New York Sports Betting

Looking to bet on sports in the Empire State? Compare.bet has got you covered with a lineup of the best sportsbook sites and apps available to New Yorkers. Compare our expert sportsbook reviews, scores, sign-up offers, and bonuses to select the best sportsbook for you. 

Every sportsbook featured on our site is legal and fully regulated in the state of New York so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands. Now all that’s left for you to do is pick your sportsbook, sign up and place your bets.

The state of New York has a long-standing history with gambling. The state offers a variety of Vegas-style casino games as well as a state lottery. In 2019, New York, the “Mecca of basketball,” and the home of the Yankees, Giants, and Rangers launched legal and regulated sports wagering. Read on for a comprehensive guide to sports betting in New York.

NY Sports Betting Sites

• BetRivers
• Caesars Sportsbook
• DraftKings Sportsbook
• FanDuel Sportsbook
• BetMGM
• PointsBet

Is Online Sports Betting Legal in New York?

Yes, in-person and online sports betting is legal in the state of New York. The Empire State launched online sports betting on January 8 2022 following a lengthy licensing process that began in 2021.

The online market went live with the launch of BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel, all of which received approval from the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) earlier in the week.

It was a long road to legal online betting in New York. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had previously opposed bringing mobile sports betting to New York, signaled a willingness to authorize mobile betting in his 2021 budget. With New York facing a financial crisis as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Cuomo finally embraced the revenue source that legal online sports betting would bring.

Cuomo favored a lottery-based sports betting model similar to the one implemented in New Hampshire where only a handful of sportsbooks may operate. Although this is not the best model for customers or businesses, it would nonetheless bring in tax dollars for the state.

In April 2021, Cuomo reached a deal that would permit online sports betting in the state. A competitive bidding process closed on October 19, 2021, with nine sportsbook operators selected from two super bids.

The launch of legal online betting in New York follows the legalization of sports betting in a limited capacity back in 2013. The Empire State legalized sports wagering with the passage of the New York Economic Gaming Act which permitted the construction of seven non-tribal casinos in New York. 

The legislation also paved the way for four upstate casinos, and the tribal venues in the state to offer sports wagering if federal law allowed it. With the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, the state was finally allowed to make preparations for sports betting.

After months of speculation and public statements made by the State’s governor, the NYSGC granted preliminary approval to a set of sports betting regulations in January 2019. These regulations would grant four casinos in upstate New York the power to launch sports betting operations. The regulations were approved in June 2019, paving the way for regulated sports betting in New York. 

Where can I Bet on Sports in New York?

Online sports betting is now available in the Empire State meaning New Yorkers and visitors to the state can legally wager from anywhere within state lines. Like every other state offering online betting, New York sportsbooks use Geolocation software to ensure bettors are physically located within state lines.

A total of nine sportsbooks have received approval to offer online betting in the Empire State. These sportsbook operators include:

Local Sports Teams and Partnerships

The Empire State is home to several major league sports teams you’ll be able to bet on at online sportsbooks and mobile apps. Many of these iconic local heroes have forged partnerships with top bookies, so it’s worth looking out for potential tie-in promotions and VIP perks when backing New York teams through their online betting partners.  

Top 5 NY Sportsbooks

DraftKings Sportsbook

Boasting a sleek, green-and-black color scheme that’s very easy on the eye, DraftKings gets top marks for visual appeal. There’s plenty of substance here as well, from the sprawling coverage of sports to handy tools like same game parlays. The latter let you combine multiple bets for the same event – say, a Jets game – and potentially ramp up your returns. You may even bag same game parlay promos which will award you free bets when you stake a minimum amount on multi-leg wagers within a given timeframe. Odds boosts and daily free to play pools are among the other regular perks at this top NY sportsbook.

FanDuel Sportsbook

Whether you like to place moneylines, spreads, parlays, or highly specific in-game props, FanDuel has betting markets that cater for virtually all sports fans. If parlays are your thing, you’ll be in your element because FanDuel puts a particular emphasis on this market in its promotions section. Think parlay insurance that will refund you some or all of your stake if your NFL, NHL and college basketball combo bets don’t come good. You can take advantage of an ever-changing selection of odds boosts, often for major league events. Betting on the move is also a cinch thanks to FanDuel’s intuitive mobile app.

BetMGM

The super-stylish BetMGM site has tabs for different sports running along the top of the page as well down the left-hand side, making it particularly easy to quickly navigate to your preferred categories. There’s a wealth of live betting markets to choose from, while select events can even be watched as they unfold via live streams. You’re also able to cash out some in-play bets before the outcome is determined. On top of ongoing promos like odds boosts, the site lets members rack up points for the M life Rewards program, which can earn you bet bonuses and in-person perks at MGM casino resorts.

