
New York offers one of the most dynamic gambling markets in the United States. The New York State Gaming Commission (NYGC) oversees all forms of legal gambling, including casinos, sports betting, the state lottery, and charitable games.
Across the state, commercial and tribal casinos provide a wide range of slot machines and table games.
Mobile sports betting has quickly become a major success, generating billions in tax revenue each year. The New York Lottery continues to be a leading source of funding for public education.
Meanwhile, traditional activities like horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering remain part of the state’s gambling heritage, while charitable games such as bingo and raffles help support local organizations.
Despite this growth, real-money online casino gaming remains not licensed or regulated. Lawmakers continue to debate its legalization to keep revenue from leaving the state.
As New York’s gambling industry evolves, the state seeks to balance economic opportunity with social responsibility and consumer protection.
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Overview: New York Tribes and Their Role in State Betting
Tribal nations play a vital role in New York’s gambling industry. Three federally recognized tribes, the Oneida Indian Nation, the Seneca Nation of Indians, and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe, operate casinos under state-tribal gaming compacts.
These agreements allow full-scale gaming on tribal lands, including slot machines and table games. In return, tribes share a portion of their gaming revenue with the state and local governments.
Tribal casinos drive local economies by creating jobs and attracting tourism. They also contribute millions to public programs through revenue-sharing deals. Each tribe maintains its own gaming authority, ensuring compliance and fair play under federal and state oversight.
While compacts occasionally face renegotiation or disputes, the partnerships remain central to New York’s gambling landscape. Tribal gaming complements commercial casinos and racinos, offering players diverse gaming options.
Overall, tribal nations continue to strengthen New York’s betting market while upholding their sovereign rights and community development goals.
Key Tribes and Their Operations
Tribal nations play a central role in New York’s gambling ecosystem. Three federally recognized tribes operate major gaming facilities under state-approved compacts: the Oneida Indian Nation (OIN), the Seneca Nation of Indians (SNI), and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (SRMT).
These compacts allow full-scale Class III gaming, including slot machines, table games, and video lottery terminals, on tribal lands.
In exchange, tribes share a portion of their gaming revenues with the state, contributing significantly to public programs and local governments.
The Oneida Indian Nation
Casino: Turning Stone Resort Casino
The Turning Stone Resort Casino offers extensive gaming, hotel accommodations, and entertainment. The tribe has long leveraged its gaming operations to support economic development, healthcare, and education within the community.
The Seneca Nation
Casinos: Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino
Located in Niagara Falls, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino offers over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, including slots, table games, and poker. The resort also features luxury hotel accommodations, fine dining, and entertainment venues, attracting both tourists and local visitors.
Situated in Salamanca, the Seneca Allegany Casino combines gaming with a full-service resort experience. Guests can enjoy slots, table games, a hotel, spa, multiple dining options, and live entertainment, making it a regional destination for recreation and tourism.
Located in downtown Buffalo, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino provides a more compact gaming experience focused on slots, table games, and dining. It serves as a convenient entertainment option for city residents and visitors while contributing to the local economy.
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Casino: Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort
The Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort provides gaming, hospitality, and entertainment services to residents and tourists. The tribe emphasizes community development and cultural preservation alongside its gaming operations.
Current State Laws of New York Regulating Gambling
Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law (Chapter 47-A)
This law governs all wagering on horse racing, racetracks, and off-track betting in New York. It also authorizes and regulates casino gaming at commercial facilities and racinos.
The NYGC enforces licensing, operations, and oversight to ensure integrity and fair play.
General Municipal Law Article 9-A (Games of Chance)
Article 9-A allows nonprofit and charitable organizations to conduct limited games of chance, such as raffles, bell jars, and bingo.
Local municipalities issue licenses and oversee compliance. The law ensures that all proceeds support charitable or community causes, not private profit.
Penal Law Article 225 – Gambling Offenses
This section defines illegal gambling activities and outlines related criminal penalties. It prohibits promoting unlicensed gambling, possessing gambling devices, and operating unauthorized betting schemes.
The law protects consumers and maintains the integrity of New York’s legal gaming market.
Constitution of the State of New York, Article I § 9
This constitutional provision bans most forms of gambling unless specifically authorized by the legislature.
