New York Online Casinos and Gambling Sites
The New York gambling industry is growing rapidly as efforts are being made to bring more land-based casinos and online services to the market. The state is currently a grey area regarding New York online casinos, so visitors and residents must learn more about the industry and state laws.
This guide gives you direct insight into the gambling industry in New York. Learn how to spot a reputable online operator and sign up for a new account. You can easily begin participating in iGaming by utilizing our research to your benefit.
Gambling Highlights
The following table provides a snapshot of what forms of gambling are legal in the state, from online casinos to land-based casinos and other forms of gambling such as state lottery.
Is Gambling Legal?
Yes
Legal Gambling Age
21+
Land-Based Casinos
Yes
Online Casinos
Grey Area
Land-Based Sports Betting
Yes
Online Sportsbooks
Yes
Legal State Lottery
Yes
Charitable Gambling
Yes
Table of Contents
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Is Online Gambling Legal in New York?
Key Takeaways
- Online casinos are illegal in New York.
- The law doesn’t ban gambling at sites outside of the state.
- There is no history of prosecuting residents for gambling online.
- Sports betting online is legal.
Gambling on the internet in New York exists in a grey area. State-regulated online casinos are illegal, but there is no law explicitly stating that residents can’t play at gambling sites licensed elsewhere, and no one has ever been prosecuted for doing so.
Although legislation to legalize online casinos failed to pass in 2023, it will likely be brought forth again for another vote in 2024.
Meanwhile, sports betting online has been up and running since 2022, with multiple popular sportsbooks operating in the state.
Take an in-depth look at New York’s gambling laws.
Best New York Online Casinos in 2024
We have done dozens of reviews to find the most reliable gambling sites with superior games, user experience, bonuses, and customer support. Through this in-depth research, I’ve compiled a list of the best online casinos for New York players.
| RANK | CASINO | BONUS | PAYOUT SPEED | LICENSED | TOTAL GAMES | SLOTS | OUR RATING | CLICK TO PLAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
DuckyLuck Casino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-5 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 699 | SLOTS 600 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 2 |
Super Slots |
BONUS 250% up to $6,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 502 | SLOTS 372 | OUR RATING 3.8 / 5 | Play Now |
| 3 |
Red Dog Casino |
BONUS $8,000 Welcome Bonus | PAYOUT SPEED 1-3 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 1544 | SLOTS 1312 | OUR RATING 4 / 5 | Play Now |
| 4 |
SlotsandCasino |
BONUS 500% up to $7,500 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-2 Days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 691 | SLOTS 594 | OUR RATING 3.9 / 5 | Play Now |
| 5 |
Wild Casino |
BONUS 100% up to $5,000 | PAYOUT SPEED 1-7 days | LICENSED Yes | TOTAL GAMES 1020 | SLOTS 802 | OUR RATING 4.1 / 5 | Play Now |
*Last Updated: November, 2024
Top Recommended Online Casinos: Main Features
Depending on your preferences, some online casinos might suit you better than others. Below are my top two picks for different kinds of players.
Best New York Site for Slots & Casino Games
If you like to spin the reels, DuckyLuck is the perfect place for you.
This site is geared towards slots with a wide selection of quality titles, many progressives, and a long list of bonuses that give you free spins.
New York players will also find a fantastic selection of casino games, including craps, roulette, blackjack, poker, and even unique titles like Card Clash.
The live dealer games are brought to you by the cutting-edge provider, FreshDeck Studios. They offer blackjack, roulette, and baccarat tables with varying limits and HD streaming.
Top Features
- A fantastic catalog of table games with hard-to-find titles
- High-quality slot from leading software developers
- Leading live dealer studios
Best New York Sports Betting Site
Established in 1994, BetUS’ longstanding presence in the industry adds an extra layer of reliability, setting it apart from newer competitors.
The platform not only boasts a user-friendly online sportsbook but also offers various gambling options like an online casino, racebook, eSports betting, and an inclusive VIP program for real-money players.
BetUS stands out with its competitive odds and excellent software. They also have a range of bonus offers and promos for new and existing players.
This gambling site offers diverse sports betting markets, including unique options not found on other sites and an extensive list of game props for basketball and football.
