Quick Legal Status
| Field | Status |
|---|---|
| State | New York |
| Online Casino Games | Not legal |
| Online Sports Betting | Legal — mobile (launched January 2022) |
| Online Poker | Not legal |
| Daily Fantasy Sports | Legal — regulated since 2016 |
| State Lottery | Yes — online subscriptions only (no on-demand iLottery) |
| Minimum Gambling Age | 21 casinos / sports betting · 18 lottery / horse racing / DFS |
| Regulatory Body | NY State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) |
| Last Legal Update | December 2025 — three downstate casino licenses approved; sweepstakes casino ban signed |
Legal Overview
New York occupies an unusual position in the US gambling landscape. It has one of the country’s most active legal sports betting markets — with nine licensed mobile operators and the highest tax rate in the nation — but no legal online casino gambling, no legal online poker, and no imminent path to either.
The state has a long history with gambling: the New York Lottery has operated since 1967, horse racing dates to the 19th century, tribal casinos have grown across the state under IGRA, and voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2013 to allow up to seven commercial casinos. But online casino gambling remains prohibited under New York Penal Law §225, and legislative efforts to change that have stalled repeatedly.
For New York residents looking to gamble online, the legal options are mobile sports betting (through any of the nine licensed operators), daily fantasy sports (regulated since 2016), lottery subscriptions at nylottery.ny.gov, and advance deposit wagering on horse racing through NYRA Bets. Online casino games and online poker are not among them.
What’s Legal
- Mobile sports betting: New York launched mobile sports wagering on January 8, 2022, making it one of the largest legal sports betting markets in North America by handle. Nine operators are licensed. See Sports Betting below.
- Commercial casinos: Four upstate commercial casinos operate under the 2013 constitutional amendment. Three additional downstate licenses were approved in December 2025. See Commercial Casinos below.
- Tribal casinos: Three tribal nations operate seven casino facilities across the state. See Tribal Casinos below.
- State lottery: The New York Lottery offers draw games, scratch-offs, and Quick Draw. Online subscriptions for recurring draw game purchases are available at nylottery.ny.gov. Full on-demand iLottery is not yet legal. See New York Lottery below.
- Daily fantasy sports: Legal and regulated since 2016 under the Interactive Fantasy Sports Act (Article 14 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law). Twelve operators are licensed, including DraftKings and FanDuel. See Daily Fantasy Sports below.
- Horse racing and parimutuel wagering: Thoroughbred and harness racing are legal. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) operates three major tracks. Advance deposit wagering (ADW) is legal through NYRA Bets and other licensed platforms. Off-track betting (OTB) operates regionally. See Horse Racing below.
- Charitable gaming: Bingo, games of chance, and bell jar tickets are authorized for qualified non-profit organizations under NY General Municipal Law.
What’s Not Legal
- Online casino games — No state-licensed online casino framework exists. Bills S2614 (Sen. Addabbo) and A6027 (Assemblywoman Woerner) have been introduced in the 2025–2026 session to legalize iGaming, but both remain in committee. Governor Hochul has not included iGaming in her executive budgets. See Recent Legal Changes for details.
- Online poker — No standalone online poker legislation exists. Online poker is included only in the pending iGaming package (S2614/A6027), which has not advanced.
- Retail sports betting outside licensed casinos — Sports wagering is limited to licensed commercial and tribal casino locations for retail, and the nine licensed mobile platforms for online. No standalone retail sportsbooks or sports bars with wagering are authorized.
Regulatory Structure
New York has a centralized gambling regulator — the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) — which oversees nearly all forms of legal gambling in the state.
| Authority | Jurisdiction | Website |
|---|---|---|
| NY State Gaming Commission — Division of Gaming | Commercial casinos, VLTs, sports wagering, interactive fantasy sports, charitable gaming | gaming.ny.gov |
| NY State Gaming Commission — Division of Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering | Thoroughbred and harness racing, OTB, ADW | gaming.ny.gov |
| NY State Gaming Commission — Lottery | NY Lottery operations | nylottery.ny.gov |
| Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) | Problem gambling treatment, HOPEline, self-exclusion program | oasas.ny.gov |
| Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority (HISA) | Federal oversight of Thoroughbred racing (safety, anti-doping) | hisaus.org |
| National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) | Federal oversight of tribal gaming | nigc.gov |
The NYSGC was created in 2013 through a merger of the former Racing and Wagering Board and the Division of the Lottery. It is the single most comprehensive state gambling regulator of any state covered in MobileCasinoParty’s guide series.