It allows exceptions for the state lottery, pari-mutuel horse wagering, charitable games, and licensed casinos. It serves as the foundation for all gambling laws in the state.
Laws of 2021 Chapter 59 (as amending §1367 & §1367-a)
This modern law legalized mobile and online sports wagering in New York. It permits licensed operators to accept sports bets placed within state borders.
The law also sets tax rates and directs betting revenue to education and responsible gaming initiatives.
Latest New York Gambling Legislative Updates
Fair Play Act (Assembly Bill A9125)
This bill aims to protect successful bettors from being limited or banned by licensed sportsbooks, except for responsible-gaming or integrity concerns. It ensures fair access for all players and promotes transparency in betting operations.
Assembly Bill A7962
This bill proposes a daily deposit cap of $5,000 and limits the number of deposits within 24 hours. It also strengthens advertising restrictions, banning misleading terms like “no-sweat” or “bonus” in sportsbook promotions.
Choice in Responsible Gaming Act (Assembly Bill A4280)
This legislation would require mobile sports wagering operators to set default betting limits for users. It also mandates alerts when users approach their limits, encouraging responsible gambling practices.
Problem Gambling Advisory Council Proposal (Senate Bill S6701)
Lawmakers are considering creating a formal council to oversee prevention and treatment of gambling addiction. The council would advise on policies, education, and funding for support programs, helping mitigate gambling-related social harms.
Senate Bill S9226
Senate Bill S9226 seeks to legalize and regulate online poker in New York. It classifies poker as a game of skill, not chance.
The bill authorizes the NYGC to license and oversee online poker operators. It proposes up to ten licenses for qualified platforms meeting strict regulatory standards.
Moreover, the bill establishes consumer protection measures to ensure fair play and secure transactions. It also includes responsible gaming provisions to prevent problem gambling. Supporters argue that S9226 would generate new tax revenue and modernize the state’s gaming industry.
However, the bill still awaits further legislative action. Lawmakers continue to debate its potential impact on existing casino operations and player safety. If approved, it would mark a major step toward regulated online poker in New York.
Senate Bill S5935
Senate Bill S5935 seeks to prohibit sweepstakes casinos that allow players to redeem prizes or cash rewards. The bill aims to close loopholes used by sweepstakes-based gaming platforms operating without gambling licenses.
It clarifies that offering cash or prize redemptions through virtual currencies constitutes illegal gambling under state law.
Additionally, the bill directs the New York State Gaming Commission to enforce penalties against unlicensed operators. Lawmakers introduced S5935 to strengthen consumer protection and ensure fair competition within the state’s regulated gambling market.
The bill remains pending legislative approval as of 2025.
Assembly Bill A6745
Assembly Bill A6745 complements Senate Bill S5935 by targeting unlicensed sweepstakes casino operations in New York. The bill explicitly bans games that allow cash or prize redemptions through virtual coins or similar systems.
It classifies these activities as illegal gambling under state law, closing loopholes exploited by sweepstakes-based platforms.
Moreover, the bill authorizes the New York State Gaming Commission to take enforcement actions against violators. Legislators introduced A6745 to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of New York’s licensed gambling industry.
As of 2025, the bill is still pending approval in the state legislature.
Land-Based Sports Betting in New York
Legal Status: Legal
Land-based sports betting is legal in New York at licensed commercial and tribal facilities. The state permits sportsbooks at casinos and racinos, allowing bettors to place wagers on professional and collegiate sporting events.
Licensed operators must comply with strict regulations overseen by the NYGC, including age verification, responsible gaming measures, and reporting requirements.
Recent developments have expanded access and oversight. Many casinos now offer integrated sportsbook lounges, and mobile sports wagering apps, linked to land-based licenses, allow bets to be placed on-site or within state borders.
Lawmakers continue to update regulations to enhance transparency, ensure fair play, and protect consumers.
While licensed land-based sports betting thrives, any operations outside these authorized venues are not licensed or regulated. These unlicensed activities pose legal risks for operators and bettors and do not provide the consumer protections present in regulated environments.
Overall, New York’s land-based sports betting market is growing, supported by robust regulatory oversight, revenue-sharing arrangements. Ongoing legislative refinements strive to balance economic benefits with player protection.
