Upon launching mobile sports betting in 2022, New York quickly asserted itself as the top online wagering market in the U.S., routinely eclipsing $1 billion in statewide betting handle.
The legalization of sports betting in New York has transformed the state into one of the largest and most competitive wagering markets in the country. With mobile betting officially launching in January 2022, New Yorkers gained access to a wide range of regulated online sportsbook apps that allow them to place wagers from anywhere within state lines.
Today, several nationally recognized operators compete for bettors’ attention in the Empire State, including DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars Sportsbook, BetMGM, and BetRivers. Each of these apps offers a secure, state-licensed platform backed by the oversight of the New York State Gaming Commission, ensuring consumer protections, fair gaming standards, and responsible gambling tools.
The arrival of these major sportsbooks has created a highly competitive promotional landscape. To attract new users, operators frequently roll out sign-up bonuses that can include bet-and-get offers, bonus bets for winning wagers, first-bet insurance, deposit matches, or profit boosts. These welcome packages provide added value for first-time bettors and can significantly increase your starting bankroll when used strategically.
Because each sportsbook structures its promotions differently, it’s worth comparing current offers before registering. Some platforms focus on large bonus-bet payouts tied to a small qualifying wager, while others provide risk-free first bets or ongoing rewards programs connected to national loyalty systems.
By taking advantage of the available sign-up bonuses at DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, and BetRivers, new bettors can maximize early value while testing different apps to see which interface, odds pricing, and live betting features best match their preferences.
With multiple licensed sportsbooks operating statewide, New York bettors have more choice - and more promotional opportunities - than ever before.
Sports betting is fully live and legal in New York, offering residents and visitors aged 21 and older access to one of the largest regulated wagering markets in the United States. Since the official online launch on January 8, 2022, New York has quickly grown into a powerhouse in the national sports betting landscape, consistently ranking among the top states in handle and revenue.
As of 2026, nine licensed online sportsbooks are authorized to operate statewide under the supervision of the New York State Gaming Commission. In addition to mobile betting, retail sportsbooks are available at upstate commercial casinos, giving bettors both digital and in-person wagering options.
New York’s mobile-first model allows users to place bets anywhere within state lines, whether from home, at a sports bar, or inside a stadium. All licensed sportsbooks use secure geolocation technology to confirm that wagers are placed within New York boundaries.
On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about betting legally and confidently in the Empire State, including:
A breakdown of the top New York sportsbook apps
The best available welcome bonuses and promo offers
Key differences between operators
How to sign up and place your first bet
Important legal restrictions and requirements
Responsible gambling resources
Whether you’re brand new to sports betting or comparing apps to find the best value, this guide will help you navigate New York’s competitive market with clarity and confidence.
📆 Online Launch Date: January 8, 2022
📱 Online Sportsbooks Available: 9
🏬 Retail Sports Betting: ✅ Legal (Available at approved upstate casinos)
🎂 Legal Betting Age: 21+
🏈 College Sports Betting: ✅ Permitted with restrictions (no in-state college teams or college player props)
🎰 Online Casinos: ❌ Not legal in New York
Yes. Sports betting is fully legal in New York, both online and at retail casino locations.
Mobile sports betting officially launched on January 8, 2022, after being authorized in the FY 2021–22 New York State budget. The launch marked a major expansion of gaming in the Empire State, immediately positioning New York as one of the largest betting markets in the country.
The industry is licensed and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission, which oversees compliance, licensing standards, consumer protections, and revenue reporting. New York applies one of the highest tax rates in the nation on online sports betting revenue - 51% - which contributes significant funding to state education and other public initiatives.
Bettors in New York have two primary ways to wager:
Online or mobile betting through licensed sportsbook apps
In-person wagering at approved retail sportsbooks located at upstate commercial casinos
To legally place a bet in New York, you must:
Be 21 years or older
Be physically located within New York state lines
Use a licensed sportsbook operator
All mobile sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your physical presence inside the state before allowing you to place a wager. Even if you live in New York, you cannot bet unless you are physically inside the state at the time of the wager.
For official regulatory details and updates, bettors can visit the New York State Gaming Commission website.
New York’s online sports betting market is one of the most competitive and high-volume markets in the United States. With nine licensed mobile operators currently active statewide, bettors have access to several nationally recognized sportsbook brands.
Because of the competitive environment and high tax structure, sportsbooks often offer aggressive promotions and feature-rich apps to attract and retain users.