BetRivers Sportsbook

Another prime online NY sportsbook, BetRivers has a major selling point in the form of its iRush Rewards scheme. Collecting points with every wager, you may be able to access luxury gifts, faster withdrawals, and invites to exclusive events. The sportsbook itself ticks all the right boxes, with an array of in-play betting options, live streaming of certain sporting events, and a rich array of bonus offers. You can look forward to profit boosts on big events such as the Australian Open, and at the time of writing there are weekly 20% boosts on NBA and NHL winnings, making it even more fun to back the Knicks and the Rangers. 

Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars more than holds its own against other sportsbooks with loyalty schemes. You can reap the benefits of Caesars Rewards, where every wager you make – whether it wins or not – will contribute and help you win bonus packages, sports tickets and other gifts. Same game parlays, live betting, and regular odds boosts are all on the agenda at Caesars, while the crisp, clear interface means you won’t be swamped with information or find it tricky to navigate around the site. The Caesars mobile app offers a similarly slick experience, whether you’re betting on the move in New York City or anywhere else in the Empire State.

New York Online Sportsbook Bonuses

You can count on New York’s online sportsbooks to offer a variety of perks and promos to edge out the competition. These include welcome bonus incentives and ongoing bonuses that reward returning bettors. 

Depending on the NY sportsbook or deal, you may have to enter a promo code to access the bonus in question. Alternatively, you may be given access to the deal simply for signing up as a new member or making a minimum deposit or bet. 

It’s always important to read the fine print so you’re clear on any terms and conditions that may be attached. You’ll want to check whether certain deposit methods will make you ineligible for the bonus, if there are maximum win limits and minimum odds stipulations, when the bonus will expire, and whether you have to meet any playthrough requirements before you can withdraw your winnings.

Let’s take a quick look at some popular bonuses you may find at online sportsbooks and sports betting apps in New York.

Deposit Match 

Often provided as a welcome bonus, this incentive sees the New York sportsbook match a certain percentage of your deposit in bet credits, up to a maximum limit. If, say, there’s a 100% up to $1,000 deposit bonus, adding $50 to your sportsbook account will give you another $50 to bet with.

No Deposit Bonus

With this deal, you’ll be given free bet credits or another kind of perk just for creating an account with an online sportsbook. No deposit will be required, but remember to check those terms and conditions.

Risk-Free Bet

If you’d like to try out a new sportsbook for the first time, or perhaps place a longshot bet that carries a lot of risk, this kind of bonus may be for you. If things don’t go your way, you’ll get your stake back in the form of bet credits, up to a maximum limit.

Parlay Insurance 

Parlays give you the chance to enhance your profits by combining odds for different selections on one slip. The sticking point is that all your bets have to come good for you to collect. Parlay insurance mitigates this risk by refunding some or all of your stake if your parlay loses by one selection.

Best New York Sports Betting Promo Offers in December 2024

At Compare.bet, we’re always keeping tabs on the top welcome bonus deals at online sportsbooks in New York. Here are some that have caught our eye in 2022.

BetRivers Sportsbook New York Promo

BetRivers offers a solid $250 deposit match offer for new members. While this may not be the biggest dollar amount for a welcome bonus, the fact that it comes with a very low 1x playthrough requirement gets brownie points from us.

Caesars Sportsbook New York Promo

Caesars has a welcome bonus fit for an emperor: a deposit match of 100% up to $1,500 when you sign up with the promo code LEGALCZR. A minimum $50 deposit is needed to activate this bankroll-boosting offer.

BetMGM New York Promo

BetMGM provides a different kind of welcome to new members. Rather than a deposit bonus, you’ll be given a risk-free first bet up to $1,000. This takes the sting out of a losing wager as any stake up to that amount will be returned to you as free bet credits.

DraftKings Sportsbook New York Promo

Sign up as a new DraftKings member and you can get your hands on a 20% deposit bonus with a lofty $1,000 limit. The minimum deposit required to unlock the deal is a modest $5, putting this offer within most people’s reach.

FanDuel Sportsbook New York Promo

You can try out the FanDuel New York site with the assurance of a risk-free bonus backing you up. If luck isn’t on your side and your first bet turns out to be a loser, you’ll get your stake back as bet credits, up to a $1,000 max.

New York Sports Betting Revenue

New York launched sports betting in July 2019 at the casino located upstate. All four commercial properties have sportsbooks open for betting and so do a handful of tribal casinos.