List of Land-Based Sports Betting Operations in New York
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Owner: Rush Street Gaming
Located in Schenectady, Rivers Casino operates a state-of-the-art BetRivers Sportsbook. It was the first to open in New York after legalization in 2019. The sportsbook offers large video walls, self-service kiosks, and live betting windows.
del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo)
Owner: Peninsula Pacific Entertainment & Wilmorite, Inc.
Home to the DraftKings Sportsbook, del Lago features a 6,000-square-foot sports lounge with viewing screens, VIP seating, and full bar service. It’s a popular destination for Upstate sports fans.
Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
Owner: Genting Group
Resorts World partners with bet365 for its retail sportsbook, offering a luxury betting area with multiple HD screens and in-person wagering options. The casino attracts both regional bettors and New York City visitors.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort (Nichols)
Owner: American Racing & Entertainment, LLC (Jeffrey Gural)
Tioga Downs operates a FanDuel Sportsbook featuring teller windows, betting kiosks, and a viewing lounge. It combines horse racing with modern sports wagering in a relaxed resort setting.
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Operated by the Oneida Indian Nation, Turning Stone runs The Lounge with Caesars Sports, offering full-service betting, dining, and entertainment. It’s one of the state’s premier tribal sportsbooks.
Point Place Casino (Bridgeport)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Also owned by the Oneida Indian Nation, this casino hosts a Caesars Sportsbook lounge with a casual setting and high-definition video walls for live game viewing.
Yellow Brick Road Casino (Chittenango)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Another Oneida Nation property, it features the state’s largest sportsbook, The Lounge with Caesars Sports, known for its 32-foot LED screen and dynamic game-day atmosphere.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
The Seneca Sports Lounge offers in-person sports wagering, featuring comfortable seating and multiple screens. It’s a major hub for bettors visiting Western New York.
Seneca Allegany Casino (Salamanca)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
This casino includes a Seneca Sports Lounge, providing live sports viewing and betting on a wide range of events. It serves Western and Southern Tier bettors.
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (Buffalo)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Located in downtown Buffalo, it features a Seneca Sports Lounge designed for convenient city access, combining gaming, dining, and sports entertainment.
New York Online Sports Betting
Legal Status: Legal
Online sports betting is legal and regulated in New York. The state launched mobile sports wagering in January 2022, creating one of the largest markets in the nation. The NYGC oversees all licensed operators, enforcing rules on fairness, security, and responsible gaming.
Currently, nine licensed online sportsbooks operate in the state: FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, PointsBet, WynnBET, Bally Bet, and Resorts WorldBET. These platforms let users place bets on professional and college sports from anywhere within New York.
The state imposes a 51% tax rate on sportsbook revenue, the highest in the country. This tax has generated billions in revenue since legalization. Funds mainly support education, youth sports programs, and problem gambling prevention.
Lawmakers continue to refine regulations to strengthen consumer protections and encourage responsible betting. They are also reviewing tax rates to ensure long-term operator stability. In addition, discussions about expanding into online casino gaming (iGaming) are gaining momentum.
List of Online Sports Betting Operations in New York
FanDuel Sportsbook
Owner: Flutter Entertainment (Ireland)
FanDuel leads New York’s online betting market. It offers user-friendly features, live betting, and competitive odds across major sports leagues.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Owner: DraftKings Inc. (Boston, Massachusetts)
DraftKings provides a polished app with diverse betting options, same-game parlays, and integrated fantasy sports features. It’s a top choice for digital bettors.
Caesars Sportsbook
Owner: Caesars Entertainment (Nevada)
Caesars combines casino rewards with sports betting. Its app offers strong promotions, in-game betting, and exclusive perks through Caesars Rewards.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Owner: MGM Resorts International (Nevada) & Entain plc (United Kingdom)
BetMGM offers a sophisticated mobile platform with extensive markets, live-streaming options, and cross-platform integration with MGM’s loyalty program.
BetRivers Sportsbook
Owner: Rush Street Interactive (Chicago, Illinois)
BetRivers emphasizes transparency and reliability. It offers strong odds, fast payouts, and a user-friendly rewards system for loyal players.