Minimum Gambling Ages
| Activity | Minimum Age |
|---|---|
| Commercial casinos | 21 |
| Tribal casinos | 21 |
| Mobile sports betting | 21 |
| Retail sports betting | 21 |
| NY Lottery (all games) | 18 |
| Daily fantasy sports | 18 |
| Horse racing / OTB / ADW | 18 |
| Charitable gaming (bingo, games of chance) | 18 |
Sports Betting in New York
New York launched mobile sports betting on January 8, 2022, and has quickly become the largest legal sports betting market in North America by handle. The state’s mobile wagering program was authorized through the FY2022 state budget bill, which tethered mobile sports betting servers to licensed commercial casino platforms.
Licensed Mobile Sportsbook Operators
Nine operators hold mobile sports wagering licenses from the NYSGC:
| Operator | Platform | License Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally Bet | Bally’s | $25 million | Active |
| BetMGM | MGM Resorts | $25 million | Active |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Caesars Entertainment | $25 million | Active |
| DraftKings | DraftKings | $25 million | Active |
| ESPN Bet | Penn Entertainment | $25 million | Active |
| Fanatics | Fanatics Betting and Gaming | $25 million | Active |
| FanDuel | Flutter Entertainment | $25 million | Active |
| Resorts World Bet | Genting | $25 million | Active |
| Rush Street Interactive | BetRivers | $25 million | Active |
Tax Rate and Revenue
New York’s mobile sports betting tax rate is 51% of gross gaming revenue — the highest in the United States. By comparison, New Jersey taxes mobile sports betting at 13%, Pennsylvania at 36%, and Michigan at 8.4%.
The $25 million per-operator license fee is also among the highest in the country. Combined with the 51% GGR tax, New York generates substantial tax revenue from sports betting despite the high operator cost burden.
Restrictions
- College sports: Wagering is prohibited on any game involving a New York college team, regardless of where the game is played. Wagering on college games that do not involve NY teams is permitted.
- High school sports: All wagering on high school sporting events is prohibited.
- Prediction markets: The NYSGC issued a cease-and-desist to Kalshi (a prediction market platform), indicating that event contracts on certain outcomes may fall under the state’s sports wagering regulations.
Retail Sports Betting
Retail sportsbooks operate at New York’s licensed commercial and tribal casinos. All four upstate commercial casinos and most tribal casino facilities offer in-person wagering options for visitors aged 21 and older.
Online Casino Gambling — Not Legal
Online casino gambling is not legal in New York. No state-licensed online slots, table games, live dealer games, or online poker platforms exist.
This is a critical distinction for New York residents: mobile sports betting is legal and widely available through nine licensed operators, but online casino games are not. These are separate regulatory categories. Having a sports betting account with DraftKings, FanDuel, or any other licensed operator does not make online casino play legal in New York.
Some New York residents may encounter offshore online casinos that claim to accept US players. These platforms are not licensed or regulated by the NYSGC and operate outside New York’s consumer protection framework. Notably, several major offshore operators — including Ignition Casino, Cafe Casino, and Slots.LV — list New York as a restricted state and do not accept NY players.
MobileCasinoParty earns commissions from casino referrals through affiliate partnerships. This does not affect our ratings or reviews. Read our full Terms of Use for details.
New York has demonstrated an active enforcement posture toward unlicensed online gambling. In December 2025, Governor Hochul signed legislation banning sweepstakes casinos — a category of online gambling that had operated in a regulatory gray area. The NYSGC has also issued cease-and-desist orders to platforms it considers to be operating outside state law.
For New York residents looking to gamble online legally, the available options are:
- Sports betting through any of the nine licensed mobile sportsbooks listed above
- Daily fantasy sports through licensed DFS operators
- Lottery subscriptions at nylottery.ny.gov
- Horse racing wagering through NYRA Bets or other licensed ADW platforms
For more on how we evaluate casinos — including licensing, player complaints, and responsible gambling tools — see our Casino Review Process.
New York Lottery
The New York Lottery is one of the largest and oldest government-run lotteries in the United States, established in 1967. It is operated by the NYSGC and contributed $4.38 billion to New York public schools in 2024 — making education funding its primary beneficiary.
