New York launched retail sports betting on July 19, 2019 at Tioga Downs when Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo made the first legal sports bet in the state’s history. New York then launched online sports wagering on January 8, 2022 just in time for the Super Bowl as FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings and BetRivers opened apps for business. Other online sportsbooks joined within the next month, now making New York’s online sports betting handle eclipsing $1 billion. Today there are 11 in-person sportsbooks New Yorkers can visit, along with eight online sportsbook apps.

With eight online sportsbooks (soon to be nine!) operating with New York’s state lines, new sports bettors have many options. I will provide you with the best sports betting options in New York and explain how to get started betting on sports. I’ll also provide details on the state’s path toward legal sports betting, which New York teams you can wager on and responsible gambling resources.

 

Best Betting Sites In New York

No books available.

is sports betting legal in new york

Yes! Sports betting in New York became legal when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) on May 14, 2018 because of a 2013 bill and ballot initiative which triggered legalized sports wagering once the federal ban was lifted. Governor Andrew Cuomo legalized New York online sports betting on April 19, 2021 with his signature on the state’s budget bills known as A3009 / S2509.

Unlike the nearby states of New Jersey and Massachusetts, New Yorkers are not able to make wagers on the NFL Draft. Wagers on in-state college teams or NCAA events in the state are also prohibited. 

new york quick facts

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    Launch Date: January 2022
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    Legal Betting Age: 21
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    Online Sports Betting: Yes
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    Online Casino Sites: No
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    Online Poker Sites: No
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    Best Available Sportsbook: FanDuel
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    Regulatory Body: New York State Gaming Commission
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    Legal Online Sportsbooks: 8
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    College Sports Betting: Yes, but not in-state college teams or college events in New York
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    Political or Entertainment Betting: No
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    High School Betting: No
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    Esports Betting: No
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    NFL Draft: No
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    Remote Registration: Yes  

timeline of betting legislation & latest news

Even prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling which allowed individual states to legalize sports betting, New York lawmakers were busy getting their ducks in a row. In 2013, bills were signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo (and approved by voters) to legalize sports betting in the state once the federal ban was lifted. New Yorkers got their wish in 2018 and retail betting launched in the summer of 2019. However, online sports betting didn’t start until January of 2022 because it required additional legislation.

  1. June 18, 2013

    Bills S5883 / A8101 AKA The Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act are introduced. Among other things, the bill would legalize retail sports betting in the state once the federal ban on sports betting is lifted.

  2. July 30, 2013

    Governor Andrew Cuomo signs S5883 / A8101 which still needs to be voted on by the public in November.

  3. November 5, 2013

    Voters approve the constitutional amendment proposed in Gov. Cuomo’s bill (57% to 43%), paving the way for new casinos in the state and legal sportsbooks once the federal ban on sports betting is lifted.

  4. May 14, 2018

    The U.S. Supreme Court lifts the federal ban on sports betting (by striking down PASPA), allowing individual states to legalize and create their own regulations.

  5. July 19, 2019

    New York’s first retail sportsbook opens at Tioga Downs, as N.Y. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo makes the state’s ceremonial first wager.

  6. January 20, 2021

    General Assembly Bill A3009 and Senate Bill S2509 (AKA “New York budget bills”), which include online sports betting revenue projections, are introduced. The bills would legalize online sports betting throughout the state.

  7. April 6, 2021

    Budget bills A3009 / S2509 approved in the senate by a vote of 38-25.

  8. April 19, 2021

    Gov. Cuomo signs budget bill (A3009 / S2509) into law, officially legalizing online sports betting in New York

  9. November 8, 2021

    NYS Gaming Commission approves online sports betting licenses for nine operators including Bet MGM, DraftKings, FanDuel.

  10. January 8, 2022

    Online sports betting launches in the state as BetRivers, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars begin accepting online wagers.

  11. April 11, 2024

    Sen. Joe Addabbo introduces Senate Bill 9044 (S9044) which aims to increase the gambling age for fantasy sports contests from 18 to 21. The bill hasn’t been made into law yet.

how to start betting in new york

Sports betting in New York is straightforward thanks to remote registration which allows bettors to register for a sportsbook and deposit money into their account from anywhere in the state. If you’re over 21-years-old and in New York, you can download your favorite sports betting app on a smartphone, deposit money, verify your identity, and begin betting instantly.

  1. Select a sportsbook 

    First, decide which sportsbook you want to use and download that sports betting app on your phone. Some sportsbooks will allow you to get started from their website on a computer as well. With the help of this article, make sure the app you’ve chosen is regulated in your state.

  2. Create Account

    Click the button on your sportsbooks’s app that says “signup” or “get started,” while you’re inside state lines, to begin creating an account. You’ll be required to fill in some personal information and verify your identity.