Top Features
- 30 years in the market
- Unique betting options
- Reasonable rollover requirements
How We Choose the Best Online Casinos
When selecting the best online casinos for New Yorkers, I ensure they meet a strict set of criteria. The following factors are the ones I consider most important when choosing a gambling site to play:
Reputation
The casino must have positive reviews from multiple sources and an overall good reputation.Fast & Reliable Payments
Quick, reliable, and varied payout methods are signs of a trustworthy gambling site. I deposit and withdraw to confirm the processes are satisfactory.Security & Safety
An online casino should use SSL encryption to secure players’ information.Game Variety
What is a gambling site without games? I look for an extensive catalog with a wide variety.Quality Bonuses
Bonuses should boost your gameplay, but not all of them are created equal. I ensure they are beneficial and have reasonable terms and conditions.
Top Online Casino Games in New York
When it comes to real money games online, the choices are endless. Let’s look at all the games you can access from the Empire State.
Online Slots
Online slots are a top choice for New Yorkers, with a wide selection of out-of-state licensed sites. While state-regulated land-based casinos are available, online options typically provide better advantages.
Online casinos offer higher RTP % and features like expanding wilds, free spins, and low minimum bets, usually starting at just one penny.
Online Poker
New York gamblers can enjoy various poker games and tournaments on offshore sites. These platforms provide options for high- and low-stakes games, with substantial prize pools and a diverse range of titles.
In contrast, land-based poker rooms offer classic games like three-card poker, Texas Hold ‘Em, Caribbean Stud, and tournaments.
Online Blackjack
Blackjack is one of the most popular table games, offers New Yorkers a wide array of variations online. Gambling sites feature titles such as Spanish 21, Perfect Pairs, and Rolling Stack.
Land-based casinos in New York provide standard games like Blazing 7s and multi-deck blackjack. However, for lower bet minimums and greater variety, online play is the better choice.
Live Dealer Games
New York players can access live dealer games, replicating the brick-and-mortar casino experience at home. Live dealer studios utilize HD streaming for real-time gameplay with real dealers, whether it’s cards or roulette.
Games include European roulette, baccarat, and blackjack, with flexible table limits. Engage with dealers and fellow players through the live chat function.
Other Online Casino Games
There are even more games you can play online in New York, like Keno, scratch cards, and craps. Take a look below.
Online Casino Bonuses
One of the most advantageous facets of playing online versus in person is the bonuses available to you.
Welcome Bonuses
Large introductory offers that nearly every online gambling site provides to new players.
Free Spin Offers
Promotional deals that give you a set number of free rounds on specific games.
Reload Deals
Get additional bonus cash when you deposit additional funds or top off your account.
Our Favorite Bonuses
Two of the top promotions for New Yorkers are from Red Dog Casino and DuckyLuck. Learn why these are my top picks.
500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins Welcome Bonus
DuckyLuck offers a 500% up to $7,500 + 150 free spins welcome bonus and gives you 150 free spins a day for three days on select slots.
The rollover requirements are 30x, and you don’t need a code to claim this offer.
Just deposit a minimum of $25.
Up to $8,000 Welcome Package
New players at Red Dog can get a $8,000 Welcome Package when they sign up.
The rollover requirements are 40x, and the max payout for this offer is 30x the bonus. You only need to deposit a minimum of $20
Use the code PATIO to claim this offer.
Casino Apps
New Yorkers don’t need to download an app to play online casino games. The gambling sites available to you are optimized for your browser.
Visit the site, log in, and play. Sports bettors, on the other hand, do have options for download.
Sites like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM all offer mobile phone apps for wagering on the go in the Empire State.
Legal Gambling Facts for New York Players
Here are some facts about New York’s online casino industry and overall gambling options.
- Gambling online at casinos outside of New York is not explicitly outlawed.
- Many offshore online casinos accept New York players.
- Most offshore gambling sites available to residents of New York are licensed and adhere to strict standards and security measures.
- You can often find unique games online, like Andar Bahar, that land-based casinos in New York don’t offer.
- Crypto is a quick and secure banking method that many gambling sites for New Yorkers offer.