While additional operators may enter in the future, the reviews below focus on the leading sportsbooks based on:
Market share in New York
App quality and performance
Betting menu depth
Promotional value
Live betting and parlay features
This guide will help you determine which sportsbook best matches your betting style.
Disclaimer: For those outside of New York, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.
Getting started with the DraftKings Bet $5, Get $300 offer is straightforward. Follow these steps to activate the promotion properly:
Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account using your legal name and New York address.
Deposit at least $5 using one of the approved payment methods.
Select the “New Customer Token” in the bet slip before placing your wager.
Place a $5+ cash bet at minimum odds of -500 or longer.
If your bet wins, receive $300 in Bonus Bets, typically issued as 12 × $25 credits.
Always double-check the bet slip to ensure the token is applied before confirming your wager. Bonus bets are subject to expiration timelines outlined in the app.
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins.
FanDuel’s New York welcome offer is simple and beginner-friendly. Instead of a complicated insurance structure, this promotion rewards you with bonus bets if your first wager cashes.
Minimum deposit: $5
First wager must be a $5+ cash bet
Bonus bets are issued after settlement of a winning first bet
Bonus credits typically post within 72 hours
Bonus bets expire according to FanDuel’s current terms
This structure makes it easy for new bettors to test the app with minimal risk while still unlocking meaningful bonus value.
FanDuel’s Same Game Parlay (SGP) builder is widely regarded as the cleanest and most intuitive in the industry. If you enjoy building parlays on Knicks, Bills, Yankees, or Rangers games, this promo pairs well with small entry wagers.
Create your FanDuel New York account
Deposit $5 or more
Place your first $5+ cash bet
If it wins, receive $100 in Bonus Bets
Sign up and receive up to $2,000 in FanCash back on losing bets for up to 10 consecutive days.
Fanatics takes a different approach from traditional bonus bet offers. Instead of issuing bonus bets directly, it awards FanCash, a flexible rewards currency that can be converted into bonus bets or used to purchase licensed merchandise through Fanatics’ retail ecosystem.
Minimum deposit: $10
Minimum qualifying bet: $10 cash wager
Minimum odds requirement: -500 or longer
Applies for up to 10 days
FanCash is awarded on qualifying losing bets
FanCash must be used within the app per terms
FanCash offers dual value - it can become bonus bets or be redeemed for official merchandise. This is especially appealing for New York fans looking to support teams like the Knicks, Yankees, or Bills while still earning betting value.
Sign up for a Fanatics Sportsbook NY account
Deposit $10 or more
Toggle the promo in your bet slip
Place a qualifying $10+ cash bet at eligible odds
Enter promo code PLAYRACE250BM to unlock a First Bet Match up to $250 as a bonus bet, win or lose.
Caesars offers a first-bet matching structure designed to give new bettors a strong starting position. Unlike pure insurance offers, this structure provides bonus value tied to your first qualifying wager.
Minimum deposit: Typically $10
Minimum qualifying wager: $1+
One-time first bet match up to $250
Bonus issued according to Caesars’ promotional terms
Caesars integrates all wagering into the Caesars Rewards program, allowing eligible wagers to contribute toward national loyalty perks.
Create a Caesars New York account
Enter promo code PLAYRACE250BM if prompted
Deposit funds
Place a $1+ qualifying wager
Getting started with legal sports betting in New York is a simple, fully online process.
Compare welcome offers, app usability, and odds competitiveness. Some sportsbooks also run team-specific promotions tied to the Jets, Giants, Bills, Knicks, Yankees, Mets, or NYCFC.
New York allows full remote registration. You’ll provide:
Full legal name
Email address
Date of birth
Last four digits of your SSN
Residential address
You must be 21+ and physically located inside New York state borders. Geolocation software verifies your location before wagers are accepted.
Before placing your first bet, opt into the available welcome offer. Carefully review:
Minimum odds requirements
Expiration timelines
Eligible bet types
Common New York deposit methods include:
Debit card
Online banking (ACH)
PayPal
Venmo
Apple Pay
Play+ prepaid card
For example, you could bet $5 on the Knicks moneyline at DraftKings to unlock a bonus. Many bettors start with a simple moneyline or total before exploring parlays.
Withdrawal methods typically include:
Online banking/ACH
PayPal
Venmo
Play+
E-wallets often process fastest. Bank transfers may take several business days.
By opening accounts at multiple sportsbooks, you can stack sign-up offers and increase your initial promotional value.
Line shopping is one of the most effective long-term betting strategies. Even slight price differences can increase profitability over time.
