Legal New York Sports Betting Sites

New York has always called New Jersey home when it came to the gambling pastime, as Empire State residents would simply cross the bridge into Atlantic City to play all the card and casino games they love. Despite that, legal New York sports betting sites have always been the top options for those who limit their serious daily gaming to sports wagering pursuits. Now that New York has legalized sports betting within its own borders, however, bettors are taking fresh notice of their expanded gaming options.

In fact, over the last few years, casino gaming has really taken off in NY in general, with the construction of several world-class gaming venues. Now that sports betting is legal, too, there’s been something of a gambling renaissance in the state. There are four commercial casinos in upstate NY, all of which now offer on-site sports betting lounges. While residents of New York City will still likely go to NJ for their gambling needs, the rest of the state has taken to these facilities, as they offer full Vegas-style gambling and sports betting. However, attending a physical venue to place a wager is not always the best option (especially for those who bet on sports regularly – there are at least 162 Yankees games each year, after all), and for them, online offshore betting sites remain the #1 option.

New York Sports Betting Laws

The sports betting laws in NY are fairly straightforward. The pastime was actually legalized in 2013 with the passage of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act of 2013. The law authorized the construction of four resort-class casino venues in the state, and once the federal sports wagering ban was overturned by the Supreme Court, the clause in that law legalizing sportsbooks was officially activated, with the first sports betting lounges expected open sometime around the start of the 2019-20 NFL season. The rules and regulations that govern sports betting in NY are covered here.

The Legality Of Sports Betting In New York

Right now, sports betting is only legal at domestic New York venues if those venues are one of the four authorized upstate casinos. Outside of that, there is no way to legally wager on sports via any state-licensed operator. Offshore sportsbooks are a valid and 100% legal option, of course, as these books are not subject to any NY or US restrictions. Further, because NY state and federal US laws do not criminalize individual bettors for placing wagers through any vehicle they wish, you are free to make real-money bets at these offshore books.

There are likely to be many more NY sports betting laws in the future, as the existing rules and regulations do not allow for various necessary expansions of the industry. Of particular import going forward is to get domestic sports wagering legalized, to expand sports betting to land-based tribal venues in the state, and to make the necessary frameworks to govern these initiatives in a profitable way for all parties involved. Until then, of course, for online betting, you’ll have to use a reputable offshore sports betting site.

Federal Laws That Impact New York Sports Betting

There are a few federal laws that have had an impact on New York sports betting. Each law has influenced the sports betting industry on a nationwide level, as well. The Wire Act of 1961, for example, outlaws the transmission of sports bets and information related to sporting events via the use of a wire communication facility. The Wire Act is why a New Yorker can’t call up a New Jersey book (or visit said book online) and place a wager there. Other important laws include the erstwhile Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA, 1992) which effectively outlawed land-based sports betting anywhere outside of Nevada and was overturned in 2018, finally allowing NY to legalize its own sports betting industry. The UIGEA (Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act or 2006) is a banking regulation that can very occasionally make it take a little bit more time to get your offshore sportsbook account topped off with new funds.

Ultimately, however, there is one key takeaway from these laws: None of them impacts your ability to bet on sports at offshore books safely and legally. As long as you’re not an unlicensed sportsbook operator or domestic banking institution (and you probably aren’t), you can bet on all the sports you wish at overseas betting sites. Doing so is 100% legal, and you will not be in violation of a single federal or state law if you choose to do so.

Is Online Sports Betting Legal In New York?

Online sports betting is generally considered legal in the state, though it is important to understand why. Similar to most states, New York legislators have not introduced laws that specifically relate to online sports betting. It is clear that land-based sports betting is legal now that PASPA has been overturned, but the 2013 upstate gaming law that allowed for this did not also authorize online betting at domestic, in-state books. As a result, while NY’s four upstate casino venues are allowed to offer sports betting lounges on their premises, they cannot accept bets from users who aren’t physically on-site. While the state is debating several ways to implement online sports wagering expansion in the future (as with SB 17), the measure may require a voter referendum. It is clear that state-licensed online sportsbooks will make it to NY in the near- to medium-term future, but for now, you can legally and safely use any reputable offshore sports betting site.

Mobile Sports Betting Apps For New York Bettors

New York bettors have plenty of options when it comes to mobile sports betting apps. All of the popular legal New York sports betting sites will also offer a mobile sportsbook for sports fans to enjoy. The same selection of sports and wager types will be available on the mobile sportsbook at your service of choice, and no separate download is required to use the product. You can simply visit your sportsbook from your smartphone or tablet to be redirected to its mobile-friendly interface.

Though mobile sports betting apps are not traditional apps (they’re actually something called “web apps”), the sites are still compatible with multiple devices. These mobile sites are optimized to work on iPhones, iPads, Androids, and even BlackBerry devices, just to name a few. Really, if you have a modern mobile device with a decent web browser and an Internet connection, you can bet on the Giants, Yankees, Jets, Knicks, Rangers, and more, quickly and easily while on the go. It is free to use a mobile sports betting site, and you can log in with the same credentials that you would use at its desktop sportsbook variant.