PointsBet Sportsbook
Owner: Fanatics Betting & Gaming (U.S.) (acquired from PointsBet Holdings Ltd.)
PointsBet features unique “PointsBetting,” where winnings or losses depend on how accurate your wager is. It targets advanced bettors.
WynnBET Sportsbook
Owner: Wynn Resorts Ltd. (Nevada)
WynnBET offers a sleek, casino-inspired interface and solid betting markets, though its presence in New York remains modest.
Bally Bet Sportsbook
Owner: Bally’s Corporation (Rhode Island)
Bally Bet focuses on an integrated entertainment experience, combining betting, media, and interactive gaming features under the Bally brand.
Resorts WorldBET
Owner: Genting Group (Malaysia)
Resorts WorldBET connects directly with Resorts World Catskills. It offers simple, secure mobile betting with ties to the casino’s rewards system.
Other Online Sports Betting Options for New York Residents
Betting sites situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for New York bettors to engage in online gambling. Given that these operators have their base outside of the US, they dwell in a legal “grey zone.” There’s no record of anyone being legally pursued for playing on these platforms.
New York Land-Based Casino Gambling
Status: Legal
Land-based casino gambling is legal and regulated in New York. Both the state and tribal governments authorize and oversee casino operations. Meanwhile, the New York State Gaming Commission enforces licensing, operations, and responsible gaming standards across all facilities.
New York currently hosts four licensed commercial casinos: Resorts World Catskills, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, del Lago Resort & Casino, and Tioga Downs Casino Resort. These properties offer slot machines, table games, poker rooms, and in-person sportsbooks.
In addition, several tribal casinos operate under sovereign authority through compacts with the state. The Seneca Nation of Indians, Oneida Indian Nation, and St. Regis Mohawk Tribe manages major gaming resorts that boost local economies and preserve tribal sovereignty.
The state continues to expand its gaming market. Plans are underway to issue three new downstate casino licenses, likely in or near New York City. This expansion aims to generate tax revenue, create jobs, and attract tourism.
List of Land-Based Casinos in New York
Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
Owner: Genting Group (Malaysia)
Resorts World Catskills is New York’s largest commercial casino. It features over 100,000 square feet of gaming, luxury hotel accommodations, and live entertainment. The casino also operates a bet365 Sportsbook, offering in-person sports wagering.
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Owner: Rush Street Gaming (Illinois)
Located along the Mohawk River, Rivers Casino offers slots, table games, poker, and the BetRivers Sportsbook. It’s known for its upscale amenities, entertainment, and fine dining options.
del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo)
Owner: Peninsula Pacific Entertainment & Wilmorite, Inc.
This Finger Lakes casino features slots, table games, restaurants, and the DraftKings Sportsbook. It combines gaming with luxury accommodations and event spaces.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort (Nichols)
Owner: American Racing & Entertainment, LLC (Jeffrey Gural)
Tioga Downs operates as both a racetrack and casino. It offers video gaming machines, table games, and the FanDuel Sportsbook. The resort also includes a hotel, spa, and live racing events.
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Turning Stone is a premier tribal resort offering slots, table games, poker, golf, and entertainment. It also hosts The Lounge with Caesars Sports, a full-service sportsbook.
Yellow Brick Road Casino (Chittenango)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
This casino combines gaming, dining, and entertainment. Its Caesars Sportsbook Lounge features one of the largest viewing screens in the state.
Point Place Casino (Bridgeport)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Point Place offers a cozy gaming environment with slots, table games, and a Caesars Sportsbook. It caters mainly to Central New York residents.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
This resort offers slots, table games, poker, luxury accommodations, and the Seneca Sports Lounge for live sports betting. It’s a major tourist draw near Niagara Falls.
Seneca Allegany Casino (Salamanca)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Located in Western New York, this casino provides gaming, a hotel, dining, and a Seneca Sports Lounge for in-person sports wagering.
Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (Buffalo)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Situated downtown, this casino offers slots, table games, dining, and a Seneca Sports Lounge. It serves as Buffalo’s main gaming destination.
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (Hogansburg)
Owner: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
This tribal casino features slot machines, table games, a hotel, and event venues. It supports community development and tribal economic growth.