Each sportsbook has strengths - some excel in live betting, others in SGP tools, others in rewards programs.
Odds boosts and insurance offers vary daily. Having multiple apps ensures you can always access the strongest available deal.
If one sportsbook experiences technical issues during a major game, you’ll have another platform ready.
New York is one of the most sports-passionate states in the country. Bettors can wager on a wide range of professional and collegiate teams across the state.
New York Giants – A historic franchise and major betting draw each NFL season.
Buffalo Bills – Consistent contenders with heavy betting interest, especially during playoff runs.
New York Jets – A young roster generating strong AFC East wagering activity.
New York Knicks – One of the league’s highest-profile franchises, with consistent betting volume.
Brooklyn Nets – Fast-paced play makes them attractive for totals and prop markets.
New York Rangers – An Original Six team with steady playoff betting interest.
New York Islanders – A passionate Long Island following drives consistent action.
Buffalo Sabres – Emerging talent keeps NHL bettors engaged.
New York City FC – Bronx-based MLS club with steady soccer markets.
New York Red Bulls – Competing across the Hudson but heavily followed by NY bettors.
Syracuse Orange – A nationally recognized college program drawing football and basketball wagering interest (note: in-state college betting restrictions apply).
From Manhattan to Buffalo, New York’s diverse sports culture provides year-round betting opportunities across every major league.
Best known for: Massive alternate lines, extensive player props, and fast-moving live betting markets.
DraftKings promo code was one of the first mobile sportsbooks to launch in New York on January 8, 2022. As a national industry leader, DraftKings has built a reputation for offering one of the deepest betting menus available anywhere in the country.
The platform excels in alternate spreads and totals, making it especially attractive to bettors who prefer to customize risk levels. It also offers one of the widest player prop catalogs in the industry, particularly during NFL, NBA, and MLB seasons.
Live betting is another major strength. Odds update quickly, and the in-play menu remains deep throughout games.
Welcome Offer:
Bet $5, Get $300 if your bet wins (available in NY per DraftKings’ terms)
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (847,000+ ratings)
Comprehensive live betting hub
Same Game Parlay (SGP) builder
Extensive player prop options
Deep alternate spreads and totals
Early cash-out options
DraftKings is particularly strong for bettors who want constant live market updates and broad coverage across both major and niche sports.
Final Take:
If you want the broadest market depth, frequent odds updates, and expansive prop markets - especially on New York teams - DraftKings is one of the strongest overall choices in the state.
Best known for: The easiest Same Game Parlay (SGP) builder in the industry, SGP+, fast betslip calculations, and frequent odds boosts.
FanDuel promo code launched in New York on January 8, 2022 — the same day mobile betting went live statewide — and quickly established itself as one of the two dominant operators in the market. Alongside DraftKings, FanDuel consistently ranks at or near the top in handle and revenue, making it a true national heavyweight.
One of FanDuel’s biggest strengths is its Same Game Parlay technology. The SGP builder is intuitive, fast, and visually clean, making it simple to combine spreads, totals, and player props into one wager. The app shows instant payout updates as you build your bet, which makes price comparison and risk evaluation seamless.
FanDuel also features SGP+, allowing bettors to combine same-game parlays with other wagers for even larger payouts. For New York bettors targeting teams like the Knicks, Yankees, Mets, Bills, Giants, and Jets, the app offers deep prop menus and competitive lines.
Welcome Offer:
Bet $5, Get $100 in Bonus Bets if your first bet wins. No promo code required.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (847,000+ ratings)
Clean, easy-to-navigate interface
Elite Same Game Parlay builder
Strong live betting hub
Frequent daily odds boosts
Wide prop catalog across major leagues
Final Take:
If you prioritize a smooth, visually clean app experience and the best Same Game Parlay tools available — especially on New York’s major pro teams — FanDuel is extremely hard to beat.
Best known for: Frequent profit boosts, broad Same Game Parlay options, and full MGM Rewards integration for hotel and resort perks.
BetMGM bonus code launched in New York on January 17, 2022, shortly after the state’s initial mobile rollout. Backed by MGM Resorts International, BetMGM brings strong brand recognition and a deep rewards ecosystem to the Empire State.
BetMGM is also the official sports betting partner of the New York Knicks and New York Rangers through Madison Square Garden (MSG), further strengthening its local presence.
The sportsbook stands out for its regular profit boosts, enhanced odds promotions, and broad SGP functionality. The rewards program integration is a key differentiator - eligible wagers can earn MGM Rewards points, which can be redeemed for hotel stays, dining, and entertainment at MGM properties nationwide.