*New York state reports do not include handle figures

*New York’s casinos were closed in March 2020 until 9 September 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Complete state reports can be accessed via the New York State Gaming Commission.

Last updated on 11th January 2022

What else can I bet on in New York?

There are still a variety of gambling options available to residents and visitors in the absence of sports betting. There are a variety of casino venues in the state ranging from tribal establishments to commercial casinos and even some racinos. Casinos in the state of New York offer a wide range of games and activities including slots, blackjack, baccarat, poker, roulette, and even horse racing.

Here’s a list of commercial casino and racino establishments currently operating in New York:

Are offshore gambling sites legal in New York?

New York Betting Law

There’s nothing in state law that restricts players from using offshore sports betting sites. However, we recommend steering well clear. Offshore gambling sites don’t have a license to operate in New York and are not subject to the state’s regulatory standards. This means they may not be secure or may not have measures in place to protect vulnerable players. You also have no way of finding out who is handling the money you deposit into an online account.

You can spot many offshore gambling sites by looking at the domain names. Domains ending in .EU or .AG do not hold a license to operate in New York and therefore should be avoided at all costs.

It’s important to keep in mind that your gambling winnings will form part of your taxable income at both federal and state levels. If you win more than $600 and the amount is at least 300 times your stake, the IRS will be notified and a flat 24% rate may be automatically withheld by the sportsbook.  You may eventually get a rebate if your total income falls below the federal 24% tax bracket, however. On a state level, you’ll be taxed according to your income level, with 4% being the lowest rate.

Is it safe to bet on sports in New York?

Yes, the New York Gaming Commission has set out strong regulatory policies to ensure sports betting is a fair and safe activity for gamblers to enjoy. However, to make sure gambling remains fun, it’s important to gamble responsibly and avoid betting more than you can afford to. If you have any concerns about problem gambling involving yourself or a loved one the New York Council on Problem Gambling has a variety of resources available to help you.

You can contact the New York Council on Problem Gambling via:

Phone – 518-867-4084

Email – [email protected]

Address – 100 Great Oaks Blvd., Suite 126, Albany, NY 12203

Who regulates gambling in New York?

All gambling in the state of New York, including horse racing, is monitored and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission.

You can contact the New York State Gaming Commission via:

Phone – 518-388-3300

Email – [email protected]

Mailing address – New York State Gaming Commission, PO Box 7500, Schenectady, New York 12301-7500

How old do I have to be to gamble in New York?

In the state of New York, the legal age for gambling varies. You must be at least 18 years old to play online and land-based bingo, the state lottery, and some social casino rooms. However, you must be 21 years old if you wish to bet on sports or gamble in any land-based casino.

 The journey to legal and regulated sports betting in New York

1992 – Congress passed the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) prohibiting sports betting across US states. Four states were made exempt from the law: Nevada, Delaware, Oregon, and Montana. These states had legal sports betting regulations in place.

2009 – Senator Eric Adams introduced bill S6061, the first New York sports betting bill. This bill would have allowed horse racing tracks and off-track betting properties to offer sports betting. Under this bill, a percentage of revenue generated from sports betting would be allocated to tax relief efforts on surrounding areas.

The bill stalled at the committee level and didn’t go any further.

2011 – Senator Adams attempted to introduce another version of the 2009 bill under a new name, S3708. This time Adam’s bill was supported by legislation from the state government. A10464 was introduced by Assemblyman David Weprin. This was another sports betting bill but contained provisions to allow bets to be placed on collegiate sporting events. Funds generated from sports betting under this bill would be allocated to education instead of tax relief. Weprin’s bill would also have allowed any authorized casino to apply for a license to carry out sports betting. Both bills never made it past the committee stage.

Another bill was introduced further down the line by Senator Tony Avella, S7401, which was near identical to the previous efforts from state lawmakers. But just like the other attempts, this one didn’t get out of the committee stage.

2013 – On the ballot for 2013 was a gambling package that would essentially rejuvenate the economy in upstate New York by allowing the construction and operation of four new casinos. This package included provisions for these establishments to offer sports betting if the state deemed it legal.

This package was voted on by New Yorkers during a referendum and was approved by the state’s citizens.

The casinos all opened their doors over the course of the next five years.

Senator Adams made another attempt to get sports betting off the ground with S2411. This piece of legislation was the same as S3708 and S6061. This was Adam’s last attempt to introduce his bill. Weprin and Avella also filed bills that were identical to the ones they previously tried to get off the ground. All were unsuccessful.