New York Online Casino Gambling
Legal Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online casino gaming, or iGaming, is currently not licensed or regulated in New York. Residents can legally place sports bets through approved mobile sportsbooks, but online slots, poker, and table games remain prohibited.
However, momentum for legalization continues to grow. Lawmakers and industry advocates are pushing to allow regulated online casinos in the state. They argue that legalization could generate over $1 billion in annual revenue while offering safer, state-supervised gaming options.
Several legislative proposals aim to authorize licensed casinos and mobile operators to expand into online gaming. Yet, concerns about gambling addiction and market competition have slowed progress.
Until lawmakers act, traditional online casinos remain not licensed or regulated in New York. As a result, unlicensed operators lack state oversight, accountability, and consumer protection measures.
Online Casino Options for New York Residents
Online casinos situated offshore and welcoming US players serve as the optimal venue for New York bettors to engage in online gambling. Given that these operators have their base outside of the US, they dwell in a legal “grey zone.” There’s no record of anyone being legally pursued for playing on these platforms.
New York Poker
Status: Legal
Land-based poker is legal and regulated in New York when offered at licensed casinos or authorized tribal gaming facilities. The New York State Gaming Commission oversees all operations to ensure fairness, integrity, and responsible play.
Players can find live poker rooms at Turning Stone Resort Casino, Resorts World Catskills, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, and Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino. These venues host daily games, tournaments, and major poker events that attract players from across the region.
However, independent poker rooms and private clubs outside licensed casinos are not licensed or regulated. Participating in or operating such games may violate state gambling laws.
At present, lawmakers have not introduced major legislation to expand land-based poker. Still, discussions about updating New York’s broader gambling laws continue, which could impact future poker operations.
Overall, poker remains a strong part of New York’s legal casino industry, offering safe, professionally managed environments for both casual and competitive players.
List of Poker Operations in New York
The listed land-based poker rooms form the core of New York’s regulated land-based poker market, operating under strict state and tribal gaming standards. They offer safe, professional venues for both recreational and competitive players statewide:
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona)
Owner: Oneida Indian Nation
Number of Tables: 32
Turning Stone hosts one of the largest poker rooms in New York. It offers daily cash games, tournaments, and professional events such as the Heartland Poker Tour. The venue provides a high-end, comfortable environment for serious and casual players alike.
Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
Owner: Genting Group (Malaysia)
Number of Tables: 19
Resorts World Catskills features a modern poker room with 19 tables. It runs a mix of cash games and regular tournaments, complemented by luxury amenities and resort accommodations.
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Owner: Rush Street Gaming (Illinois)
Number of Tables: 16
Rivers Casino’s poker room offers 16 tables with a variety of cash games and tournaments. Known for its friendly atmosphere and professional staff, it’s a key hub for upstate poker enthusiasts.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls)
Owner: Seneca Nation of Indians
Number of Tables: 16
Seneca Niagara’s poker room features 16 tables offering Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud. It regularly hosts promotions and regional tournaments, attracting players from New York and Canada.
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (Hogansburg)
Owner: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe
Number of Tables: 5
This smaller poker room offers 5 tables and provides a welcoming, community-focused environment. It hosts local tournaments and casual games in a relaxed setting.
New York Online Poker
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Online poker in New York is not licensed or regulated. While land-based poker thrives in several casinos, the state has not yet approved legal online poker platforms. Players can technically access offshore poker sites, but these platforms operate without state oversight or consumer protections.
Lawmakers have introduced multiple bills to legalize online poker over the years, including efforts to classify it as a game of skill rather than chance. However, none have advanced to full approval. The most recent proposals, such as Senate Bill S9226, aim to establish a regulated online poker framework similar to New Jersey’s model.
Currently, online poker remains in a legal gray area. The state continues to focus on expanding its online sports betting market, which may eventually open the door for regulated online poker. Until legislation passes, players in New York must rely on in-person poker rooms at licensed casinos for legal play.
List of Online Poker Operators in New York
Online poker is not licensed or regulated in New York, meaning the state does not oversee or authorize digital poker rooms. Still, many players turn to international platforms that accept U.S. participants and offer a variety of poker experiences.
