New York
Your Quick Guide to Gambling in New York
From tribal casinos to online sports betting gambling never sleeps in New York. Not all online options are available but there’s plenty to get your teeth into in the Big Apple.
The Best Gambling Options in New York
What Can You Play? New York Has You Covered
Social Gambling
New York recently banned sweepstakes casinos, but social gambling platforms are still in the mix. They offer all the best games too, including slots, blackjack, poker, and more.
Sports Betting
Whether it’s the Super Bowl or some random NBA game, you can bet on it. The coverage includes major competitions, and you can build your own parlays to add maximum tension to every game.
Horse Racing
Pari-mutuel horse betting has been around for quite some time in New York. Fast forward to the modern age, and you can now place bets from home using a computer or smartphone. Plus, the coverage includes major races from around the world — not just the Triple Crown.
An Overview of New York Gambling Laws & Regulations
State Income Taxes
The New York income tax rates range from 4% to 10.9%. Winnings from gambling are treated like all your other income.
New York's Regulator
The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) licenses and audits every commercial gambling operator.
Minimum Gambling Age
You must be at least 21 years old to gamble at a casino or bet on sports in New York.
Revenue Share
Of course, a portion of the revenue operators generate from gambling is taxable in New York. The proceeds from it go to initiatives such as education and youth sports programs. Smaller portions are set aside for local governments.
Responsible Gambling
The NYSGC also has policies meant to address and help remedy problem gambling. Resource centers and self-exclusion are options available to players, plus monthly campaigns help bring awareness to the issue.
Licensing Process
Licensing ensures that operators are following the rules and regulations. And because of high compliance standards, controls and systems are in place to protect every player.
Tribal Gaming
New York has an agreement with several tribes that deals with revenue sharing and regulatory cooperation. These compacts help establish a balance between all parties, ensuring fairness and compliance.
Data Protection
Every operator must protect and secure your data. This includes anything sensitive that involves your identity (name, birth date, etc.) or banking information.
Costs for Operators
To stay in business, operators in New York have to pay licensing fees and cover other regulatory costs. Taxes on gambling revenues are among the highest in the US.
Best Experiences for Gamblers in New York
Gambling Options in Nearby States
New Jersey
- Atlantic City casinos (full-scale: slots, table games, poker)
- Legal online gambling (casino + sports betting)
- Retail and online sports betting
- Horse racing & betting
Pennsylvania
- Commercial casinos (slots, table games, poker)
- Online casinos and poker (fully legal)
- Sports betting (retail + online)
- Video Gaming Terminals (VGTs) at some truck stops
- Horse racing
Connecticut
- Tribal casinos (Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun – very large, Vegas-style)
- Online casino gaming (through tribal partnerships)
- Sports betting (retail + online)
- No commercial casinos outside tribal land
Massachusetts
- Commercial casinos (e.g., Encore Boston Harbor, MGM Springfield)
- Slots + table games
- Legal sports betting (retail + online)
- No online casino gaming (as of now)
Vermont
- No physical casinos
- Legal online sports betting only (recently legalized)
- No table games, slots, or poker rooms
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Meet The Author
Experience
Joss Wood has over a decade of experience reviewing and comparing the top online casinos in the world to ensure players find their favorite place to play. Joss is also a specialist when it comes to breaking down what casino bonuses add value and where to find the promotions you don't want to miss.
Read Full BioFAQs
No, playing online poker for real money is currently illegal in New York. However, lawmakers are hoping to pass a new bill in the future. Until then, you can play at social poker sites or visit a live poker room at one of the state’s land-based casinos.
According to New York law, residents can gamble at 18 years of age or older. However, most casinos can only accept players over 21 because these locations sell alcohol. Therefore, 21 is the effective legal gambling age across most of the state.
Yes, New York City is home to lots of brick-and-mortar casinos, including Empire City Casino in Yonkers and Resorts World New York City. There are also many upstate as well, including tribal casinos.
Resorts World New York City is the largest casino in NY. The casino has 330,000 square feet of gambling space, with more than 6,000 slots and dozens of table games.
The earliest online casinos in NY can be legalized is during the next legislative session. Attempts in recent years and improvements in problem gambling support have left lawmakers hopeful that there will be more progress. That said, legalization is very much an uphill battle in New York.
Yes, sportsbooks like Fanatics and FanDuel have a mobile app that you can download. The interface is interactive and modern-looking, plus it’s optimized for your phone. Or, you can save space on your device by betting online via the web version in your browser.
The law in New York strictly prohibits smoking in all public places. Generally speaking, casinos will have designated areas (outside the facility) where you can smoke.
Self-exclusion is a voluntary program that allows you to take a break from betting. Typically, the ban can last anywhere from 6 months to 5 years (or a lifetime).
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