Current Lottery Offerings
| Game Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Draw games | Mega Millions, Powerball, NY Lotto, Cash4Life, Pick 10, Numbers, Win 4, Take 5 |
| Instant games | Scratch-off tickets at multiple price points |
| Monitor games | Quick Draw (drawn every 4 minutes at licensed locations) |
| Online | Subscriptions only — recurring draw game purchases at nylottery.ny.gov |
Minimum age for lottery purchases: 18.
Online Lottery Status
New York offers online subscriptions for recurring draw game purchases at nylottery.ny.gov. Players can set up automatic purchases for draw games like Mega Millions, Powerball, and NY Lotto.
However, full iLottery — meaning on-demand individual ticket purchases, instant-win games, and online scratch-offs — is not yet legal in New York. Several other states (including Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey) have authorized iLottery programs.
Commercial Casinos
New York voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2013 authorizing up to seven commercial casinos. Four upstate licenses were awarded in the first round, and three additional downstate licenses were approved in December 2025.
Upstate Commercial Casinos (Operating)
| Casino | Location | Region |
|---|---|---|
| del Lago Resort & Casino | Tyre | Finger Lakes |
| Resorts World Catskills | Thompson | Hudson Valley / Catskills |
| Rivers Casino & Resort | Schenectady | Capital Region |
| Tioga Downs Casino Resort | Nichols | Southern Tier |
All four are full Class III casinos offering slot machines, table games, poker, and (at most locations) retail sportsbooks.
Downstate Casino Licenses (Approved December 2025)
On December 15, 2025, the NYSGC unanimously approved three downstate commercial casino licenses:
| License | Location | Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bally’s Bronx | Ferry Point, The Bronx | Bally’s Corporation | Approved — not yet operational |
| Hard Rock Metropolitan Park | Willets Point, Queens | Hard Rock International / Steve Cohen (NY Mets) | Approved — not yet operational |
| Resorts World New York City | South Ozone Park, Queens (Aqueduct) | Genting Group | Approved — conversion of existing VLT facility |
Each licensee was required to pay a $500 million license fee and commit a minimum of $500 million in development investment — a combined $1 billion commitment per license. Eight applicants competed for the three licenses.
Important: As of April 2026, none of the three downstate casino facilities are operational as full commercial casinos. Resorts World NYC currently operates as a VLT (video lottery terminal) facility at Aqueduct Racetrack and will undergo conversion. The Bally’s Bronx and Hard Rock Metropolitan Park locations require multi-year construction timelines.
Tribal Casinos
Three federally recognized tribal nations operate casino facilities in New York under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).
Seneca Nation of Indians — 3 Casinos
| Casino | Location | Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino | Niagara Falls | Class III — slots, table games, poker |
| Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino | Salamanca | Class III — slots, table games, poker |
| Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino | Buffalo | Class III — slots, table games |
Oneida Indian Nation — 3 Casinos
| Casino | Location | Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Turning Stone Resort Casino | Verona | Class III — 2,000+ slots, table games, largest poker room in NY |
| Point Place Casino | Bridgeport | Class III — slots, table games |
| YBR Casino & Sports Book (Yellow Brick Road) | Chittenango | Class III — slots, table games |
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe — 1 Casino
| Casino | Location | Gaming |
|---|---|---|
| Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort | Hogansburg | Class III — slots, table games, poker |
Total tribal casino facilities in New York: 7 — all offering Class III gaming (full slots, table games, and in some cases poker). This is significantly broader than tribal gaming in states like Texas, where all three tribal facilities are limited to Class II electronic bingo.
Tribal casinos in New York are regulated by the NIGC and individual tribal gaming commissions — not by the NYSGC. Revenue-sharing arrangements between tribes and the state are governed by individual tribal-state compacts.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports are legal and regulated in New York. The Interactive Fantasy Sports Act — enacted in 2016 as Article 14 of the Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law — established a regulatory framework under the NYSGC.
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal status | Legal — regulated since 2016 |
| Tax rate | 15% GGR + 0.5% surcharge (capped at $50,000/year) |
| Regulator | NYSGC |
| Minimum age | 18 |
Twelve operators are permitted to offer DFS in New York, including DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, Underdog, and Yahoo. DFS is classified as a game of skill under New York law, which is why it was legalized separately from online casino gambling and sports betting.
