New York Sports Betting
New York is not realizing its potential as a sports betting powerhouse, but a change in the state’s betting laws could easily lift the Empire State toward the top.
New York allows in-person sports betting at several of its upstate casinos. State law does not provide for online/mobile betting, which has helped propel the neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania sports betting markets, as New Yorkers cross state lines in droves to place online sports bets.
New York legislators passed a bill in the Senate that would allow the state’s casinos to operate online sportsbooks. The bill continues to face opposition in the State Assembly and constitutional questions from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has said New York mobile sports betting might require a constitutional amendment and statewide referendum. If online/mobile betting legislation eventually passes, New York could become the biggest sports betting state in the U.S.
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How We Evaluate the Best Betting Sites in New York
Bookies.com and its experienced staff evaluate several criteria to determine the best New York sports betting sites. Among the important factors we consider:
Safety: Bookies.com only sports betting sites that are licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission. We do not recommend or review offshore gambling sites, which try to avoid state and federal laws and provide no regulation or consumer safeguards.
Odds and wagering options: Shopping for the best price is a key to sports betting success. The best New York betting sites offer the most player-friendly prices and up-to-date odds. They also offer the type of bets you want to make beyond point spread and moneyline wagers, such as teasers and prop bets.
Bonuses and promotions: What types of bonus and promotions are available? While the most generous sports betting bonuses are typically offered online, several in-person sportsbooks offer their own bonuses and promotions to gain customers.
When New York legalizes online sports betting, Bookies.com will evaluate and review each online sports betting site, taking into account additional factors such as security and support, signup process, payment methods, ease of use and overall mobile experience.
Is Sports Betting Legal in New York?
Yes, the state passed legislation in 2013 authorizing sports betting at four upstate New York casinos, contingent upon a change in federal sports betting laws. The U.S. Supreme Court provided that change in 2018 when it overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, which had prohibited single-game sports betting outside Nevada.
New York in-person sportsbooks accepted their first legal wagers in 2019. In addition to upstate commercial sportsbooks, several Native American tribal casinos in New York now operate sportsbooks.
Bettors must be 21 or over to legally place a sports bet in New York. Wagering is permitted on pro and major college sports, but not on college games involving in-state college teams (such as St. Johns or Syracuse).
Online sports betting in New York is not legal.
How Legalized Gambling Benefits New York
According to the Division of State Government Accountability, during the three fiscal years that ended March 31, 2019, the state received $4.2 billion in casino revenues. Those revenues were distributed to the State Education Department, General Fund, municipalities and counties, problem gambling programs and other state agencies. The addition of sports betting tax revenue is adding to those funds.
State officials are estimating a budget deficit of more than $14 billion in 2021, which could grow as high as $30 billion over the next two years, due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proponents of online sports betting say legalization would help create a much-needed revenue stream to help address the shortfall.
With more than 80% of sports bets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania placed online, proponents of online wagering believe New York sports betting is barely scratching the surface in providing potential revenue for the state.
Land-Based Sportsbooks in New York
| Casino/Racetrack | Sportsbook | Sports Betting Partner(s) | Launch Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino Schenectady | Rivers Sportsbook | Rush Street/Kambi | July 2019 |
| Tioga Downs | FanDuel at Tioga Downs | FanDuel | July 2019 |
| del Lago Casino | DraftKings at del Lago | DraftKings | August 2019 |
| Resorts World Catskills | Sportsbook 360 | Genting | August 2019 |
| Turning Stone Casino | The Lounge With Caesars Sports | Caesars Entertainment | August 2019 |
| Point Place Casino | The Lounge with Caesars Sports | Caesars Entertainment | August 2019 |
| Yellow Brick Road Casino | The Lounge with Caesars Sports | Caesars Entertainment | September 2019 |
| Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino | Sports Lounge | Kambi | December 2019 |
| Seneca Allegany Casino | Sports Lounge | Kambi | December 2019 |
| Seneca Niagara Casino | Sports Lounge | Kambi | December 2019 |
| Akwesasne Mohawk Casino | Sticks Sports Book | The Stars Group | January 2020 |
Online Sports Betting Sites Live in New York
New York does not allow online sports betting.