Other Online Poker Options for New York Residents
Online poker sites based offshore and accessible to U.S. players can serve as alternative venues for New York players seeking to place online wagers. Because these operators are headquartered outside the United States, they operate in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there are no known cases of New York players being prosecuted for placing bets on these offshore platforms.
New York Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Land-based horse betting in New York is legal and fully regulated under state law. The state has a long history of horse racing, with some of the nation’s most iconic tracks operating within its borders.
The New York State Gaming Commission oversees all racing and pari-mutuel wagering activities, ensuring fairness, integrity, and compliance.
Major tracks like Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course offer live betting and year-round simulcast wagering. Off-track betting (OTB) facilities across the state also allow residents to place wagers without visiting a racetrack.
In recent years, the industry has evolved through modernization efforts, including the integration of online pari-mutuel betting platforms. These licensed sites complement in-person wagering, expanding accessibility for New Yorkers.
Overall, horse betting remains a vital part of New York’s gambling landscape. With strong regulation and continued public interest, the sector maintains its status as one of the state’s most traditional yet adaptive forms of legal wagering.
Belmont Park (Elmont)
Owner: New York Racing Association (NYRA)
Belmont Park is one of the most prestigious racetracks in the U.S., best known for hosting the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown. The track features extensive betting facilities, grandstands, and simulcast wagering.
List of Horse Betting Operations in New York
Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs)
Owner: New York Racing Association (NYRA)
Saratoga is among the oldest and most historic racetracks in America. It operates during the summer meet and offers full pari-mutuel wagering services. The track draws top horses, trainers, and bettors from across the country.
Aqueduct Racetrack (South Ozone Park, Queens)
Owner: New York Racing Association (NYRA)
Aqueduct hosts major races during the winter and spring seasons. It features extensive wagering options, simulcasting, and shares its grounds with Resorts World New York City, enhancing its entertainment offerings.
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack (Farmington)
Owner: Delaware North Companies
Finger Lakes is a popular venue for thoroughbred racing in upstate New York. It combines live racing with a racino offering video gaming and simulcast betting, serving both local fans and tourists.
Yonkers Raceway (Yonkers)
Owner: MGM Resorts International
Yonkers Raceway focuses on harness racing and pari-mutuel wagering. It operates alongside Empire City Casino, offering visitors an integrated gaming and racing experience.
New York Online Horse Betting
Status: Legal
Online horse betting in New York is legal and regulated under the state’s Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law.
Residents can legally place bets on horse races through licensed online platforms overseen by the New York State Gaming Commission. These platforms operate under strict regulations to ensure secure transactions, fair play, and responsible gaming practices.
Several approved operators, including TVG, TwinSpires, and NYRA Bets, allow bettors to wager on live and simulcast races nationwide. Players can bet online or via mobile apps, offering convenience and real-time access to major events such as the Belmont Stakes and Saratoga summer meets.
Additionally, recent developments show steady growth in online horse betting participation, especially as digital platforms continue improving their live-streaming and wagering interfaces.
The state remains focused on balancing innovation with player protection, keeping online horse betting one of the most established and trusted forms of wagering in New York.
List of Online Horse Betting Operations in New York
NYRA Bets
Owner: New York Racing Association (NYRA)
NYRA Bets is the official online wagering platform of the New York Racing Association. It offers betting on races from Belmont Park, Saratoga Race Course, and Aqueduct Racetrack, as well as hundreds of tracks worldwide. The platform provides live streaming, expert analysis, and exclusive promotions for New York bettors.
TVG (FanDuel Racing)
Owner: Flutter Entertainment (Ireland)
TVG, now integrated under FanDuel Racing, is one of the largest online horse betting networks in the U.S. It provides wagering, race replays, and live broadcasts. Licensed in New York, it allows users to bet on domestic and international races through its website and mobile app.
TwinSpires
Owner: Churchill Downs Incorporated (Kentucky)
TwinSpires is a major U.S. horse betting operator affiliated with the Kentucky Derby. The platform offers legal online pari-mutuel wagering, live racing streams, and handicapping tools. It’s authorized to operate in New York under state racing regulations.
Xpressbet
Owner: The Stronach Group (Maryland)
Xpressbet provides secure, licensed horse wagering services and covers over 300 racetracks worldwide. It partners with major racing events, including the Preakness Stakes. The platform is approved for New York bettors and emphasizes responsible gaming.