Horse Racing and Parimutuel Wagering
Horse racing has a deep history in New York and remains a major component of the state’s gambling landscape. The NYSGC’s Division of Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering oversees all racing and wagering operations.
NYRA Tracks (Thoroughbred)
The New York Racing Association (NYRA) operates three of the most prestigious Thoroughbred racing venues in the United States:
| Track | Location | Notable |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont Park | Elmont, Long Island | Home of the Belmont Stakes (Triple Crown) |
| Saratoga Race Course | Saratoga Springs | Oldest sporting venue in the US (opened 1863) |
| Aqueduct Racetrack | South Ozone Park, Queens | Winter racing; also hosts Resorts World NYC VLTs |
Harness Racing
Several harness racing tracks operate in New York, including Tioga Downs, Yonkers Raceway, and Batavia Downs. These tracks also host VLT gaming facilities (video lottery terminals operated under the lottery umbrella).
Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW)
Online horse racing wagering is legal in New York through advance deposit wagering platforms. NYRA Bets is the primary ADW platform, offering wagering on races at NYRA tracks and simulcast venues nationwide. Other licensed ADW platforms also accept New York players.
Off-Track Betting (OTB)
Regional OTB corporations operate betting facilities across the state, allowing wagering on live and simulcast horse races outside of racetrack venues.
Recent Legal Changes
New York’s gambling landscape has seen significant activity in 2025–2026, particularly around commercial casino expansion and online gambling regulation.
| Date | Change | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| December 15, 2025 | Three downstate casino licenses approved | NYSGC unanimous vote: Bally’s Bronx, Hard Rock Metropolitan Park, Resorts World NYC. $500M license fee + $500M development each. |
| December 2025 | Sweepstakes casino ban signed | Governor Hochul signed legislation banning sweepstakes casinos. Passed NY Senate 57-2. Seen as a precursor step toward regulating (not legalizing) the online casino space. |
| January 2026 | iGaming bills re-introduced | S2614 (Addabbo) and A6027 (Woerner) re-filed for the 2026 session. Fifth consecutive year Sen. Addabbo has introduced iGaming legislation. |
| January 8, 2022 | Mobile sports betting launched | Nine operators went live under the FY2022 budget authorization. NY became the largest sports betting market in North America by handle. |
| 2016 | Interactive Fantasy Sports Act | Legalized and regulated DFS under NYSGC oversight. 12 operators licensed. |
| November 2013 | Casino constitutional amendment | Voters approved an amendment authorizing up to 7 commercial casinos. Four upstate licenses awarded in first round. |
Online Casino (iGaming) Legislative Outlook
As of April 2026, two bills are pending in the New York Legislature that would legalize online casino gambling:
| Bill | Sponsor | Chamber | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| S2614 | Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Queens) | Senate | In committee — Racing, Gaming and Wagering |
| A6027 | Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner | Assembly | In committee — Racing and Wagering |
Key provisions of S2614/A6027: Would authorize online slots, table games, live dealer, poker, and internet lottery. Proposed tax rate: 30.5% GGR (lower than the 51% sports betting tax). Up to approximately 31 licenses. Includes $25 million/year for workforce development and labor peace agreements.
Why it hasn’t passed: Governor Hochul has not included iGaming in her executive budgets and has not publicly endorsed the legislation. Labor unions — particularly the NY Hotel and Gaming Trades Council — oppose iGaming over concerns about job losses at brick-and-mortar casinos. Assemblywoman Woerner (chair of the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee and co-sponsor of A6027) has herself expressed doubts about passage timing.
Does online casino legalization require a constitutional amendment? No. Unlike the 2013 amendment that was required for commercial land-based casinos, online casino gambling can be authorized by ordinary statute. No voter referendum is needed.
Realistic timeline: No passage is expected in the 2026 session. The earliest realistic window is 2027 or later, particularly if the governor endorses iGaming or if labor agreements are reached with the incoming downstate casino operators.
MobileCasinoParty does not predict whether or when specific legislation will pass. The information above reflects the status of introduced bills as of April 2026.
Responsible Gambling Resources
Gambling should be treated as entertainment, not a source of income. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available.
New York–Specific Resources
New York has one of the most comprehensive responsible gambling infrastructures of any US state, administered by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS).