Welcome Offer:
Currently, no statewide welcome offer is broadly advertised for New York. Promotions may rotate periodically within the app.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (~240,000 ratings)
Live betting with quick updates
Early cash-out functionality
Wide sports coverage
Frequent rotating boosts
Integration with MGM Rewards
Final Take:
If you value consistent profit boosts and the ability to earn MGM Rewards status tied to Vegas and national resort properties, BetMGM is a strong secondary sportsbook option in New York - even during periods without a major sign-up bonus.
Best known for: FanCash rewards that convert into bonus bets or official merchandise, plus steady seasonal promotions.
Fanatics Sportsbook promo code launched statewide in New York on February 29, 2024, after migrating former PointsBet customers. Backed by the Fanatics retail and merchandise ecosystem, the sportsbook differentiates itself with a loyalty-first model.
The key attraction is FanCash, a transparent rewards currency that can be converted into bonus bets or used toward licensed sports merchandise on Fanatics.com. This cross-platform ecosystem creates added value for sports fans who regularly purchase jerseys, apparel, or memorabilia.
Fanatics has continued to expand its national presence, and in New York’s tighter promotional environment (due to the 51% tax rate), the FanCash system offers a unique long-term rewards advantage.
Welcome Offer:
Sign up and receive up to $2,000 in FanCash back on losing bets for up to 10 consecutive days.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.8/5 (138,000+ ratings)
Clean, modern user interface
Live betting markets
Same Game Parlay options
Strong responsible gaming tools
Integrated rewards dashboard
Final Take:
Fanatics is a great addition for rewards-focused bettors, especially during football season, where FanCash accumulation can offer steady value even in New York’s high-tax promo environment.
Best known for: Daily “Super Boosts,” consistent promotional rotations, and full Caesars Rewards integration.
Caesars was among the first sportsbooks to go live on New York’s launch day in January 2022. The operator ties every eligible wager to Caesars Rewards, one of the most established loyalty programs in U.S. gaming.
Caesars sportsbook promo code frequently runs daily Super Boosts across NFL, NBA, MLB, and other major leagues, making it an attractive option for bettors who enjoy enhanced pricing opportunities.
The app is designed with simplified navigation and easy betslip functionality, appealing to both newer and experienced bettors.
Welcome Offer:
Promo Code START250BM unlocks a first bet match up to $250 as a bonus bet, win or lose.
App Experience & Notable Features:
iOS rating: 4.7/5 (89,000+ ratings)
Same Game Parlay builder
Live betting markets
Daily Super Boosts
Caesars Rewards credits tied to wagers
Streamlined navigation
Final Take:
If you want steady daily boosts and a nationally recognized rewards program that connects to Las Vegas stays and regional Caesars properties, Caesars is a solid rotation sportsbook in New York.
New York’s online sports betting market currently features nine fully licensed and regulated mobile operators. Each sportsbook is approved by the New York State Gaming Commission and authorized to accept wagers from bettors who are 21 or older and physically located within state lines.
Here are the legal online sportsbooks operating in New York:
BetMGM
FanDuel
DraftKings
Caesars Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook
BetRivers
Bally Bet
theScore Bet (formerly ESPN Bet)
Resorts World Bet
Each of these operators offers statewide mobile wagering, secure payment processing, and regulated betting markets. While all are licensed, their strengths vary — some excel in live betting, others in Same Game Parlays, and some in loyalty rewards or frequent odds boosts. Choosing the right app often comes down to your betting style and which promotions fit your strategy.
With nine sportsbooks competing in one of the most heavily regulated and highly taxed markets in the country, not all apps deliver the same overall value. To determine which sportsbooks truly stand out in New York, we apply a consistent, data-driven evaluation process based on the following criteria:
We track how frequently each sportsbook offers the most favorable lines compared to competitors. Even small pricing differences - such as -110 vs. -115 - can significantly impact long-term profitability. Over time, consistently getting better odds can make a measurable difference in a bettor’s bottom line.
Welcome offers are important, but long-term value matters just as much. We assess:
Upfront bonus value
Ease of qualifying
Expiration timelines
Ongoing boosts, insurance promos, and loyalty perks
In New York’s 51% tax environment, promotional creativity is limited compared to other states, so the quality and frequency of ongoing promos are especially important.
We examine the full betting menu, including:
Major U.S. leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL)
College sports (within NY restrictions)
International leagues
Niche sports and special markets
Alternate spreads, totals, and props
A deeper menu provides more flexibility, especially for parlay builders and live bettors.
