New York Online Sportsbooks Hits $2.29B Handle in September

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New York Online Sportsbooks Hits $2.29B Handle in September

New York’s sports betting market delivered another impressive performance in September 2025, recording its second-highest handle at $2.29 billion. The figure marks a 9.3% increase from August’s results and trails only January’s $2.31 billion all-time record.

The state’s surge in betting activity reflects a strong start to the NFL season and the conclusion of Major League Baseball’s regular season. 

These events boosted engagement across online sportsbooks, reinforcing New York’s dominance as the leading U.S. market for sports wagering.

New York Online Sportsbooks: Key Numbers Behind the $2.29 Billion Handle

New York’s September total highlights both the market’s stability and its seasonal momentum. According to the New York State Gaming Commission, bettors placed over $2.29 billion in wagers during the month, with online sportsbooks continuing to capture nearly all of the action.

The start of the NFL regular season played a crucial role, as fans wagered heavily on their NFL picks during the first four weeks of play. At the same time, the MLB regular season was winding down, offering opportunities for MLB picks and postseason predictions.

Additionally, reports indicate that year-over-year, the handle rose by nearly 30%. Signs point to growing bettor confidence and sustained market engagement. Moreover, the strong performance positions New York to potentially cross $20 billion in total wagers by year-end if current trends persist.

Low Hold Despite Strong Wagering Volume

Despite the robust handle, sportsbooks experienced slimmer profit margins. The statewide hold rate stood at 8.4%, marking the lowest since May.

The 8.4% hold ended a three-month run of double-digit win rates. While still above the 7% industry average – and unmatched by any other U.S. state likely to surpass $190 million in gross revenue. However, it also marked New York’s second-lowest win rate of 2025.

One online sportsbook operator reported the month’s highest handle at $870.6 million, while another posted the lowest at $65.4 million. 

Together, they generated a combined $190.9 million in gross gaming revenue, a notable drop from August’s $210 million despite higher betting volume.

Outlook for New York Online Sportsbooks

Looking ahead, online sportsbooks in New York are poised for another busy quarter. The continuation of the NFL and college football seasons, combined with the NHL and upcoming NBA seasons, should sustain strong momentum through the fall. 

Players eager to explore NBA odds and place their picks have a few weeks left before the 2025 season tips off on October 22. Meanwhile, the NHL season is already underway, with bettors actively lining up their NHL picks.

However, fluctuations in hold rates may influence short-term revenues. As competition intensifies and promotional activity ramps up, operators could see slimmer margins even amid record wagering activity.

Still, New York remains on pace to end 2025 as the top-performing sports betting market in the United States, underscoring its unmatched scale and bettor enthusiasm.