OASAS HOPEline:
- Phone: 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369)
- Text: HOPENY to 467369
- Available 24/7 — free, confidential counseling by masters-level clinicians
Funding: $6 million per year from mobile sports betting tax revenue is allocated to OASAS for problem gambling services.
Statewide Self-Exclusion Program: New York operates a statewide self-exclusion program that covers all NYSGC-regulated gaming venues — including commercial casinos, tribal casinos (by compact), VLT facilities, and sports betting platforms.
| Option | Duration |
|---|---|
| Short-term | 1 year |
| Medium-term | 3 years |
| Long-term | 5 years |
| Permanent | Lifetime |
Consequences of violating a self-exclusion order include arrest for trespassing and forfeiture of all winnings during the exclusion period.
National Resources
| Organization | Phone | Website | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCPG | 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) | ncpgambling.org | 24/7/365 |
| NCPG Text/Chat | Text 800GAM / ncpgambling.org/chat | — | 24/7/365 |
| Gamblers Anonymous | (909) 931-9056 (office) | gamblersanonymous.org | Meetings vary |
| 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline | 988 (call or text) | 988lifeline.org | 24/7/365 |
| SAMHSA | 1-800-662-4357 (HELP) | samhsa.gov | 24/7/365 |
For more information, visit our Responsible Gambling Policy.
If gambling is no longer fun, call 1-800-MY-RESET or visit ncpgambling.org/chat for free, confidential support 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is online gambling legal in New York?
It depends on what type. Mobile sports betting is legal — nine operators are licensed by the NYSGC. Daily fantasy sports is also legal and regulated. However, online casino games (slots, table games, live dealer) and online poker are not legal. Bills to legalize online casino gambling have been introduced but have not passed.
Is sports betting legal in New York?
Yes. Mobile sports betting launched on January 8, 2022 with nine licensed operators: Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, Resorts World Bet, and Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers). Retail sportsbooks also operate at licensed commercial and tribal casinos. New York taxes mobile sports betting at 51% of gross gaming revenue — the highest rate in the US.
Can I play online poker in New York?
No. Online poker is not legal in New York. There is no standalone online poker legislation. Online poker is included in the pending iGaming bills (S2614/A6027) but those have not advanced. Live poker is available at several tribal and commercial casinos, with Turning Stone Resort Casino hosting the largest poker room in the state.
What is the minimum gambling age in New York?
The minimum age is 21 for casino gambling (commercial and tribal) and sports betting. The minimum age is 18 for lottery purchases, horse racing wagering, OTB, advance deposit wagering, and daily fantasy sports.
Are online casinos coming to New York?
Bills to legalize online casino gambling (S2614 and A6027) are in committee in the New York Legislature as of April 2026. However, Governor Hochul has not endorsed the legislation, and labor unions oppose it. No constitutional amendment is required — the legislature could authorize iGaming by ordinary statute. No passage is expected in 2026. The earliest realistic window is 2027 or later.
What sportsbooks are available in New York?
Nine mobile sportsbook operators are licensed: Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings, ESPN Bet, Fanatics, FanDuel, Resorts World Bet, and Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers). All are available statewide through mobile apps to users aged 21 and older who are physically located in New York.
Is daily fantasy sports legal in New York?
Yes. DFS has been legal and regulated since 2016 under the Interactive Fantasy Sports Act. Twelve operators are licensed by the NYSGC, including DraftKings, FanDuel, PrizePicks, and Underdog. The minimum age is 18.
Where can I get help for problem gambling in New York?
The OASAS HOPEline is available 24/7: call 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text HOPENY to 467369. New York also operates a statewide self-exclusion program covering all regulated gaming. National resources include the NCPG helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738).
Related Guides
- Responsible Gambling Policy — Support resources and helplines
- Casino Review Process — How we evaluate and rate casinos
- USA Online Casinos — Full state-by-state guide hub
- Nevada Gambling Guide — Online poker and sports betting legal
- New Jersey Gambling Guide — Full iGaming market since 2013; neighboring state
- Ohio Gambling Guide — Sports betting legal; no online casino
- Florida Gambling Guide — Tribal compact sports betting
- Pennsylvania Gambling Guide — Full iGaming market
- Michigan Gambling Guide — Full iGaming market; MSIGA member
- Texas Gambling Guide — No legal online gambling
Note: Some state guide pages linked above may contain older content that predates the current rebuild cycle. Links are included to establish the cross-reference scaffold.
Last verified: 2026-04-01
