless to all residents and sports fans alike.

Nevertheless, it took roughly a year to open the first sportsbook. But in October 2019, folks in Upstate New York could finally place legal sports bets.

Even though New York was the 14th state to permit sports betting, it restricted sportsbook venues to four upstate casinos. They included no provisions in the legislation for mobile betting. Many were scratching their heads at this development.

Online Sportsbooks Apps

While lawmakers saw the success of other states that came before them, they seemed to ignore the numbers. In June 2019, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. attempted to amend the sports betting bill to include online wagering.

The bill passed the New York Senate by a 57 to 5 vote. However, Governor Cuomo vetoed the bill. There was overwhelming support for an online amendment to the final sports betting legislation, but Cuomo publicly said he would not approve it.

To date, there seems to be little progress toward opening up New York to mobile sports bettors. New Jersey specifically showed tremendous promise from each licensed sportsbook app operating in the state. Eighty percent of the betting revenue was generated online.

Why So Much Resistance From The Governor?

The path to legal sports betting in New York was bumpy. Clearly, the process of including mobile sportsbook apps is proving even more difficult. Nearly all the resistance comes from the governor’s office. Most who hope to change his mind are at a loss for any actual reason.

Governor Cuomo’s black eye in a battle with two prominent sportsbook players, FanDuel and DraftKings, may be part of the issue. Cuomo lost that battle to have each of these daily fantasy sports (DFS) companies ruled illegal in his state, and both offer DFS in NYS today.

While there is no direct evidence pointing to any personal animosity, it would seem his resistance to online sports betting is a reality. And some assume it stems from his administration’s legal defeat.

As New York faces extreme financial hardship due to COVID-19 and other factors, it would seem like a time to put petty differences aside. And there is some hope from the final outcome of the New York vs. DFS legal squabble.

The governor ultimately did sign the law in August 2016, which ruled that daily DFS contests are not a form of gambling. There were rumors that Cuomo was going to veto that bill, but he didn’t.

Regardless, since The United States Supreme Court overturned the federal ban on sports betting in 2013, New York’s highest office has displayed reluctance toward welcoming mobile sportsbook operations with open arms. In fact, it’s been essentially a no-go proposition.

In his defense, Cuomo insists that legal mobile sports betting would require amending the New York State Constitution. Despite a collective bipartisan disagreement on that being legal truth, that’s really the only bonafide reason the governor presented.

The governor also floated the idea that he had reservations about everyone being able to bet from their phone. During a radio interview, Cuomo wasn’t pressed on his reasoning behind that substance-lacking excuse.

Problem gambling in his state seemed to be the impetus behind his concerns. However, lawmakers have already visited this problem inside the legislation. The bill to amend the legal sports betting law included 14 points to deal with problem gambling issues.

While lawmakers have apparently tried to dot all their i’s and cross all their t’s, Cuomo still voices resistance to mobile sportsbooks. However, the staff at the New York Treasurer’s Office may be whispering to him that a new wind of change needs to be in the air.

Could Change Be In The Air?

New York was in bad financial straits before the coronavirus pandemic. Now, the state is staring down the face of bankruptcy after COVID-19 has devastated its already bleak monetary outlook.

There isn’t a single state currently allowing legal sports bets that hasn’t benefited financially from the decision. New York lawmakers realized that when they agreed to open physical locations.

Nevertheless, there is no disputing the massive amount of betting handle that is wagered using mobile devices. Reports surfaced last year that Senator Addabbo was pushing his mobile app legislation, and 84 lawmakers supported the idea.

The only hope for legalization in 2020 is if mobile sports betting is part of a bill to prevent bankruptcy. While it could still be vetoed by Cuomo, the state may be desperate enough for him to put his concerns aside.

Can New Yorkers Bet Using New Jersey Sports Betting Apps?

New Jersey is one of the most liberal states when it comes to online gambling. They currently offer online sportsbooks, online casinos, and poker sites, which covers all the bases.

On the online sports betting front, New Jersey has at least 17 different sportsbook options. The state also does not require you to register in-person, which means you can download the app and sign up for an account from New York State (or anywhere else in the country).

However, you do need to be physically located in New Jersey to place a bet through the online sportsbooks.

Physical New York Sportsbooks Are Online In New Jersey

As painful as that fact may be, all the top sportsbooks in New York State are available to bettors in the Garden State – and they don’t need to leave home to wager. But there’s good news.

If you’re willing to enter New Jersey to bet, you can participate in the welcome bonuses, place bets, and withdraw your winnings despite being an NYS resident. The only requirements are that you’re at least 21 years old and you’re within New Jersey state lines.

Is It Legal For New Yorkers To Bet In New Jersey?

Yes, it is completely legal for you to travel to New Jersey and bet online. You don’t even need to leave your car. Just make sure location tracking is turned on in the app, pull over somewhere safe, place your bet, then head on home.

If you’re closer to the New Jersey border than you are to a New York sportsbook, this is likely the easiest way to place a legal bet. The same is true for New York State residents who live close to the Pennsylvania border.

New York Sports Betting: Everything You Can And Can’t Bet On

Sports You Can Bet On In New York

You can bet on all forms of professional and out-of-state collegiate sporting events listed at the sportsbook. You can also bet on international competitions, from Korean baseball to French soccer.