New York’s Sportsbooks Examined
Note: Operating hours at all NY casinos and sportsbooks subject to change due to COVID-19 and social distancing precautions.
Rivers Sportsbook
Address: 1 Rush Street, Schenectady
Website: www.riverscasino.com/schenectady/casino/sportsbook
Owner: Rush Street Gaming
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m.-2 a.m.
Amenities: The state’s first sportsbook features state-of-the-art 53-inch LED video wall with 22 additional screens. Includes 14 betting kiosks, six betting windows. Website features several helpful sports betting tutorial videos.
FanDuel Sportsbook at Tioga Downs
Address: 2384 West River Road, Nichols
Website: www.tiogadowns.com/gaming/sportsbook
Owner: Jeff Gural
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday noon-11 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-1 a.m.; Sunday 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Amenities: Located near main entrance of casino resort. Eight betting windows, large video wall, three sports tickers. Facility is also a live harness racing track, with 2020 meet cut short due to COVID-19 precautions.
DraftKings at del Lago
Address: 1133 NY-414, Waterloo
Website: www.dellagoresort.com/draftkings-sportsbook/
Owner: Peninsula Pacific Entertainment
Hours of Operation: Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Sportsbook located on casino floor near entrance of The Vine Showroom, includes 23 betting kiosks available 24/7, four betting windows. More than 1,000 square feet of LED video screens, real-time odds boards. Owner’s boxes available.
Sportsbook 360
Address: 888 Resorts World Drive, Monticello
Website: www.rwcatskills.com
Owner: Genting, Kien Huat
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday 5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-1:30 a.m.
Amenities: Resorts World Catskills’ center bar is surrounded by 360-degree arc to 32 jumbo flat screen TVs and giant high-definition screen. Includes 14 betting kiosks (available during casino hours) and betting counter. Casino recently acquired by Genting, owner of Resorts World Casino in Queens at Aqueduct Racetrack.
The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Address: 5218 Patrick Road, Verona
Website: www.turningstone.com/gaming/the-lounge-with-caesars-sports
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday noon-midnight; Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Located inside Turning Stone Casino, lounge features giant 500-square foot curved LED screen, visible from main casino entrance. One of three sportsbooks operated by Caesars Entertainment, all located within 35 miles of Syracuse.
The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Address: 450 NY-31, Bridgeport
Website: www.pointplacecasino.com/casino/the-lounge-with-caesars-sports
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Hours of Operation: Noon-midnight
Amenities: Sportsbook part of expanded Point Place Casino gaming floor. Includes 24-foot, high-resolution video wall, along with 30 big LED screens. Website features a tutorial sports wagering guide.
The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Address: 800 West Genesee Street, Chittenango
Website: www.yellowbrickroadcasino.com/casino/the-lounge-with-caesars-sports
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Hours of Operation: Noon-midnight
Amenities: Sportsbook in Yellow Brick Road Casino is the largest in New York State. Includes giant 32-foot video wall, more than 30 large-screen TVs. Seating features dozens of stadium recliners and room for more than 200 patrons.
Sports Lounge (Buffalo)
Address: 1 Fulton Street, Buffalo
Website: www.senecabuffalocreekcasino.com/casino/sports-book/
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Located inside Seneca Creek Buffalo Casino (downtown Buffalo), one of three casinos and sportsbooks owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Sports Lounge (Salamanca)
Address: 777 Seneca Allegany Boulevard, Salamanca
Website: senecaalleganycasino.com/casino/sports-book/
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Amenities: Located inside Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, about 50 miles south of Buffalo and 20 miles north of Bradford, Pa.
Sports Lounge (Niagara Falls)
Address: 310 4th Street, Niagara Falls
Website: www.senecaniagaracasino.com/casino/sports-book/
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Located inside Seneca Niagara Casino, walking distance to the falls and Canadian border. It’s the most recent of the three Seneca sportsbooks to open (December 27, 2019).
