New York is home to one of the most thriving gambling scenes in the United States. The state boasts a plethora of gambling options, including land-based casinos with a mix of commercial and tribal casinos, racinos, horse racetracks, state lottery, and sports betting.
Whileonline real money casinos aren’t yet legal in New York, social and sweepstakes casinos provide a great online gambling alternative in the meantime.Social casinos aren’t prohibited by gambling laws as they operate using virtual credits rather than real money, but sweepstakes casinos still offer you the opportunity to win real money prizes!
If you’d like to learn more, join us as we explore everything you need to know about the legal gambling landscape in the Empire State.
New York online casinos have yet to be legalized, but local players have some options, including social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other table games, just as you would expect to find at a retail casino. The only difference is that you play for free rather than with real money.
Many New Yorkers believe it’s only a matter of time before NY real money casinos are approved, as there have been several attempts to legalize them over recent years. While there is no potential launch or approval date, State Senator Joseph Addabbo and other lawmakers keep pushing for legal NY online casinos.
On the other hand, sports betting is huge in the Empire State, with most of the New York online gambling scene comprising sports betting sites. The state legalized online sports betting in 2021, with its first nine licensed operators launching in January 2022. Is Online Gambling Legal in New York?New York online casinos have yet to be legalized, but local players have some options, including social and sweepstakes casinos. These sites offer slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and other table games, just as you would expect to find at a retail casino. The only difference is that you play for free rather than with real money.
New York has an interesting history with gambling laws, both offline and online. The state initially allowed lottery games, quickly banning them after raising money for the War of Independence. New York hasn’t been as relaxed with online gambling laws as other frontrunner states, but the introduction of sports betting was a significant stepping stone.
New York boasts plenty of variety for gambling enthusiasts, including land-based tribal and commercial casinos and social casinos if you’d prefer to play online. Let’s look at what these different types of casinos are and explore what they offer.
Commercial casinos are traditional casinos managed by a public or private company outside of tribal lands. In New York, the NYSGC regulates commercial casinos.
Historically, New York placed many restrictions on commercial casinos, but this changed for the better in 2013 when the state legalized casino gambling. Up until this point, the casino gambling scene in New York was limited to Native American lands. These days, you can enjoy playing at several commercial casinos in the state, including Resorts World New York City and Rivers Casino & Resort.
When you visit commercial casinos, you can enjoy a vast selection of games, including slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and much more. However, the types of games available at your chosen casino will vary as casinos are usually split into two types - Class II and Class III. Class III gambling venues are the only facilities allowed to host standard casino games such as slots and table games.
Tribal casinos are extremely popular across the US, and New York is no different. Since the US Congress enacted IGRA in 1988, federal law has allowed Native American tribes to negotiate gaming compacts with their respective state. In 1993, Oneida Indian Nation signed the state's first gaming compact with Gov. Mario Cuomo.
Indian tribes operate these federally approved casinos on their reservation lands. Five tribes own NY real money casinos, including the Cayuga Nation, Oneida Nation of New York, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, Seneca Nation of New York, and Shinnecock Indian Nation.
Because Indian casinos were the first to offer Vegas-style gaming to residents of NY, they remain the most popular form of casino. But in terms of gaming, you can expect to find all your favorite categories as commercial casinos.
You no longer have to visit brick-and-mortar casinos to enjoy games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. In modern times, the gambling scene has taken a huge shift, and you can now experience the casino fun from the comfort of your own home. New York online casinos are incredibly convenient, as you can access your favorite games anytime, either through your desktop PC, tablet, or smartphone. You can spin the reels whether at home, on a lunch break at work, or even commuting!
When you play online, many people are curious about how it works. Online casinos use Random Number Generator (RNG) technology, ensuring all games' results are completely random.
The Return to Player percentage (RTP) is another factor to consider when playing casino games for real money. When you play games either online or offline, you will be competing against the House. The House will always have a slight advantage (House Edge), and the casino will keep all the wagers you lose. For example, if a slot machine has an RTP of 97%, the casino will keep 3% of the bets.