AmWager
Owner: AmWest Entertainment LLC (Kentucky)
AmWager is a licensed advanced-deposit wagering (ADW) operator that offers competitive rebates and high-tech betting features. It caters to experienced bettors and provides full mobile and desktop access for New York residents.
Other Online Horse Betting Options for New York Residents
Online horse betting based offshore that accept U.S. players serve as an alternative for New York players seeking online gambling. Since these operators are located outside the United States, they exist in a legal “grey zone.” To date, there is no record of individuals being legally prosecuted solely for playing on these offshore platforms.
New York Lotteries
Legal Status: Legal
Lotteries in New York are legal and state-regulated, operating under the authority of the New York State Gaming Commission. Established in 1967, the New York Lottery is one of the oldest and most successful state lotteries in the United States. It funds public education, contributing billions of dollars annually to schools across the state.
Players can participate in a wide range of games, including instant scratch-offs, daily draws, and multi-state games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Tickets are available through licensed retailers and official online platforms, making participation accessible statewide.
Recent developments include the continued expansion of digital lottery sales and mobile access, allowing players to purchase tickets and check results online. The state is also exploring enhanced responsible gaming tools to ensure safe play.
Overall, the New York Lottery remains a cornerstone of the state’s legal gambling industry, combining entertainment, state oversight, and community benefit through education funding.
List of Lottery Platforms in New York
New York Lottery
Owner: New York State Gaming Commission (State Government)
The New York Lottery is the official, state-run lottery and the largest legal gambling operation in New York. It was established in 1967 and operates to fund public education.
The lottery offers a wide selection of games, including Numbers, Win 4, Take 5, LOTTO, Pick 10, Quick Draw, and scratch-off tickets. It also participates in national multi-state draws such as Powerball and Mega Millions.
Powerball
Owner: Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL)
Powerball is a multi-state lottery game available in New York through the New York Lottery. It offers some of the largest jackpots in the country. Proceeds from New York ticket sales contribute to education funding through the state lottery program.
Mega Millions
Owner: Consortium of State Lotteries (co-managed by member states, including New York)
Mega Millions is another national lottery game offered through the New York Lottery. It provides large jackpots and secondary prizes. Like Powerball, a portion of ticket sales directly supports New York’s public schools.
Instant Games (Scratch-Off Tickets)
Owner: New York State Gaming Commission (State Government)
These instant-win games are among the most popular in the state. Available at licensed retailers, they offer fast results and a wide range of prize tiers. The revenue supports education initiatives across New York.
New York Sweepstakes
Legal Status: Legal, but strictly regulated
Sweepstakes in New York are legal but strictly regulated under state and federal law. The state allows promotional sweepstakes as long as they comply with consumer protection rules.
For instance, no purchase or payment can be required to enter or win. These laws are enforced by the New York Attorney General’s Office and the New York General Business Law §§ 369-e and 369-f, which outline rules for registration, disclosures, and prize promotions.
Businesses frequently use sweepstakes for marketing, such as online giveaways, raffles, and brand promotions. However, operators must register any sweepstakes offering prizes valued at $5,000 or more with the state before launching.
Overall, sweepstakes remain a lawful promotional tool in New York when operated in full compliance with state consumer protection and disclosure requirements.
New York Sweepstakes Casinos
Status: Not Licensed or Regulated
Sweepstakes casinos in New York are currently not licensed or regulated, and their legality is under direct challenge.
These platforms, such as Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots, have traditionally operated under sweepstakes and promotional contest laws. This allows players to use virtual currencies and redeem prizes without direct gambling.
However, in June 2025, the New York Attorney General declared that sweepstakes casinos offering cash or prize redemptions violate state gambling laws. This led to cease-and-desist letters being issued to 26 major operators, many of which have since stopped serving New York players.
Additionally, legislation such as Senate Bill S5935 and Assembly Bill A6745, aim to officially ban the prize-redemption model statewide. These bills remain pending and has not yet been signed into law.
As a result, the status of sweepstakes casinos in New York remains uncertain. Most major platforms have exited the state, but the issue continues to evolve as lawmakers and regulators seek clearer definitions and enforcement standards for sweepstakes-based gaming.
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