Sticks Sports Book
Address: 873 NY-37, Hogansburg
Website: www.mohawkcasino.com/gaming/sports-betting/
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Hours of Operation: 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Sportsbook located inside Akwesasne Mohawk Casino features 9’ x 13’ video wall, an additional 18 66-inch televisions, odds boards, comfortable seating areas. Hogansburg casino and sportsbook is located less than 70 miles from Canadian border.
Online Betting Operators Expected to Launch
When online sports betting is legalized in New York, look for these operators to enter the marketplace:
FanDuel: Battling with DraftKings for online sports betting and Daily Fantasy Sports operation supremacy. Offers a form of sports betting in more than a dozen U.S. states, including New York, where it operates FanDuel Sportsbook at Tioga Downs.
DraftKings: Among the industry leaders in online sports betting, it already operates a New York DraftKings sportsbook at del Lago Casino in Waterloo. Offers a variety of betting and payment options and several bonus offers and promotions.
BetRivers: The first in-person sportsbook operator to accept legal wagers in New York (Rivers Sportsbook in Schenectady, July 2019). BetRivers has online sports betting operations or deals in place in nearly a dozen states. Owned and operated by Rush Street Interactive.
Caesars: One of the most well-known names in the casino and sports betting industry already has a big foothold in the New York marketplace, where it operates three in-person sportsbooks at casinos owned by the Seneca Nations of Indians.
The Stars Group: Like FanDuel, FOX Bet, Betfair and TVG, the Stars Group is part of Flutter Entertainment, a global sports betting operator. Its New York operations include Sticks Sports Book in the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino.
Mobile Sports Betting NY
The wheels continue to turn on online sports betting legislation in New York. An online sports betting bill sponsored by State Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr., passed the Senate, but continues to face hurdles in the State Assembly. In addition, the bill requires the signature of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has questioned whether online sports betting in New York can be legalized without a constitutional amendment, a process that includes a statewide voter referendum and would take several years to complete.
Many lawmakers believe a constitutional amendment is unnecessary and Addabbo’s bill limits New York’s four commercial casinos and three tribes operating in the state to one skin (branded online sportsbook) apiece. The issue may reach some form of resolution in 2021.
What is certain is New York remains a long way from reaching its sports betting potential, considering that more than 80% of sports bets in New Jersey and Pennsylvania are placed online. According to a study from Eilers & Krejcik Gaming (funded by DraftKings and FanDuel), nearly one-fifth of New Jersey’s $4.6 billion in sports bets was wagered by New York residents in 2019. The study estimates that New York would receive up to $166 million a year in annual tax revenue if sports wagering included an online/mobile component.
What Bonus Offers are Available from Sportsbooks in NY?
Most of the lucrative bonus offers are offered by online sportsbooks. If New York approves online sports wagering, bettors can look forward to a variety of bonuses and promotions from every betting site, including:
Odds boosts: An increase in odds on a specific team or game providing a bigger edge to bettors.
Parlay insurance: Wager amount is returned if all of the selections in your parlay win except one. Generally, the parlays must include at least four or five games, and big moneyline favorites (-200 or more) are excluded.
Deposit match: Make your first deposit and the online sportsbook will match a portion or the full amount. Generally, the bonus amount must be wagered one or more times and within a certain timeframe.
Risk-free bet: Make your first wager and the sportsbook will match the amount of the bet in your account if you lose.
Loyalty programs: Available for online and in-person sports betting. Rewards programs allow players to accumulate points. The more you wager, the greater the rewards in the form of cash, hotel stays or other prizes.
Types of Sports Bets Available in New York
Moneyline: A wager on a team to win a game, based on moneyline odds set by the sportsbook, with no point spread involved.
Point spread: The most common sports wager. A team is favored to win a game by a specific number of points or goals set by the sportsbook. Bettors can choose the favorite or underdog with their respective odds.
Parlay: A single wager combining two or more games. All selections must win for the parlay to cash. The more teams in the parlay, the higher the odds and the payout.
Futures bet: A wager on a team or player to be determined at a later date. For example, betting on a team to win the NCAA Tournament before or during the college basketball season. Or wagering on a golfer to win the Masters before the event tees off.