While NY real money casinos are not legal, you can still enjoy social gaming. Keep reading below, where we’ll explore social casinos and how they work.
Social casino sites offer a unique gaming experience that emphasizes the social element of gaming. You can communicate with other players from around the world while you play various games, like slot machines, blackjack, roulette, bingo, and more. The games come from the same reputable software providers you’ll find on real-money sites, including NetEnt, Microgaming, and others. So, social casinos are a great alternative in states like New York, where real money online casinos aren’t yet legal.
Instead of wagering real money, you can play for free using virtual coins that you can unlock through promotions. You will also have the option to buy more coins in bundles from the casino website. However, this is not mandatory. The coins that the website will give you upon registration should be sufficient.
The terms ‘social casino’ and ‘sweepstakes casino’ are often used interchangeably. Still, while they are super similar, there is one key difference to be aware of. At sweepstakes casinos, you can choose between standard play or sweepstakes mode. Sweepstakes mode will allow you to win Sweepstakes Coins, which you can later exchange for real money prizes, such as cash, gift cards, and merchandise.
Gaming is completely free, but like at social casinos, you can purchase additional virtual coins. You will find plenty of variations, such as slots, table games, scratch cards, and so much more, at the best sweepstakes casinos in New York.
Casino games come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, ranging from slots that require a simple click of a button to blackjack games that allow you to try various strategies. Whether you’re a casual player or a high roller, we guarantee you will find something that suits your preferences.
Slot machines are extremely popular, and you can find thousands of different titles at New York online casinos, land-based casinos, and racinos. There are plenty of variations to choose from, including classic three-reel slots, five-reel slots, progressive jackpots, and Megaways. You’ll also be able to wager as low as $0.01 on penny slots and up to hundreds of dollars on high-stakes games. So there is something to suit every budget.
Slot games are also straightforward to play. Essentially, all you have to do is decide how much credit you want to spend and spin the reels in the hopes of hitting the jackpot. You’ll also find a diverse array of themes across slot games, ranging from classic fruit machines to games inspired by popular TV shows and music. Each game is also made unique by incorporating different bonus features, including free spins, multipliers, wild symbols, or other exciting features that enhance gameplay.
Progressive slot machines differ from standard slots because they feature a jackpot that increases incrementally every time a player places a bet. The jackpot grows with each bet, and eventually, someone will trigger a win. Thanks to this format, the jackpot can end up being huge, which is why they are so popular. You can find progressive slots both offline and online, and they are often linked across multiple platforms or casinos, allowing for even larger jackpots.
If you're looking for a thrilling and potentially lucrative gaming experience, progressive slots are definitely worth checking out.
Roulette is one of the most popular table games in the US and is now available at online casinos. The concept is very simple - all you have to do is predict which pocket the ball will land in when the wheel stops spinning. You won’t need to study the rules or practice the game for hours to grasp how it works. There are multiple bet types available, including red/black, odd/even, inside/outside, and high/low. Even if you’ve never played a casino game before, roulette is a great place to start.
You can also play different roulette variations, including American and European Roulette. The only difference between these two is that while European Roulette has 37 pockets, including a single zero, American Roulette has 38, including the double zero (00), increasing the house edge. French Roulette is the same as European Roulette but has an additional “en prison” rule. With this rule, if you place an odd/even bet and the ball lands on zero, you can recover your stake.
Whether you’re an experienced casino player or just starting, there is no doubt that you have heard of blackjack. It’s one of the most popular casino games, and for good reason. The game uses a standard deck of 52 cards, and the aim of the game is to beat the dealer's hand without exceeding 21. The number cards are worth their face value, while Jack, Queen, and King are valued at 10, and Ace can be worth either 1 or 11 - it’s up to you.
The rules are straightforward, and it’s also a fast-paced game, so you don’t have to wait for long rounds to finish and get bored in the process. There are several types of blackjack, including Classic Blackjack, Spanish 21, European Blackjack, Progressive Blackjack, and Blackjack Switch.