The most popular sporting events for folks in New York include:

• Super Bowl
• World Series
• NCAA March Madness
• The World Cup

The professional New York and New Jersey teams that inspire the most betting are:

• New York Knicks
• Brooklyn Nets
• New York City FC
• New York Mets
• New York Rangers
• Buffalo Bills
• Buffalo Sabres
• New York Islanders
• New Jersey Devils

Sports Wagers Not Offered In New York By Law

You cannot bet on in-state college athletics in New York State. That means powerhouses like Syracuse, Buffalo, and Army are strictly off-limits.

You also can’t bet on high school sports or any sport with participants under the age of 18 (like esports).

What Are The Types Of Sports Bets Available In New York?

As long as you’re not betting on in-state colleges and universities, everything else is fair game. You can bet as much as the sportsbook is willing to accept as well. And you should be able to wager for as little as $1.00 or less.

The specific types of bets might depend on the sportsbook. But all of the sports betting outlets in New York State offer the following options:

• Moneyline
• Points Spread
• Totals (Over/Under)
• Futures
• Prop Bets
• Parlays/Accumulators

All New York sportsbooks also offer in-game (AKA live) betting, where you can place a bet on a game after it’s begun.

Beyond those options, things get a bit more nuanced. Specific sports have specific types of bets. For example, the Grand Salami for hockey. Some sportsbooks will offer teasers and pleasers, others won’t.

You can call ahead to see what’s on offer before driving to a casino. Many sportsbooks also have a “bet builder” tool on their website so you can determine your bets ahead of time.

Are There Bonuses At Physical Sportsbooks In New York?

No, not in the same sense as an online sportsbook bonus. The casino may have some promotional offers, such as a spin for a prize when you sign up for their reward program.

But the “first deposit” and “risk-free” bet offered by Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers are not offered at the physical location. When online sports betting comes to New York, you’ll have your pick of numerous bonus offers.

However, it’s still worthwhile to sign up for the rewards programs. You can earn points that can be used toward hotel stays, tickets to shows, free meals, and other special offers.

Is It Worth It To Use Illegal Sports Betting Sites?

No. Some people will beg to differ with us on that, but it’s just not.

Offshore betting sites are breaking New York State law. In fact, their lack of oversight allows them to offer their services practically anywhere. The question is: What else can these websites do with impunity? When a bettor doesn’t have any real recourse if there’s a dispute, that’s an unsafe betting site, period.

What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New York State 2017

What’s to say your personal information is safe? Will you be paid out your winnings? Are the bonus terms and conditions reasonable, or are they designed to rip you off?

You can do research, read reviews, and weigh the risks. But at the end of the day, isn’t gambling risky enough? Do you really want to add potentially joining an illegitimate website into the mix?

It’s understandable that someone might consider offshore alternatives. If you just want to put ten bucks on the game you’re watching, it’s probably not worth it to get in the car and drive to Chittenango, NY, or the New Jersey border.

But the safest answer isn’t to join an illegal site. The safest choice is to not bet on the game.

What Is The Legal Gambling Age In New York State Will

Remember to Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you think you have a gambling problem.

Sports Betting In NY – Common Questions

Yes. In January 2019, New York State legalized sports betting, and the first locations opened in October 2019. New York currently prohibits online sports betting in every form except for Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS). But New York residents can travel to New Jersey or Pennsylvania to legally place online sports bets.

Technically, yes. But no casino in New York City offers sports betting, and OTB facilities cannot host sports betting.

In fact, the state’s largest casino, Resorts World at JFK Airport, does not host a sportsbook.

That means New Yorkers need to travel upstate or into neighboring states to place a legal sports bet.

If you are physically located within New Jersey, you are able to place online bets via any of the New Jersey sportsbook apps. You are allowed to sign-up and deposit while in New York but sports betting apps check your location (via GPS) when placing a bet.

We estimate that NY online sports betting would bring $900 million dollars in annual revenue and up to $1.3 billion if skins are allowed. New York would quickly become one of the largest online sports betting markets in the United States.

Between 18 and 21. At New York State tribal casinos, the gambling age is 18. At commercial casinos, the gambling age is 21. You’ll still need to be 21 at the tribal casinos to purchase alcohol or gain access to some events.

Yes. But not if any of the competitors are under the age of 18, which may be why you rarely find esport contests listed at American sportsbooks.

The most prominent professional teams employ the best players in the world, many of which are under 18. But it is possible to see bets on the highest profile tournaments, such as the League of Legends World Championship.

All professional and collegiate level sports except for in-state schools. You can bet on all major leagues in the US and internationally. All NCAA contests are also fair game unless they involve schools like Syracuse, Buffalo, and so on. You cannot bet on amateur or high school sports, the weather, TV, or politics either.

Yes, as long as no in-state schools are playing. That means most Division 1 NCAA schools are fair game. And if you are betting on out-of-state schools, you should be able to place all the same bets as you would on a professional sport, including in-game betting.

But betting on college football games that feature Syracuse, Buffalo, Army, or any other in-state school are explicitly not allowed.

Yes. You’ll need to pay the 24% federal income tax as well as New York income tax on net gambling winnings. This includes anything won at the casino, sportsbook, or lottery. You also may need to pay an additional city tax depending on where you live in the New York Metropolitan Area.

Yes, the physical DraftKings Sportsbook has a presence in New York. You can find the DraftKings sportsbook at del Lago Resort, which is located in the Finger Lakes region.

DraftKings does not yet have an app available in New York. They’ll need to wait until the state greenlights online sports betting.

Yes. The FanDuel Sportsbook is available in Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols, New York, a racino that offers both casino games and sports betting as well as on-site horse racing.

However, the FanDuel Sportsbook app can only be used if you travel to Pennsylvania or New Jersey, where online sports betting is legal.