New York Sports Gambling Legal

A disappointment for New Yorkers

The New York gambling laws are more lax when it comes to sports betting. Officially, NY sports gambling is legal. The State Gamging Commission has approved sports betting at four upstate casinos. However, New York politicians have been playing ping pong back and forth with the law, while they debate the minor details of legality. The future of fantasy sports betting in New York is unclear after a state court ruled today that a law legalizing the industry violates the New York state constitution. New York's constitution. New York became a legal sports betting state in July 2019. In a spectacular launch, politicians and athletes gathered at the Rivers Casino in Schenectady. The city’s Mayor Gary McCarthy placed the first bet. Since then, seven more land-based casinos in New York have opened sportsbooks. The Constitutionality of Mobile Sports Wagering in New York State Does the Legislature have the power to legalize mobile sports wagering, in light of the restrictions on gambling set forth in our.

Fans of sports betting in New York are unlikely to be able to place online sports bets in 2020, judging by comments from Governor Andrew Cuomo in his budget proposal address.

an existing 2018 ban on mobile sports wagering largely unaltered

Cuomo released his proposal for the annual budget for the fiscal year 2021 on Tuesday. It includes a small-scale expansion of the legal retail sports betting market currently operating in the state, but leaves an existing 2018 ban on mobile sports wagering largely unaltered.

Cuomo’s plan for retail sportsbooks

Governor Cuomo’s proposed budget would allow retail sports betting to take place outside the sportsbook lounges of the state’s commercial and tribal casinos. This would see the gambling facilities potentially able to open up external betting windows or self-service betting kiosks in different areas of their property.

The four upstate commercial casinos in New York have legal retail sportsbooks open. Some of the tribal gambling facilities in the state also run retail sportsbooks. Currently, these operators are not allowed to offer mobile or online wagering. New Yorkers looking to place a sports bet have to travel upstate or cross over the border into New Jersey.

The upstate commercial casinos were authorized in 2015. However, they have not been very successful to date, with some of them veering close to bankruptcy. The revenue projections for these casinos have been significantly underwhelming in comparison to previous estimates.

The road to legal online sports betting

Governor Cuomo has remained insistent that a constitutional amendment would be needed to legalize online sports betting in the Empire State. This would see the issue go to a public vote for final approval.

legalization could generate $1bn in revenue annually for the state

One of the main proponents for legal online sports betting in New York is Senator Addabbo Jr. He believes no such constitutional amendment is required, and that legalization could generate $1bn in revenue annually for the state.

Addabbo had been hoping Cuomo would change his stance on the issue. However, the budget address on Tuesday shows this is not yet the case.

Despite having to deal with a budget deficit of $6bn, Cuomo believes that allowing online sports betting could be irresponsible. He said, “This is not the time to come up with creative although irresponsible revenue sources to solve a problem which doesn’t really exist.”

New York Sports Gambling Legal

Is there any hope?

The budget proposal address certainly dampens the chances of legal online sports betting for New Yorkers in 2020.

However, the respective legislative chambers could still negotiate a compromise before April 1. This is the date by which the houses are to submit their own budget proposals and agree on a final version. It is also possible for online wagering legislation to be introduced and gain approval before the end of the legislative session on June 2.

Addabbo reacted, saying, “I am hopeful that mobile sports betting is on a similar road as some other issues, such as paid family leave and medical marijuana, which were initially rejected by the governor.”

The Empire State offers residents and state visitors a variety of gambling offers including Daily Fantasy Sports and sports betting in-person at four upstate commercial casinos and half a dozen or so tribal venues. Some could say New York has joined other US states with legal sports betting but domestic sports gambling options in NY are not state-wide nor are there mobile betting options available.

However, there is word within New York's legislature that the Empire State is considering a state-wide domestic and mobile sports betting bill, most notably per the shelved S17 bill reintroduced in January 2020. If passed, New York could provide expanded sports betting offers along with allowing wagers on sports through offshore online sportsbooks.

Is Sports Gambling Legal in New York?

Yes, the state of New York has legalized domestic sports gambling. While New York permitted in-person betting at upstate casinos, the state is considering a bill (S17) to legalize mobile sports betting statewide. Such a bill would permit online and mobile sports wagering.

In addition, no American gambling laws prevent US players from accessing and using offshore sportsbooks. This means New Yorkers are free to bet online and on mobile using offshore sportsbooks.

New York Sports Betting Laws

New York has permitted sports wagering in upstate casinos through a referendum which gained majority support from voters. The state has refined details regarding this law, and nearly a dozen eligible venues now have sportsbooks up and running.

New York Sports Betting Bills

There are several advocates in the state's legislature who hope to expand domestic sports wagering options to include betting in all NY casinos and online and mobile capabilities. In regards to actual sports betting, the state has only achieved in-person betting at limited venues upstate but nothing statewide in terms of legalization. New Yorkers can follow the legal status of bills and contact sponsors using our US bill tracking guide.