You aren’t restricted to playing blackjack in land-based casinos either, as they are also available online 24/7. If you can’t visit a physical casino facility, you can enjoy live dealer blackjack in the comfort of your home.
Many players find table games more exciting than slot machines because they require decision-making and strategic thinking, unlike slot machines, which rely on pure luck. This strategic element makes them more challenging and enjoyable to some.
Another fantastic table game we recommend is Baccarat, a card game where you must have the closest hand to nine for a win. You could also give Craps a go, which is a dice game where if you roll a 7 or 11, you win, and if you roll a 2, 3, or a 12, you lose.
Many NY online casinos offer 24-hour poker games and tournaments with popular variants like Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Let it Ride, and Pai Gow. While online poker isn’t legal in New York yet, you can enjoy playing through social and sweepstakes casinos.
Whether you play online poker or in a land-based casino, the rules and format are the same. The only difference in playing online is that you can’t see the other players, but it’s a great way to practice.
The basic rules of poker are pretty simple. The dealer will give you two cards face down and five face up, and you must create the best possible hand of five cards using these seven cards. The player with the best hand wins the game. The best possible hand is called the "Royal Flush", which consists of a 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace, all of the same suit. Other strong hands include the "Four of a Kind", made up of any four cards of one rank and one card of another rank, and a "Flush", made up of five cards of the same suit.
Live dealer games are a popular niche for online casinos. The best online casino New York sites offer a live casino section featuring popular games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. With live dealer games, you’ll play against a live dealer who is streaming the game to you in real-time. While they aren’t physically in front of you, the experience is much like being in a real casino, except you’re at home or on the go.
Throughout the game, the dealers have a monitor that allows them to see your moves so that they can follow suit. As live casinos require quality software and technology, only leading software providers like Evolution Gaming and NetEnt host them.
New York is in its early stages of growth. While there has yet to be a pre-determined approval or launch date for NY online casinos, local players hope this will change soon. The success of online sports betting has reignited ideas of online casino gaming following suit.
In 2013, the state allowed commercial casinos, which was a major development for the state’s gambling industry. Since then, there have been ongoing efforts by officials, including Sen. Joseph Addabbo, to legalize online casinos. This would be a game-changer for New York gamblers, providing them with more options and convenience in their gambling activities.
Despite previous failed attempts to authorize online casinos, Addabbo remains determined to push for their legalization. In January 2024, he introduced the Interactive Gaming Bill, which proposes the legalization of NY online casinos. If approved, this bill will be a significant milestone for the gambling industry in New York and will boost the state's economy.
While we wait for the New York online gambling scene to introduce real-money online casinos, there are plenty of options for free gaming at social and sweepstakes casinos. On these sites, you can enjoy all the popular favorites, including slots, live dealers, table games, and more.
Social and sweepstakes sites are ideal for anyone who lives in a state like New York that doesn’t offer other legal options but is keen to play. They also allow you to practice games risk-free if you’re a beginner.
Rather than use real money, you will play with virtual coins known as Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. If you run out, you can claim additional coins through gameplay and ongoing promotions, and you’ll also have the option to purchase more if you’d like.
You can also exchange Sweepstakes Coins for prizes such as cash, gift cards, and merchandise. Some sites even dish out prizes like restaurant discounts and hotel stays!
Once online casinos become legal in New York,mobile casino apps will likely become available for players to enjoy. With the rise of mobile technology, apps have become the most popular way to play online games. Therefore, most operators will offer an app or, at the very least, a mobile-optimized website.
Mobile casinos allow you to play games 24/7, wherever you are, making them far more convenient than in-person casinos. The layout will be the same as what you are familiar with on browser sites, so you shouldn’t have an issue switching from a PC to a mobile device.