  3. Deposit

    To fund the account, select the payment option you prefer. Each sportsbook has different options for deposits, but common options include: Credit/debit card, bank transfers, PayPal, etc. Remember to keep an eye out for any fees that might be associated with the deposit.

  4. choose your bet and bet size

    There are a variety of wagering options within each sportsbook. If you’re just getting started, moneylines are the most straight-forward bet and allow bettors to wager on who will win an event. Point spreads, over/unders, parlays, player props and futures bets are also popular choices.

  5. place a wager

    Every sportsbook runs independently from each other so they each may offer different point spreads or odds on the same wager. Before placing your wager, try shopping around at other  betting apps to get the best price. Once you’ve found odds you like, type in your wager amount and submit your wager. If your wager wins, your winnings and your original bet will be deposited back into your account shortly after the event you bet on finishes.

  6. withdraw funds

    Each online sportsbook has different methods and processes for cashing out money if you’re successful betting. It’s normal for withdrawals to take longer than deposits, but the money is typically received within a couple days.

Home Field Advantage

New York sports fans are spoiled with options as they have nine different professional sports teams to choose from. Sports bettors in the Empire State have local options to bet on all year and the state is home to some of the greatest athletes in the history of sports like Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, and Lawrence Taylor.

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    NFL - New York Giants: The Giants have won 4 Super Bowl titles including their most recent championship run in 2012 and the “helmet catch” Super Bowl in 2008. The Giants share their home stadium (MetLife Stadium) with the Jets in East Rutherford, NJ. The Giants season runs from September to January. A lot of fans in New York bet wide receiver Malik Nabers to win the offensive rookie of the year award this year.
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    NFL - New York Jets: The Jets’ season runs from September to January and hasn’t extended into the playoffs since 2010. With a healthy Aaron Rodgers this year, they’re looking to change that. The Jets play their home games in East Rutherford, NJ at MetLife Stadium. The Jets haven’t won a Super Bowl since way back in 1969. The Jets roster is loaded with talent this season and features Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner who both Rookie of the Year awards.
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    NFL - Buffalo Bills: Buffalo Bills fans are known for their entertaining and rowdy tailgates and their play on the field is also exciting as they have one of the league’s best quarterbacks in Josh Allen. The Bills have made it to the playoffs in six of the last seven seasons, but they’ve not been in a Super Bowl since they lost four in a row in the early 1990s. The AFC East figured to be highly competitive this season and a rushing TD on Allen isn’t a bad idea since he ran it into the endzone 15 times last season.
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    NHL - New York Rangers: The Rangers’ hockey season runs from early October through April, although it can be extended into May and June if the team makes the playoffs. The Rangers have been a frequent playoff participant, making it the last two seasons and three of the past four. They play their home games at Madison Square Garden. The last time the Rangers made the Stanley Cup Final was 2014.
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    NHL- New York Islanders: The Islanders play their home games at UBS Arena and their season runs from October through April. The Islanders were founded in 1972 and have won four Stanley Cups in their history, but the most recent was 1983. They made the playoffs last season, but were bounced in the first round.
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    NBA - Brooklyn Nets: The Nets started playing in Brooklyn at Barclays Arena in 2012. Their season runs from October through April, and although they’ve made the postseason frequently. Last season was disappointing as the Nets weren’t a good team against the spread, so bettors in New York may be weary of them next season.
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    NBA - New York Knicks: The Knicks play at Madison Square Garden and are one of New York’s most popular sports teams. Their season runs from October through April, and although they’ve made the playoffs several times recently, they shockingly haven’t won an NBA championship since 1973. The last time the Knicks made the NBA Finals was 1999, when they lost to the San Antonio Spurs.
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    MLB - New York Yankees: The Yankees play at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx and are New York’s most popular and successful team. The Yankees have won 27 World Series titles and 20 American League East division titles, but haven’t won a championship since 2009. The season runs late March through September, although the Yankees expect to be playing into October every season. Keep an eye on Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the MVP betting market.
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    MLB: New York Mets: The Mets play at Citi Field in Queens and have a devout fan base. The Mets aren’t in the playoffs as frequently, but last won the World Series in 1986 and have been to the World Series more recently (2015) than the Yankees. The Mets most recently made the playoffs in 2022. Their season runs from March through September as well.

responsible gaming message from new york

The New York State Gaming Commission provides a form for voluntary self exclusion for those who wish to ban themselves from gambling activity statewide. The form must be notarized and mailed to the address on page 5. New Yorkers can also exclude themselves from gambling activity in individual casinos across the state. Help with gambling addiction is available 24-hours a day by calling 1-877-8-HOPENY or texting HOPENY. Resources may vary depending on which region of New York you’re in and this website can help point you in the right direction. 

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