Best Online Sportsbooks For New York Residents

Our team of industry professionals has compiled unbiased reviews and a list of offshore gambling sites that provide sportsbooks. These sites have all been verified to have strong security profiles, Vegas-style betting lines, and wagering types, features like live and mobile betting, and added incentives that keep you coming back for more.

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Sportsbooks In New York

New York casinos located in the upper part of the state are permitted to offer sports wagering opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy. Below we have listed the top three casinos with sports gambling capabilities available for New Yorkers to bet through.

  • Resorts World Catskills
  • Rivers Casino and Resort
  • Tioga Downs

NY Sports Betting Details

Below are details regarding New York's current sports betting environment. If the state were to pass expanded sports gambling laws the following information will be updated to reflect those changes in legislation and policy.

  • Legal Sports Betting: Yes, In-state; Offshore
  • Launch Date: Summer 2019
  • New York Minimum Sports Betting Age: 21 years old
  • Land-Based Sportsbooks: Upstate Casinos (Commercial + Tribal)
  • Online Sportsbook: Only Offshore Allowed
  • Mobile Betting App: Only Offshore Allowed
  • In-Play/Live Betting: Only Offshore Allowed
  • Estimated Revenue: $50 million
  • Eligible Operators: 4 commercial casinos, 5+ tribal casinos
  • Commission: New York State Gaming Commission
  • Licensing Fee: TBA
  • Tax Rate: 10%
  • Tax-Funded: TBD

What You Can Bet On In New York:

  • In-state: All bet types on out of state professional and college sports are allowed
  • Offshore: All betting lines, odds, and props for all games, teams, and players across all college and professional sports

What You Can't Bet On In New York:

  • In-state: No bets are allowed on college teams from the state of New York or NCAA events occurring within NY
  • Offshore: No restrictions

Where Can I Bet On Sports In New York?

New York Sports Gambling Laws

New York upstate casinos are currently the only option for NY sportsbooks. Several bills have been introduced to expand betting outside of upstate casinos and to include mobile options. At this time, offshore sportsbooks are the only option for offering mobile sports wagering across the Big Apple.

Biggest Sports Betting Cities In New York

New York City

New York City has several major professional sports teams. In some cases, there are even multiple teams in the same league, creating a fierce rivalry amongst local fans. Such competitiveness breeds a strong sports betting market. Whether you support the Knicks, Nets, Yankees, Mets, Rangers, Islanders, New York City FC or the Red Bulls, one thing is clear—you have options.

There have been many sports icons based in NYC, including Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez, Carmelo Anthony, Patrick Ewing and more. Click the link to be taken to our page dedicated to sports betting in NYC.

Buffalo

Buffalo is home to the Bills and the Sabres. While the city may be freezing for a large portion of the year, fans’ passion for their hometown teams heats things up. Buffalo residents can bet on their local favorites through legal offshore gambling sites that have various betting lines and wagering types.

You can find more information on our page all about sports betting in Buffalo.

Frequently Asked Questions About New York Sports Betting

Will I Get Arrested for Betting on Sports in New York?

If players wager on sports at unlicensed and unauthorized venues based within New York they could potentially be charged with illegal gambling. however, if players use upstate NY casinos which are licensed to offer sports wagering services or offshore sportsbooks then they are not in violation of any state law.

Are Mobile Sports Betting Apps Legal in New York?

There are no mobile or online sports betting services authorized to operate in the state. Offshore sportsbooks currently provide NY players with mobile sports wagering capabilities.

What Teams Can I Bet on in New York?

According to current New York sports gambling laws, gambling on in-state college teams is prohibited. Offshore sportsbooks do not place restrictions on the teams NY players can bet on.

Are There Any Local Sportsbooks in New York?

Yes, upstate casinos in New York which have received their sports wagering licenses from the state gaming commission may offer domestic betting services to residents and state visitors.

What is the Legal Minimum Sports Betting Age in New York?

The minimum sports betting age in New York is currently 21. This is because sports wagering is restricted to upstate casinos which typically set their minimum gambling age to 21. If the state were to pass and enact a sports gambling bill the age to gamble on sports may vary based on venue or the state may adopt a state-wide minimum sports gambling age. Offshore sportsbooks accept NY players as young as 18.

Who Regulates Sports Betting in New York?

Sports gambling in New York is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission. This Commission is permitted to license and regulate all domestic sports wagering activities.

New York Legislative Resources

New Yorkers interested in expressing their support or concerns for sports gambling may freely contact their local politicians to discuss the issue. Below are legislative resources which can be used to find exact bills, contact information, and more.

New York Gambling Resources

New Yorkers who suspect they may be developing signs of problem gambling are recommended to seek the services and resources provided for by the New York Council on Problem Gambling.

NY Sports Betting

New York Sports Gambling Legalization

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