2015 – Two more attempts were made to try and get New York sports betting legislation off the ground. Weprin attempted to get his bill through the committee stage this time with A3080 and Avella with S940. They would have allowed sports betting to be carried out at horse racing racks and off-track betting facilities. Both were unsuccessful.

During this time, the state was looking into the legalization and regulation of daily fantasy sports (DFS). However, Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman dismissed DFS sites and put them in the same category as sports betting. DraftKings and FanDuel were ordered to stop operations in New York.

2017 – Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, who is also the chairman of the Assembly’s Racing and Wagering Committee, came out in support of sports betting legislation. Two matching sports betting bills were introduced. Weprin introduced an updated version of his previous bill which was called, A5438 and Avella introduced an updated version of his previous bill, which was now called S1282. Both of these bills contained an update that would allow commercial casinos to offer sports betting.

2018  – In January, the state Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee held a public sports betting hearing, indicating the state lawmakers were open to taking their legislative efforts to the next level. During this time the NBA was in the middle of the legal battle with New Jersey over the repeal of PASPA. However, the NBA changed its tone and would stop its efforts to let New York offer sports betting on the condition that any legislation contained a 1% integrity fee on all bets placed.

On 14 May, the Court reached a decision. In a 7 – 2 vote it was agreed that one of the clauses in PASPA violated the Tenth Amendment as it commandeered power from states to regulate their own gambling industries. This paved the way for all US state to decide whether or not to legalize sports betting.

In June the New York legislators pushed their sports betting bills but both ultimately failed. Two efforts were made and both included provisions to allow inline and mobile sports betting. The legislation also allocated an integrity fee to sports leagues.

Pretlow announced that he would continue to pursue sports betting legislation in 2019.

On 29 October, Acting Supreme Court Justice, Gerald W. Connolly ruled that daily fantasy sports were a form of illegal gambling. Shortly after this announcement, in November, the New York State Gaming Commission announced that it would not be responsible for regulating fantasy sports gaming in the state of New York.

2019 –  On 2 January, The Oneida Indian Nation announced a partnership with Caesars Entertainment for New York sports betting. This would allow sports betting to take place at the Turning Stone Resort Casino, Yellow Brick Road Casino and Point Place Casino if the state legalizes the activity.

On 15 January, New York’s Governor Andrew Cuomo called for the legalization of sports betting in New York’s upstate casinos. There were multiple reports that Cuomo planned to include sports betting revenue in a state budget package. However, the budget package did not include sports betting in it.

On 28 January, the New York State Gaming Commission granted preliminary approval to sports betting regulations. These regulations would authorize sports betting to take place in four upstate casinos. The proposed sports betting regulations were approved after a 60-day public comment period

On 16 July 2019, sports betting went live in New York with the opening of a land-based sportsbook at the Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady. 

2020 – In the early months of 2020, lawmakers made attempts to get online sports betting included in the state’s legislation and even the state budget. But these all ultimately failed following the onset of the coronavirus pandemic which brought the legalization of sports betting in New York to a halt. 

In the spring of 2020, New York suffered its worst days of the pandemic. With public health taking a priority and the pandemic upending the state’s legislative session, New York made almost no progress on online betting in 2020.

2021 – The year began with Cuomo coming out in support of mobile sports betting as a means to plug a hole in a state budget decimated by the pandemic. This proved to be the most promising year for mobile betting in Empire State.

In January, Cuomo included mobile sports betting in his 2021 policy proposal for the state. However, instead of an open market, he was adamant about implementing a lottery-based model similar to states like New Hampshire and Oregon. Following the announcement, several sports betting bills were filed in an attempt to get online sports betting off the ground.

In March, online legal sports betting proponents received further hope after the State Assembly included online sports betting in the budget proposals for the year.

In April, the state’s online sports betting details were revealed to the public. Cuomo got his lottery-based model, setting the stage for a competitive bidding process for online betting approval. However, the model left industry experts and analysts scratching their heads as the proposed model and bidding process would severely limit the market and favor bids that would pay upwards of 50% in taxes.

Nonetheless, Cuomo went on to sign the budget into law cementing New York’s online sports betting market.

The bidding process went live in July and came to a close in August. The winning bids were selected in November. These were two super bids from Bally Bet, BetMGM, DraftKings, and primary applicant FanDuel and another bid from Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet, Resorts World, Rush Street Interactive, WynnBET, and primary applicant Kambi.

2021 – On January 8 the Empire State’s online betting market went live with the launch of BetRivers, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook.

The remaining five sportsbooks are set to launch in the coming months.

Be sure to check back with Compare.bet for the latest updates on sports betting in New York.

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