| Gambling | Legal Since |
|---|---|
| Sports | Illegal |
| Daily Fantasy | Legal Since: 2016 |
| Casino | Illegal |
| Poker | Illegal |
| Lottery | Legal Since: 2019 |
Guide to Online Gambling in New York: The Best New York Gambling Sites for 2020
New York Daily Fantasy Sports
The situation for New York daily fantasy sports (DFS) is somewhat complicated. In 2016, NY passed a law that allowed DFS sites to operate in the state. Temporary licenses were issued to the biggest brands, and everything seemed great. However, a ruling in 2018 stated that they constitute sports gambling and so should immediately cease operations in New York. Pending appeal, New York daily fantasy betting remains legal, and players can play safely and legally.
- We have a deep understanding of the New York gambling laws and study all communications from the New York Gaming Commission.
- We follow all updates and developments in the industry by regularly checking all New York gambling stories in local and major media outlets such as the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
- We create free beginner’s guides to some of the most popular casino games. If you want to find out handy tips, check out our slots or roulette pages.
- Wall Street Journal
- New York Gambling Commission
- New York Times
Gambling Laws in New York
Daily fantasy sports are not the only form of gambling that is complicated legally, not to mention that there are states where it is not allowed whatsoever, such as the DFS in Arizona or Idaho. It is not a wonder that there have been a number of back and forths on various issues throughout the history of New York gambling. However, let’s start with the straightforward things.
At the moment, land-based casinos, charitable gambling, horseracing and lotteries are legal in New York. Pari-mutuel wagering on horseracing at licensed events away from the actual racetracks is also permitted, which is unusual in America. Sports betting, while technically legal, is not currently possible within NY, as there are no licensed operators.
New York Sports Betting
Sports betting is legal in New York State and has been ever since the overturn of a federal law in May 2018. However, unlike other states, such as Rhode Island for example, it is yet to see its first legal sports bet. This is because the state legislation has been held up, delaying the regulation and issuing of any licenses. If you are willing to learn more about the current possibilities and the changes that are happening, you can take a look at the page dedicated to New York sports betting. However, while you are waiting for legislation to appear, it will not be bad to at least have a look at what other states have to offer. Nevada offers sports betting in a way that it might interest you.
New York Online Casinos
While there are land-based commercial and tribal casinos in New York State, there is, at the moment, no way to legally gamble online. This is because there are no licensed online operators, and accessing a site based outside of the state is a crime under New York law. If you want more details on the matter, check our guide for casinos in New York.
New York Online Poker
Things are pretty much the same for poker as for New York online casinos: there is currently no ways for you to play online poker legally. You can play poker at commercial casinos, or socially (though you are not allowed to make a profit from such games), but that is it currently.
New York Lottery
The New York Lottery, founded in 1966, was the second lottery to be set up in an American state, after New Hampshire. The NY lottery is connected to the multi-state systems, so residents can play in the huge draws such as Mega Millions. You have to buy tickets in person though, as online ticket sales have not yet been introduced or announced. For more details on the current online lottery situation in the state, make sure to check our New York lottery page.
History of Gambling in New York
There have been a number of different updates to the gambling laws in New York State over the years, with moves to restrict betting followed by more liberal moments. Check out the highlights below.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1821 | All forms of gambling are banned in the state under the second state constitution. |
| 1939 | Pari-Mutuel betting is legalized |
| 1957 | Charitable gambling is allowed |
| 1966 | The New York State Lottery is set up |
| 1993 | Native American casinos are permitted within the state |
| 2011 | Federal law is used to ban all online gambling in the state |
| 2013 | Commercial casinos are permitted within the state |
New York State Facts
Home to the “city that never sleeps”, there are endless facts and stories about New York State, even outside of its namesake city. It was home to Woodstock, and today has the world’s smallest church (measuring 51″x81″), a pet cemetery that has 12,000 plots and, of course, the world-famous Niagara Falls (even if that is shared with Canada). Here are some other New York facts and useful links.
| Population | 19,542,209 |
|---|---|
| Min. Income/month | $1,924.00 |
| Offline Location | Resorts World Casino |
| Commissioner | NYS Gaming Commission |
| Languages | English 69.6%, Spanish 15.1%, Chinese 3.1% |
| Local Team | New York Yankees |
| Tax Authority | Department of Taxation and Finance |
| State Law | http://public.leginfo.state.ny.us/lawssrch.cgi?NVLWO: |
| Gambling Tax | Up to 3% (depending on winnings amount) |
| State Website | https://www.ny.gov/ |
| Local Gamblers | Stu Ungar |
Gambling Age in New York
In order to buy lottery tickets, place bets on races or play casino games at some establishments in New York, you have to be at least 18 years of age. Other casinos, namely those that serve alcohol on the floor, require patrons to be at least 21. Here are some of the important minimum age restrictions in New York State.
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Online Gambling Age:
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Alcohol Age
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Weed Age
Responsible Gambling and Addiction Prevention
There are a number of national and state organizations that New York residents can turn to if they are experiencing problems with the consequences of their gambling, or if they are battling gambling addiction. The first port of call should be the New York Council on Problem Gambling.
Upcoming Regulation and Expected Changes
The biggest change that is still on the horizon for New York gambling is the full legalization of sports betting. At the moment, there are no laws stopping anyone from placing a sports bet. However, there have been many delays to the process of allowing operators to run in the state. It is expected that operators will gain licenses soon and that residents will eventually be allowed to gamble on their favorite sports, following the path set out by New Jersey gambling. Check back here for the latest updates on the situation!