- Most online casinos that accept New York players offer welcome bonuses for your first deposit.
- Many offshore sites won’t permit you to deposit or withdraw using a US bank account.
NY Gambling Laws Summary
Gambling in New York is only permitted under certain circumstances as defined by the law. State-run lotteries, horse race betting, tribal and commercial casinos, charitable gaming, and social gambling are allowed.
Although online casinos are not legal in the state, the law does not address gambling at online casinos licensed elsewhere and has never prosecuted anyone for doing so.
In addition, online sports betting is legal. Below is a summary of what you need to know regarding all forms of gambling in the Empire State.
| New York Gambling | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Land-based casinos in New York | Land-based casinos are permitted in New York. There are 25 tribal, commercial, and racinos throughout the state, with many offering a full spectrum of games. |
| Online Gambling | Online casinos are not allowed to operate in the state of New York, but gambling at offshore sites is not outlawed. |
| Online Sports Betting and Land-Based | Mobile sports betting launched in New York in 2022, and residents can wager on many popular sports books online, as well as 11 retail locations. |
| State Lottery | New York has many state-run lotteries, including draw games and scratch-offs. |
| Charitable Gambling | Charitable gambling hosted by non-profit organizations is legal in the form of bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, and casino game nights. |
| Poker | Poker is legal in New York at licensed land-based casinos and poker clubs. |
| Horse & Dog Racing | Dog racing is illegal in New York, but horse racing is permitted. Four race tracks, seven Harness tracks, and five off-track betting sites exist. |
| Fantasy Sports | Daily Fantasy Sports is legal and has been regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission since 2016. |
| Social Gambling | Social gambling, or private games, is allowed in New York as long as no one makes a profit from organizing such an event. |
| Taxes on Gambling Winnings | According to New York’s Department of Taxation and Finance, for individuals residing in New York State, any prize winnings are liable to New York State income tax, provided they are included in the federal adjusted gross income for the tax year. Additionally, residents of New York City or Yonkers will be subject to the relevant city resident income taxes on their prize payments. |
Disclaimer: The information on this page does not, nor does it intend to, constitute legal advice. This page is for learning purposes and may not have the most up-to-date information year-round. Readers should contact their attorney and/or accountant for advice concerning any particular legal matter. Do not take any action without first contacting a lawyer in your state.
Gambling Laws: A Deep Dive
New York has a firm stance on gambling regulation but doesn’t ban the activity entirely.
You can gamble in this state if you are within certain boundaries. Below, I will take a deep dive into all the different forms of gambling and the intricacies of the law.
Land-Based Casinos
There are around 25 land-based casinos in New York, including 12 commercial and 15 tribal locations. With the passage of a commercial gaming bill in 2013, seven casinos were approved to provide class 3 games, which allow players to bet against the house.
That includes table games such as blackjack and roulette, slot machines that use random number generators, sportsbooks, and video poker.
A number of other casinos and racinos offer class 2 games, which are non-banked card games and slot machines.
Horse & Dog Tracks
Dog racing was never legalized in New York, and most states have banned the practice. However, horse racing has a long history in the Empire State. In fact, the first horse race in America took place in 1665 on what is now Long Island.
There are currently four thoroughbred racing tracks, seven Harness tracks, and around 170 off-track betting locations in New York.
Bingo, Lottery, and Charitable Gambling
Bingo is legal at land-based casinos and bingo halls throughout the state of New York.
Charitable gambling is also legal so long as it is conducted by non-profit organizations that obtain a license. They can offer bingo, raffles, and casino game nights.
New York has a variety of state-regulated lotteries such as Powerball, scratch-offs, and Mega Millions.
Social Gaming at Home
Social gaming at home is legal in New York under a few stipulations. No one is permitted to collect any rake or fees, everyone must have an equal chance of winning, and the game must be in a private location.
Poker Rooms and Clubs
Poker is legal at licensed poker rooms and clubs around the state. Private poker clubs are permitted if they follow social gaming laws.
The owner must refrain from taking a rake or charging a fee, although some of these organizations break the rules and fly under the radar.
The safest bet is to play at state-regulated casinos. The largest licensed poker room in Resorts World Catskills offers 20 tables and 180 seats 24 hours a day.