A sportsbook app must be fast, stable, and easy to navigate. We evaluate:
Speed of bet placement
Stability during high-traffic events
Ease of navigating between markets
Clarity of betslip calculations
Overall visual design
In fast-moving live betting environments, app responsiveness can directly impact wager execution.
We assess:
Number of supported deposit methods
Withdrawal flexibility
Processing times
Transparency in cashier operations
Fast payouts and reliable banking options are critical to a positive user experience.
Live wagering is one of the fastest-growing segments in sports betting. We analyze:
Speed of in-play odds updates
Availability of live streaming (where offered)
Access to real-time statistics
Depth of in-game prop markets
Some sportsbooks excel at live betting while others lag behind - this is a key differentiator.
Responsive customer service builds trust. We evaluate:
Live chat availability
Phone support access
Email response times
Clarity of help center resources
Strong support is especially important during high-volume events or payout disputes.
Despite New York’s high tax structure, new users can still unlock approximately $350+ in upfront promotional value across top sportsbooks.
A smart strategy is to:
Claim welcome offers first
Use a quick-settling qualifying wager
Read terms carefully (minimum odds, expiration timelines)
Rotate apps to compare boosts and live markets
Once bonuses are unlocked, you can decide which sportsbook best fits your preferred betting style - whether that’s live betting, Same Game Parlays, player props, or futures.
Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
New customers aged 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, WY) located in eligible states including New York.
$5+ cash wager
Minimum odds of -500 or longer
Must use the New Customer Token
Receive $300 in Bonus Bets (issued as 12 × $25 bonus bets) if the qualifying wager wins
Bonus bets expire 7 days after issuance
Limit one per customer
Void or cashed-out bets do not qualify
Minimum deposit: $5
Qualifying bet must be placed using cash (not bonus funds)
Bonus bets typically post shortly after settlement of the winning wager
Bonus bets return winnings only (stake not included)
Access to $300 in bonus value from just a $5 qualifying wager makes this one of the highest leverage “bet-and-get” offers available in New York.
New York’s sports calendar is one of the busiest and most diverse in the world. From Grand Slam tennis and Triple Crown horse racing to historic baseball rivalries and global soccer championships, the Empire State hosts events that draw international audiences and massive betting interest year-round.
Whether you’re a casual fan or an experienced bettor, New York provides no shortage of headline moments across nearly every major sport.
Held annually in late August and early September at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the US Open is one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments. It is the final major of the calendar year and regularly features the biggest names in the sport competing under the lights in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
From a betting perspective, the US Open generates enormous volume across:
Match moneylines
Set totals
Game spreads
Live in-play markets
Tournament futures
Because tennis is played nearly every day during the two-week event, sportsbooks offer constant betting opportunities. Live betting is especially popular, as momentum can shift quickly during matches.
The Belmont Stakes is the third and final leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown, traditionally held in early June at Belmont Park. Known as “The Test of the Champion,” the race covers a grueling 1½ miles and has produced some of the most memorable moments in racing history.
Betting activity spikes significantly when a horse enters the Belmont with a chance to complete the Triple Crown. Even in non-Triple Crown years, the race attracts:
Win, place, and show wagers
Exactas, trifectas, and superfectas
Futures and prop-style racing bets
It remains one of the most prestigious and heavily wagered racing events in North America.
Basketball is deeply embedded in New York’s identity. The Knicks at Madison Square Garden and the Nets at Barclays Center provide nearly nightly betting opportunities from October through the NBA playoffs.
High-profile rivalry games and postseason matchups often drive strong wagering activity across:
Point spreads
Totals (Over/Under)
Player props
Same Game Parlays
Championship futures
The Knicks’ historical significance and the Nets’ modern offensive pace both create steady NBA betting volume throughout the season.
Few rivalries in sports match the intensity of Yankees vs. Mets. When the two teams meet in the Subway Series, the city buzzes - and sportsbooks see a spike in betting handle.
These matchups typically drive heavy action on:
Moneylines
Run lines
Game totals
Player home run props
Series markets
Because both teams have large, passionate fan bases, public betting volume often surges during these games.
New York regularly hosts PGA Tour stops and major championships at legendary venues such as:
Bethpage Black
Oak Hill Country Club
Winged Foot
Golf betting has grown substantially in recent years, with strong interest in:
Outright winner futures
Top-10 and Top-20 finishes
Round-by-round matchups
Live leaderboard betting
When New York hosts a major championship, betting interest rises nationally and internationally.