Casino apps are incredibly easy to use, and you can download them onto your iOS or Android device in seconds. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to install a casino app and start playing:
1. Choose your preferred casino operator
2. Open your App Store
3. Search the casino operator’s name
4. Click ‘Install’ and wait for the app to download
5. Press ‘Join’ or ‘Sign Up’ to complete a registration form
6. Head to the gaming library to play some games
The best online casino New York sites have one major advantage over retail casinos, and that’s the range of bonuses and promotions they offer. These promotions allow you to try new games, test new releases, and enjoy a few games for free. In this section, we’ll guide you through the different types of bonuses that you’re likely to come across at the top online casinos in New York.
Casino promo codes, also known as bonus codes, unlock bonuses such as no-deposit offers and bonus spins. These codes will be made up of a combination of numbers and letters, and you’ll need to enter this on the casino site.
For instance, when you sign up for a casino site, you may receive a promo code for an exclusive welcome bonus. This bonus will usually add credit or free spins to your account to use within a set amount of days. You can then use this credit to familiarize yourself with the platform and discover some favorite titles.
As the name suggests, you won’t have to deposit anything into your casino account to activate a no-deposit bonus. This type of bonus may come in many shapes and sizes, such as casino credit or free spins. Keep in mind that this type of bonus comes with wagering requirements that you’ll need to meet if you want to withdraw your winnings.
Despite this, a no-deposit bonus is still a great way to try out different games without risking your own funds.
Deposit bonuses, also known as deposit match bonuses, are a popular promotion that rewards players with bonus funds when they deposit money into their casino account. The bonus amount usually matches a percentage of the deposit up to a certain limit.
For instance, if a casino offers a 100% bonus up to $200, this means that if you deposit $200, you will receive an additional $200 in bonus funds, bringing your total account balance to $400. However, if you deposit more than the limit, say $300, you will still receive only $200 in bonus funds.
Before claiming any casino bonus, you should always read the terms and conditions carefully. In particular, pay attention to the wagering requirements. Wagering requirements are the number of times you need to play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For instance, if the bonus in the example above has a 30x wagering requirement and you claimed $200, you would need to wager $6,000 (200 x 30) before you can cash out any winnings.
Additionally, ensure you meet the minimum deposit limit to qualify for the deposit match. For example, if the minimum deposit is $10, you must deposit at least $10 to receive the bonus funds. If you were planning on depositing anyway, why not claim a deposit bonus and double your money?
If you enjoy playing New York online slots, this is the perfect promotion for you. With afree spins bonus, the online casinos will reward you with a select amount of bonus spins. However, it’s important to note that there may be some restrictions. For instance, a free spins offer is usually limited to a specific slot title or a new release.
Free spins are ideal for slot enthusiasts as they allow you to play for free. You can also keep any winnings as long as you meet the wagering requirements.
Last but not least, you can also take advantage of reward programs at the best New York online casinos. The most common type of reward program you’ll come across are loyalty or VIP programs. Casino operators use these to reward active players for their loyalty to the site. You will usually collect points as you play and complete tasks. As you accumulate points, you can level up and unlock better promotions.
Some websites may also offer refer-a-friend programs, which allow you to earn a bonus for bringing in new users to the site. Essentially, you become an advocate for the platform and help expand its user base by recommending it to your friends and family.
If you’re going to play at New York online casinos, you will need to know exactly what payment methods are available. While social casinos don’t require you to purchase coins to play, and you can claim coins through ongoing bonuses, you can still withdraw cash prizes.
New York online gambling sites accept a wide range of banking options. Some of the most popular payment methods available in New York are credit and debit cards from reputable brands like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express.
Alternatively, you can use a range of e-wallets, including PayPal and Skrill. E-wallets allow you to transfer funds to the casino site without giving your bank details. Many sites also allow you to use Play+ cards, which are prepaid cards designed specifically for online gambling. You’ll have more control over your spending with these, too.
Finally, if you don’t have a card, PayNearMe can be a great alternative. Once you sign up for PayNearMe, you'll receive a unique barcode to take to any PayNearMe store, including 7-Eleven, Family Dollar, and CVS, and make payments in cash. Don’t forget to collect your receipt to keep track of your spending.
