New York online gambling presents many options for residents, with more options becoming available in the state.
In 2021, laws were recently amended, permitting sports betting online. Legislation around online betting is being loosened, which could lead to more online gambling freedom in the future.
The Best New York Online Betting Sites
There are some reliable options for New York online gambling. As one of the more aggressive states when it comes to thwarting offshore sites, there are only a handful of gambling sites still taking New York residents.
However, luckily the ones that still accept NY players are very well established and reliable. Below is our current list of the best gambling site options for NY players with poker, slots, and many other games available.
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Gambling In New York – Overview
New York is bordered by Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Canadian provinces Quebec and Ontario.
- Abbreviation: NY
- State Motto: Ever upward.
- Capital City: Albany
- Population Estimate: 19.85 million (4th)
- Website: http://www.ny.gov/
Legal gambling in New York began in 1966 when voters approved the lottery. The legislature followed by legalizing pari-mutuel betting a year later, and the Racing and Wagering Board was created.
When Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, the Native American tribes in New York began working with the state to establish gambling facilities.
The Oneida Indian Nation was the first to open its casino doors in 1993. Turning Stone Casino Resort first opened, complete with slot machines and table games. More casinos opened in the following years, with more than a half dozen in operation to date.
In the early 2000s, horse racing took off when the legislature approved video lottery terminals for their facilities. Soon after, the first racino was launched in 2004.
Gambling expansion stalled for nearly a decade in New York until voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2013. The amendment allowed for the opening of seven non-tribal casinos. The New York State Gaming Commission then approved licenses for the first three casino and resort facilities two years later.
The laws about gambling prohibitions are in the penal code and define terms, such as gambling, player, and gambling devices. And the definition of a contest of chance is as follows:
“Any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.”
Online Betting Legislation in New York 2021
Once New York began developing regulations for non-tribal, land-based casinos, State Senator John Bonacic first introduced a bill to legalize and regulate New York online gambling.
He saw what was happening in states like Delaware and New Jersey and wanted New York casinos to access additional revenue. The bill made little headway in 2014 and 2015, but he continued pursuing it.
In 2016, Bonacic teamed up with Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow. The pair introduced two bills, with Pretlow introducing a companion bill in his side of the legislature. The bills did well, and the Senate passed Bonacic’s, but Pretlow’s failed in the legislature.
In 2017, the same thing happened, with the Senate bill passing by a wide margin but the Assembly bill failing to make progress.
Bonacic introduced his bill yet again in 2018 and took it directly through the first committee. Pretlow, however, continued to decry the lack of support in the Assembly in past years until a new member, Assemblyman Clyde Vanel, took up the cause.
Vanel saw that more than 60 legislature members voted to put online poker into the annual budget. Although it never made it into that bill. Nevertheless, he knew that those same supporters would likely sign on as co-sponsors of the online poker bill itself. He proceeded to sign co-sponsors to the bill by dozens.
Meanwhile, the legislature passed a law in 2016 to legalize and regulate daily fantasy sports (DFS). Lawmakers also passed a bill more recently to legalize sports betting in several establishments throughout New York. It is now the 14th state wherein sports betting has been legalized.
In 2021, New York online sports betting has progressed and will launch late in the year. Sportsbook apps will be available from late 2021 to early 2022 for residents.
New York Gambling FAQ
Can you gamble online in New York?
Yes. There are many online providers that offer online gambling options for New York residents.
Are online slots legal in New York?
Yes. Several New Yorking online gambling sites offer slot games through their betting platforms.
What poker sites can I play for real money?
Multiple sites allow New York residents to wager for real money. See our section above for the best online gambling providers for New York residents.
Are there land-based casinos in New York State?
Yes. There are many casinos across the state of New York. Take a look at our reviews of two of the most popular casinos in the state.