Online Gambling in
New York
New York has a variety of legal gambling options ranging from land based casinos to horse racing and a lottery. As many states begin to legalize online gambling, New York has yet to follow suit. However, this is likely to change soon.
Legal casino gambling began in New York following the approval of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988. This led to three Native American tribes now operating seven casinos in the state of New York. These properties offer players thousands of slot machines as well as numerous table games. Due to the success of these casinos, legal provisions were made to add up to seven non-tribal casinos. Consequently, four new casinos are available to New York residents.
Although New York has been tough on gambling in any form in the past, that stance is changing. Sports betting is now available in the state, with Rivers Casino & Resort opening New York’s first retail sportsbook. Following the result of a voter referendum, the four non-tribal casinos can now offer legal sports betting. Turning Stone Resort Casino became the first tribal casino in New York to begin taking wagers.
We will keep New York residents up to date with any changes to the state’s online gambling laws. We will also keep you posted on NY casino news and reveal what bonuses and promotions you can expect to receive when online casinos are allowed to go live.
Is It Legal In New York?
Online casinos are currently not allowed to operate in the state of New York. Players who want to play for real money at online casinos can travel across state lines to New Jersey or Pennsylvania. The only online gaming option in New York is Chumba Casino. This does allow New Yorkers to play slots thanks to the casino’s sweepstakes model, but the game selection is small compared to other operators.
While currently mobile and online gaming is not allowed in New York, efforts are being made to change this. Lawmakers hoped Governor Andrew Cuomo would include mobile betting as part of the final budget proposal, but the final budget submitted in April did not include this.
However, everything points to a relaxing of gambling laws in New York. Since 2013, most legislation has included an increase in gambling activities, rather than a decrease. There have been four commercial casinos built in New York in the last six years. Land based sports betting is now available, and online sports betting is expected to follow.
There is definitely progress being made in the legalization of online gambling in New York. Online casinos and NY online poker are likely to be given the green light in the next couple of years.
NY Land Based Gambling Options
There are several land based properties where residents can legally play for real money after the expansion of gambling options in New York in recent years. There are numerous commercial casinos in New York thanks to a gaming extension which was granted in 2013. This gave state lawmakers the ability to award up to seven licenses to operators.
Four casinos have been awarded licenses, the casinos are:
- del Lago Resort & Casino
- Resorts World Catskills
- Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
- Tioga Downs Casino Resort
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Rivers Casino & Resort and Tioga Downs became the first casinos to offer sports betting through retail sportsbooks, with more expected to follow. Moreover, the state of New York also has seven tribal casinos. These are managed by one of the three Native American tribes. The tribal casinos include:
- Akwesasne Mohawk Casino (Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe)
- Point Place Casino (Oneida Indian Nation)
- Seneca Allegany Casino (Seneca Nation of New York)
- Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (Seneca Nation of New York)
- Turning Stone Resort Casino (Oneida Indian Nation)
- Yellow Brick Road Casino (Oneida Indian Nation)
All of the casinos listed above are allowed to open sportsbooks should they wish. Currently, only Turning Stone Resort is accepting sports wagers.
Additionally, eight racinos offer slot machines and table games in New York. These are:
- Batavia Downs
- Empire City Casino Yonkers Raceway
- Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack
- Hamburg Gaming at the Fairgrounds
- Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino
- Resorts World New York City Casino
- Saratoga Casino and Raceway
- Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel
Since 2018, regulators in New York have been drawing up plans to manage sports betting in the Big Apple. More land based properties will likely offer retail sportsbooks shortly before online gaming is made legal in the state.
New York Online Horse Betting
New York has a great tradition of horse racing, so it is little surprise that it allows online horse betting. Three well-known gambling operators accept online wagers from New York residents who are:
- BetAmerica
- TwinSpires
- TVG
Please note, however, that residents of New York playing on BetAmerica can only bet on BetAmerica races and cannot play in the site’s contests.
Bonuses & Promotions at New York Casinos
It is currently illegal to play for real money at online casinos in New York. You can gamble at land based properties, but there is no regulation in place for the online market. However, New York residents can be ready when online casinos are made legal by familiarizing themselves with the typical casino bonus offers they can expect.
Welcome Bonus
As we have seen in states such as New Jersey, the online gaming market is very competitive. Online casinos try and entice players by offering generous welcome bonuses to encourage them to sign up. A casino will provide players with bonus funds once they have signed up and allow them to use those funds on a select number of games. Once you have officially signed up, your casino account will be credited with the bonus funds.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit bonus is ideal for those who are new to online casinos. It gives you the chance to test some games, such as slots or blackjack, without playing for real money. The only requirement needed to qualify for this bonus is to create a casino account. Once you have done this, you will receive bonus funds without even making a deposit.
Banking
Online casinos will usually offer the same deposit and withdrawal methods, including instant options such as e-wallets. It is important players have easy ways to access their funds and are not waiting a while to receive them following the excitement of a big win. The most common payment options at online casinos include:
- Visa/Mastercard
- PayPal
- Neteller
- Skrill
- ACH/E-check
- Online Bank transfer
- PayNearMe at 7-Eleven
Once online gaming is legal in New York, online casinos will be regulated and licensed by the relevant authority. This means financial transactions will be safe and secure.
New York Gambling News
We will update this page with any breaking gambling news from the Big Apple. Check back on this page for NY online gambling news, including new casino legislation, casino game updates, and more.