Real Money Casino Games in New YorkWhile online real-money casino games are illegal in New York, you can enjoy real-money games at the state’s commercial and tribal casinos, including racinos. At these venues, you can place bets using real cash and win real money if you win.
Sweepstakes casinos are the best alternative to real money casinos in New York. These sites allow you to play casino-style games and redeem prizes, such as cash and gift cards, without risking your own money.
The free-to-play model on these sites operates a virtual currency system, using virtual coins called Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins. You can claim Gold Coins and Sweepstakes Coins through various promotions, competitions, and also through regular gameplay. Just as you would in a traditional casino, when you win, you will be given virtual credit that tops up your bankroll.
Social casinos are a little different as they are based on the fundamental social element. When you play at social casinos, you can expect to find a community of like-minded players to communicate with as you play. This fun social element may be in the form of a live chat window or a forum. You can also register through social media accounts, where you can join in with competitions and other activities via sites like Facebook.
If you’re a sports betting enthusiast in New York, then you have hit the jackpot, as there are plenty of opportunities here. There are 139 off-track betting facilities, 9 racetracks, 70 sports bars, and online sports betting.
You can place bets on professional sports and a lot of college sports, but there are some restrictions. You cannot wager on any in-state college sports, but you can bet on college teams from other states competing in New York. Essentially, you can bet on college games as long as the game doesn’t include a New York college team.
In terms of wager types, you can place all the bets that you would expect to find, including Point Spreads, Over-Under, Moneyline, Proposition, Parlays, Futures, Teasers, and Live Betting. New York certainly isn’t restrictive in terms of wager types, so you are set to enjoy whichever bet style you prefer.
There are 25 casinos in New York in total, including commercial and tribal casinos and racinos. Up until 2013, tribal casinos were the only form of legalized casinos. But these days, you get to enjoy a diverse range of casino gambling opportunities at several locations.
With 175,000 sq/ft of gaming floor space, Resorts World Casino is the largest casino in New York. It offers over 6,500 slot machines and electronic table games to suit every player type, making it the most extensive selection of games in the Northeast. You will also find over 1,300 table games, such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, and more, across the two gaming floors. There are three high-limit rooms for anyone seeking high-stakes gaming too.
If you get hungry, you have seven dining options, including RW Prime for East-Meets-West food, Sugar Factory, Bar 360, and Good Friends Noodle House. Other amenities include a 24-hour fitness center, 7,000 sq/ft of meeting space, and 400 hotel rooms. Every hotel room has a 60” flat-screen HDTV, a mini-fridge, an in-room safe, and complimentary wi-fi.
Operated by MGM Resorts, you can benefit from the MGM Rewards program at Empire City Casino. Every time you play, you can earn rewards such as hotel stays, entertainment show tickets, discounted dining, and free gaming.
In terms of gaming, you can experience over 4,600 games, including slots, video poker, keno, and progressives. There is something for everyone, with denominations ranging from $0.01 to $100. You can also enjoy horse racing betting at the venue to satisfy your sports craving.
For a different craving, you have four dining options from a steakhouse, quick bites such as sandwiches and pastries, and an international food court. Empire City also offers live entertainment in the Entertainment Lounge every Friday and Saturday from 10:00 pm to 02:00 am.
From slot machines and table games to sportsbooks, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino caters to all kinds of players. You can enjoy over 2,500 slot machines, including classic slots andvideo slots, plus over 60 table games with titles like roulette, craps, blackjack, and mini-baccarat.
Join in with plenty of promotions with the Social Club for a chance at winning vehicles, spin-and-win days, and much more. Simply earn points for playing to redeem your prize. You can also head to the entertainment venue for concerts, shows, live bands, and world-famous performers.
Additional amenities include a 604-room hotel, spa, high-end shopping facility, salon, indoor heated pool, and fitness center. With all this on offer, you will never have a reason to leave the premises during your stay.