Held every Fourth of July at Coney Island, this unique competition blends spectacle with competitive eating tradition. While it is not a traditional sporting event, novelty betting markets sometimes appear for:
Total hot dogs consumed
Winner markets
Head-to-head props
It has become a pop-culture staple that draws national attention each summer.
MetLife Stadium will host the FIFA World Cup Final in 2026, marking one of the largest global sporting events ever held in the region. This event is expected to generate enormous betting volume across:
Match outcomes
Player props
Goal totals
Tournament futures
Soccer betting has expanded rapidly in the United States, and this event is likely to produce record-breaking wagering activity.
The betting handle represents the total amount of money wagered with legal sportsbooks during a given time period. It includes every dollar staked before payouts are distributed.
It is important to understand that handle is not the same as revenue.
Handle = Total amount wagered
Revenue = Handle minus payouts
Hold percentage (win rate) = Revenue divided by handle
If bettors place $200 million in wagers and sportsbooks pay out $188 million in winnings:
Revenue = $12 million
Hold = 6%
New York consistently ranks among the highest-handle sports betting markets in the United States, due to its large population and strong sports culture.
Sports betting should always be approached as entertainment - not a source of income. If gambling begins to negatively impact your finances, relationships, or daily life, confidential support services are available 24/7.
New York provides a variety of responsible gaming tools and resources.
Statewide Helpline – OASAS HOPEline
📞 Call or text: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
Available 24/7
National Problem Gambling Helpline
📞 1-800-GAMBLER
Problem Gambling Resource Centers (PGRCs)
https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/
Licensed sportsbooks in New York offer built-in features to help you stay in control, including:
Deposit limits
Time limits
Cooling-off periods
Self-exclusion programs
Reality checks
If you ever feel your betting is becoming problematic, help is confidential and available at any time.
Current Sportsbooks
9Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
Tioga Downs Casino Resort: 2384 W. River Road, Nichols, New York 13812
Mobile Sportsbook
Mobile Sportsbook
November, 2013
New York voters clear the way for in-person sports betting to be offered at casinos, provided the federal ban on sports wagering outside of the state of Nevada is repealed.
May, 2018
The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), thus clearing the way for all states to offer legal sports betting if they so desire.
July, 2019
Rivers Casino in Schenectady starts accepting sports bets in person on July 16, with other brick-and-mortar sportsbooks soon to follow.
April, 2021
New York legislators and Governor Andrew Cuomo legalize mobile sports wagering as part of the 2022 budget bill, establishing a $25 million one-time licensing fee for up to nine sportsbooks.
January, 2022
Yes. Retail sports betting launched at various casinos statewide on July 16, 2019, while the online variety went live on January 8, 2022, and has since expanded to include nine mobile operators.
Anyone who is 21 and over and is physically located within New York's state boundaries can typically bet on sports in the Empire State. Among the exceptions are people who have voluntarily placed themselves on self-exclusion lists for a set period of time in order to take a break from gambling. Those who wish to bet on a mobile sports betting platform must first sign up for an account and deposit money with an online sportsbook that has been licensed in New York.
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) is the sole sports betting regulator in the state.
The NYSGC exclusively determines which sporting events can be bet on in New York. Among the events New York sportsbooks are permitted to offer wagering on in some capacity are auto racing, baseball, basketball, boxing, cornhole, cycling, darts, fighting, golf, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, snooker, soccer, softball, table tennis, tennis, and volleyball.
New York sports bettors cannot wager on events involving in-state colleges regardless of where the competition takes place. If there is a collegiate tournament being played in New York that involves no schools from New York, wagering is legal.
The NYSGC disallows futures bets on the outcome of subjective votes, such as the Heisman Trophy and Cy Young Award. The same prohibition applies to award shows like the Oscars and Grammys. Furthermore, the NYSGC does not allow any prop bets on collegiate athletes, regardless of what school they hail from, and prohibits wagers with negative implications, like betting on the amount of missed field goals in a football game or double faults in tennis.
After a long and winding legal road, DFS (daily fantasy sports) is fully legal in New York. However, fantasy sports operators like DraftKings and FanDuel – which, coincidentally, also operate sportsbooks – are not allowed to run fantasy contests that closely mirror prop bets.
It is legal to bet on horse racing in New York, both in person at racetracks like Belmont and Saratoga and online through various advance-deposit wagering (ADW) platforms, including one operated by the New York Racing Association (NYRA). To bet via ADW, you must first register for an account and deposit funds with which to wager.
Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com
21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.