Over/Under: A wager that the combined score of both teams in a game goes over or under the number set by the sportsbook. Also known as a totals wager.
Teaser: Allows a bettor to adjust the point spread in a specific game in exchange for reduced odds. Teaser bets are often used in parlay wagering. The reduced odds are determined by how many points are teased.
Round robin: Similar to a parlay, but less risky in that not every team must win. In a three-team round robin, you construct three separate two-team parlays and cash if two of the teams win. Round robins offer lower risk and less reward than traditional parlays.
NY Sports Betting Markets
New York sportsbooks offer wagering on professional, major college and International sports. Among the most popular sports and leagues available to bettors:
- Football (NFL, NCAA, CFL)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA, WNBA)
- Hockey (NHL)
Other sports on the betting menu include, but are not limited to:
- Golf
- Tennis
- Auto racing
- Soccer (including English Premier League, English Championship League, MLS, others)
- Rugby
- Boxing, mixed martial arts
New York allows wagering on major college sports except games involving New York-based teams or college games played in the state.
As for local teams, the New York metropolitan area has the most major league sports franchises in the country, including two in each of the four major pro sports leagues:
- New York Giants, New York Jets (NFL)
- Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks (NBA)
- New York Mets, New York Yankees (MLB)
- New York Rangers, New York Islanders (NHL)
- New York City FC, New York Red Bulls (MLS)
- New York Liberty (WNBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York Giants: DraftKings
- New York Jets: MGM Resorts, 888 Casino
- Brooklyn Nets: FanDuel
- New York Knicks: DraftKings
- New York Mets: DraftKings
- New York Yankees: DraftKings
- New York Rangers: DraftKings
- New York Liberty: FanDuel
- New York FC: Mohegan Sun
- Buffalo Bills: Seneca Resorts & Casinos
- Buffalo Sabres: Seneca Resorts & Casinos
- NBA: MGM Resorts, Fox Bet, DraftKings, FanDuel, William Hill
- MLB: MGM Resorts, DraftKings, FanDuel, Fox Bet
- NHL: Fan Duel, MGM Resorts, William Hill
- NFL: Caesars (casino only)
- PGA Tour: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, PointsBet
- NASCAR: BetMGM
- Formula One: Interregional Sports Group, Sportradar
- MLS: MGM Resorts
- New York State Gaming Commission (October 4,2020). Retrieved October 4, 2020, from https://www.gaming.ny.gov/
- US Department of Justice (January 24, 2020). Retrieved February 6, 2020, from https://www.justice.gov/
- American Gaming Association (n.d.). Retrieved February 5, 2020, from https://www.americangaming.org/
- National Council on Problem Gambling (n.d.). Retrieved February 6, 2020, from https://www.ncpgambling.org/programs-resources/resources/
- International Association of Gaming Regulators (n.d.). Retrieved February 1, 2020 from https://www.iagr.org/
In Western New York, Buffalo has two major pro sports franchises:
Sports Leagues & Sportsbooks Partnerships in New York
After initially distancing themselves from gambling relationships, pro sports teams and leagues now announce sports betting partnerships on a regular basis. Among the deals involving New York teams and pro leagues with sports betting and fantasy sports:
Note: DraftKings has sponsorship deals with 27 of the 30 MLB teams, including the Mets and Yankees.
Signing up to a NY Online Sportsbook
New York law allows only for in-person sports wagering.
If and when New York changes the law to allow to online sports wagering, signing up at an online sportsbook will be a simple process, based on other legal states.
Bettors will select a New York sportsbook, register for an account, establish a username and password and answer questions verifying age and identity. Once the information is confirmed, bettors can fund their account and are ready to wager.
All bettors will need to be physically located within the state of New York to place a legal wager, and sites will use geolocation software to ensure it.
Payments Methods Accepted at NY Sportsbooks
Based on other states with legal online sports betting, New Yorkers can expect the following banking options:
Play+: A branded virtual prepaid card that allows for instant deposits and withdrawals. Many online sportsbook allow bettors to apply for the card from the operator’s website. Can be funded with a credit card or bank account.