New York Poker Rooms and Card RoomsOut of the tribal and commercial casinos in New York, only a handful offer poker rooms. But you can still enjoy a good amount of cash poker games and tournaments in the state. Online poker isn’t legal in the state yet, as New York online gambling laws don’t regulate the activity, but you can still play at social and sweepstakes sites.
Some of the best poker rooms in New York are in tribal casinos, such as the Turning Stone Resort Casino, which the Oneida Nation operates. Turning Stone Resort Casino is the biggest poker room in New York, with 32 poker tables on offer.
Other casinos offering poker and card rooms include Seneca Niagara Casino, Seneca Allegany Casino, Resorts World Catskills, Tioga Downs Casino Resort, and Del Lago. Resorts World Catskills is the second largest, offering 19 poker tables with titles ranging from Stud, Omaha, and Texas Hold’em.
A racino is a racetrack and casino combined, which provides the ultimate gambling experience for anyone who enjoys horse racing betting and slot machines. All under one roof, you can place bets on horse races and spin some reels. Racinos are completely legal and regulated in New York, with several venues dotted around the state.
Casino-style games may be limited to slot machines with a few table games or electronic games such as blackjack and roulette. This is because most racinos are authorized to offer Class II gaming only. You can also enjoy playing on Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) where available, as the state legislature approved these for racinos in 2001.
Three of the best racinos in New York are Batavia Downs, Empire City Casino, and Hamburg Gaming. At these venues, you can enjoy a mix of harness and thoroughbred races. Batavia Downs has the largest racetrack with 0.8 miles of track, but Empire City Casino isn’t far behind with a 0.5-mile racetrack featuring 500 seating capacity.
Playing online casino games should always be fun. The best online casino New York sites provide tools to keep you safe, such as self-exclusion, time limits, deposit limits, and temporary suspensions. These tools help protect players from developing a gambling addiction.
Self-exclusion is usually the final option, but it’s ideal for anyone who feels that they need to take a break from gambling. It also allows you to stop gambling altogether. This tool will let you close your account for a certain amount of time, and you will not be able to gain access again until the time limit is up.
Another option is to impose limits on your account, such as how much you can deposit or bet in one day. You can also set an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly limit, depending on what you feel would work best for you. This is ideal if you feel that you can carry on gambling, but you just need a few steps put in place to make sure that you stick to your budget.
If you believe you would benefit from some time away from your accounts, you can temporarily suspend your casino account. This suspension will lock you out of your account for a set amount of time, usually either three months, six months, nine months, or a year. Once you have set this, you cannot change it, and you will not be able to gain access until the suspension has run its course.
There is plenty of help available if you feel that you are struggling with gambling and it is becoming a problem. Here are some local helplines that can offer help and support:
There has yet to be a known date for when New York will pass online casinos into law, but local players remain hopeful that this will be sooner than later. Sen. Joseph Addabbo is committed to re-attempting to authorize online casinos in the state, with no sign of slowing down. With the success of online sports betting, it’s only a matter of time before online casinos are approved.
Yes, online and offline sports betting is legal in New York. You can enjoy most professional and college sports, except betting on in-state college teams. Most wager types, including Over-Under, Parlays, Moneyline, Futures, Point Spreads, and Live Betting, are available.
To gamble in land-based casinos in New York, you must be at least 21 years old. For lottery, horse racing, and bingo, you must be at least 18 years old. As you can see, the age restrictions vary depending on the type of gambling, so you should always check before attempting to play.
While not every sweepstakes casino is completely safe and legitimate, those listed on this page are. Our expert team has tested each of these sites to ensure they meet our strict criteria. The safest sites will offer SSL encryption and firewalls to protect your data.
Yes, you can play casino games on your mobile device thanks to HTML5 technology, which optimizes them for any screen size. With the mobile-optimized site, you can play anywhere you want, as long as you have an internet connection. The best New York casinos will even offer apps you can download on both Apple and iOS devices, making it even more convenient for you to play.