Sports Betting
While a bill was passed in 2013 to legalize land-based sports betting in New York, the first retail sportsbook didn’t open until 2019.
Online sports betting was soon to follow and launched in 2022. New York now has nine sportsbooks in operation, which are proving to be massively popular.
The state saw a record-breaking revenue of $165.6 million from mobile sports betting in September of 2023 alone.
Casinos in New York
There are currently around 25 land-based casinos in New York, including tribal and commercial locations. Some offer a full range of house-banked games, while others only provide class 2. Below is an interactive map showing all of the casinos in the state.
Top New York Casinos
- Del Lago Resort and Casino
- Seneca Niagara Hotel and Casino
- Resorts World Catskills
- Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
- Turning Stone Resort Casino
Gambling Summary
- Total Casinos: 25
- Poker Rooms: 11
- Tribal Casinos: 15
- Commercial Casinos: 12
New York Gambling vs. Neighboring States
When it comes to gambling laws, how does the Empire State stack up to its neighbors? Let’s find out.
| State | Is Gambling Legal? | Legal Gambling Age | Legal Land-Based Casinos | Playing at Online Casinos | Legal Sports Betting | Legal State Lottery | Charitable Gaming |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Grey Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Legal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Vermont | Yes | 18-21 | Not Legal | Grey Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Massachusetts | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Grey Area | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | 18-21 | Legal | Legal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
When you look at the surrounding areas of New York, you get varied results. Some states, like Vermont and Massachusetts, are more strict with their gambling laws.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania and Connecticut are very relaxed and have legalized online casinos.
New York falls somewhere in the middle of the two extremes, offering a mixed bag of legalized forms of gambling but not quite progressive enough to give online casinos the green light.
A Brief History of New York Gambling
Gambling has a long and complicated history in New York. In 1878, it was the first state to ban lotteries and didn’t reverse its stance until almost one hundred years later, in 1967. However, people enjoyed plenty of other forms of gambling, legal or otherwise.
Cards, dice, and games of chance were popular, as well as horse race betting. Although horse racing has its roots in the state, legal wagering on the sport wasn’t permitted until 1939, and off-track betting didn’t follow until 1970.
A crack in the dam happened in 1993 when Governor Cuomo signed a compact with the Oneida tribe, bringing the first Indian casino to the state with many more to follow.
In 2001, the state approved video lottery terminals at race tracks, paving the way for racinos to open in 2004. Finally, in 2013, New York legalized commercial casinos.
Responsible Gambling Initiatives
The New York Gaming Commission provides a number of services to help players gamble responsibly. It offers a confidential support hotline 24 hours a day, self-assessment tools for identifying problematic behavior, and a voluntary self-exclusion form.
Players can also contact the following organizations:
If you want to know more, please visit our responsible gambling page.
Summary: New York’s Gambling Journey
New York has come a long way in its gambling journey but has made its largest strides in just the past ten years. With the legalization of commercial casinos and, most recently, online sportsbooks, things are looking up for Empire State gamblers.
Although legislation to bring online casinos into fruition failed to pass in 2023, there is reason to believe 2024 will see another chance.
If it succeeds, it will give New York casinos, tribal casinos, and racinos the opportunity to incorporate mobile games. Considering the revenue generated so far from online sports betting alone, it’s likely to bring massive funding to the state.
In the meantime, New Yorkers have plenty of options for land-based gambling and can still access their favorite games at offshore online casinos.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have inquiries about gambling in New York, check out some of the most frequently asked questions below.
How do tribal casinos differ from commercial casinos in New York?
The main difference between tribal casinos and commercial casinos in New York is location. Tribal casinos only operate on tribal lands, while commercial casinos must fit strict zoning regulations and are often smaller.
Is there any risk of playing at online casinos regulated outside of New York?
The law doesn’t address gambling at online casinos regulated outside of New York, and no one has ever been prosecuted for doing so. The risk is very minimal.
Who regulates online casinos in New York?
There are no state-regulated online casinos, but there are offshore gambling sites that serve New Yorkers. They are typically regulated and licensed in places like Costa Rica and Curaçao.