PayPal/e-wallets: The most popular e-wallet is PayPal, which allows bettors to quickly transfer funds from e-wallet account to online sportsbook account. A PayPal account is easy to set up and can be funded with a credit or debit card. Other popular e-wallet options include Neteller and Skrill.
Bank transfer/ACH: Electronic transfer or e-check allows sportsbook to establish direct connection with a player’s bank account. Allows for an easy reload of your account if necessary.
Debit/credit cards: Not all cards will allow transactions with online sportsbooks and some banks and financial institutions may refuse to process gambling transactions. When they do work, funds immediately transfer for quick play. Some credit/debit cards may consider the transaction a cash advance and charge higher fees.
PayNearMe: A deposit-only method with no bank account or credit card needed. Players can fund their account with cash at a 7-Eleven, CVS Pharmacy or Family Dollar in the state.
Deposit and Withdrawal Process at Online Sportsbooks
Deposit and withdrawal options vary by state. Nearly all legal online sportsbooks accept Play+, e-checks and prepaid cards. E-wallets (PayPal, Neteller) are generally accepted and avoid bank fees that come with credit and debit cards.
Withdrawals are sometimes less immediate, depending on the method you choose. Casino-branded prepaid cards and e-wallets offer quick withdrawals, while e-checks could take 1-5 days or more.
The method you choose to fund your account will be the most convenient method for withdrawals. The exception is credit/debit cards, which generally cannot be used for withdrawals.
A History of New York Sports Betting
2013: Lawmakers legalize in-person sports betting at four upstate New York commercial casinos and tribal casinos, contingent upon a change in federal betting laws. The bill does not permit NY racetracks to offer sports gambling or authorize online sports betting.
2018: The U.S. Supreme Court overturns the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize and regulate sports betting.
January 2019: The New York Gaming Commission finalizes sports betting rules and regulations.
June 2019: State Senate approves bill to legalize online sports betting. Bill is not put to a vote in General Assembly and Gov. Andrew Cuomo expresses constitutional concerns, saying mobile sports betting may require an amendment to the state constitution, a three-year process that would require a statewide referendum.
July 2019: First legal sports bet in New York is placed at Rivers Sportsbook in Schenectady. By the end of the year, 10 sportsbooks are accepting in-person wagers.
July 2020: Legislature ends 2020 session without General Assembly vote on online sports betting bill.
September 2020: Cuomo does not include online/mobile sports betting revenue in state budget.
Online Betting FAQs
What is the legal age for sports betting in New York?
Bettors must be 21 or older.
When did sports betting go live in New York?
The first legal sports wager was placed on July 16, 2019 at Rivers Sportsbook in Schenectady.
Is sports betting legal in all states?
No, but more than two dozen states are expected to have legalized sports betting by the end of 2020. Some states allow both in-person and online sports betting, others like New York offer only in-person wagering. Tennessee in 2020 became the first state to legalize online-only sports betting.
How many online sportsbooks are in New York?
None. Online sports betting is not legal in New York.
Is sports betting legal in New York?
Yes. In-person sports betting is legal at four commercial casinos and seven tribal casinos. None are located in close proximity to the New York metropolitan area.
Who regulates New York sports betting?
The New York State Gaming Commission.
Why should I bet on legal sports betting sites over offshore?
Unlike legal sites, offshore sports betting sites are unregulated, provide no legal safeguards to bettors and should be avoided.
What sporting events can you bet on in New York?
Wagering is available on just about any professional or major college sports event. The only exceptions are college events that include New York-based schools or are played in the state. Current legislation tied to mobile gambling in New York would remove the restriction on wagering on collegiate tournaments played inside the state.
Can I bet in New Jersey if I am a New York resident?
Yes. New York is losing millions in potential tax revenue as residents cross the state line into New Jersey to wager on sports. Bettors must be physically located in New Jersey to place an online sports bet. Geofencing technology accurately tracks your location.
What are the tax rates on sports betting in NY?
The sports betting tax rate in New York is 10% on land-based revenue. A bill in the State Legislature proposes a 12% tax on mobile sports betting revenue.
Where is it legal to gamble online in New York?
New York does not allow online gambling.