New York Sports Betting Locations

Right now, there are only four New York sports betting locations, all of which are in upstate NY. These include the Resorts World Catskills (Monticello), the Tioga Downs Casino Resort (Nichols), the Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, and the del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo). None of these venues is allowed under the current law to offer online betting outside their premises, though such an allowance could come with future legislation.

Resorts World Catskills
Resorts World Catskills
888 Resorts World Dr. Monticello, NY 12701
(833) 586-9358
Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Tioga Downs Casino Resort
2384 W River Rd, Nichols, NY 13812
(888) 946-8464
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady
1 Rush St. Schenectady, NY 12305
(518) 579-8800
del Lago Resort & Casino
del Lago Resort & Casino
1133 NY-414, Waterloo, NY 13165
(315) 946-1777

What Is The Legal Age To Gamble In New York?

The legal age to gamble in New York at legal betting sites is 21 years old. Once you have had your 21st birthday, you can start gambling at licensed gaming venues in the state, or at online sportsbooks located overseas. Though some legal New York sports betting sites will start to accept players at 18 years old, you will want to abide by the legal NY sports betting age. Online sportsbooks are based offshore and will have a general betting age that is not specific to the US or any particular state. To avoid getting in trouble for underage gambling, we advise that you wait until you are 21 or older to start betting on sports in NY.

Legal New York Betting Sites

Bovada - Newest, Best NY Sportsbook + $250 Welcome Bonus

Bovada SportsbookBovada is the newest sportsbook in New York, as the award-winning provider and most popular bookmaker in the US was locked out of the Empire State in years past. However, now that Bovada can accept NY residents, it’s been doing so at a clip of hundreds per day. With the slickest website and freshest odds in the industry, Bovada is the #1 sportsbook for NY betting.

New members who sign up at Bovada now can get a number of bonuses and perks, but the most popular one is the site’s $250 Sports Welcome Bonus. There’s no promo code required, either – just sign up, check out the cashier page, and click the appropriate box to accept up to $250 in free plays. This promo comes with the industry’s lowest 5X rollover, too, making it perfect for everyone!

BetOnline - NY Members Get $1000 In Free Plays Four Ways!

BetOnline SportsbookBetOnline has always been near the top for New York sports bettors, and the site has just about every deposit and withdrawal method you can think of. From checks and credit cards to bank wires and Bitcoin, if you have money, you can get it loaded up onto your sports betting account at BetOnline in a New York Minute.

BetOnline members in New York can get a number of different bonuses to play with. New members who deposit using traditional banking methods can get a 50% deposit-match bonus worth up to $1000 (promo code “BOL1000”), while crypto depositors can get a 100% deposit-match bonus for the same amount (CRYPTO100). Returning players making fresh deposits can get their deposits match by 25% using traditional methods (“LIFEBONUS”, up to $1K), while crypto refills will match new deposits by 35% (“35CRYPTO”, up to $1K)

MyBookie - $500 To Try It Today

MyBookie SportsbookMyBookie is the new kid on the block when it comes to the offshore sports betting game, but they’re definitely a phenom. If you make MyBookie your bookie, you’ll get a host of odds and lines dedicated strictly to US-centric sports, making this book unique among its internationally-oriented peers.

If you live in NY, you can join MyBookie quickly and for free. The site accepts all the standard payment options included credit and crypto (i.e. Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, etc.), and new members can claim a welcome bonus that will match their first deposits by up to $1000! Just use promo code MYB50, and MyBookie will match your funds by 50%. Then, just bet on the Yankees and rake in the dough! But forget hand-tossed; you’re gonna need a deep dish for this!

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Shopping Lines Between New York Sportsbooks

Shopping lines is the #1 betting strategy there is. You should research stats and all that good stuff, but if you’re not shopping lines, you missed Step 1. Shopping lines is so important in a state like NY because there are so many home teams that you’re bound to get skewed odds at any local book. That means that you might get better odds elsewhere, which can make you a ton of money in the long run. At the local Waterloo book, for example, a Giants spread bet might come in at -145 odds. The industry standard is closer to -110 odds, so you can see that that’s an expensive bet. Well, if you shop lines, you might find that Bovada has that exact same wager at -105 or -110. On straight bets, the difference can be just as pronounced. Let's say the Jets are underdogs straight up at +185 at your Schenectady book. Sounds good, right? Well, if you compare that same wager to offshore options, you might find that BetOnline has the Jets at +220. If you put $100 on Gang Green, you’d be making $35 more at the offshore option. That’s found money, and that’s what shopping lines is all about!

How To Deposit At Land-Based And Online NY Sportsbooks

Depositing at a land-based sportsbook in NY is simple enough, as you’ll enter the gaming floor, go up to the ticket window, and either buy your bets individually or deposit into an account for betting at your leisure (or during live wagering events). In either case, you’ll make the transaction using credit, debit, or another common supported payment type that you’re already used to.

Funding your online offshore NY sports betting account can be similar, but there are a lot more options. In addition to using credit, debit, and international gift cards, you’ll usually be able to use checks, money orders, bank wires, Western Union, MoneyGram, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, DASH, Cardano, Ethereum, Litecoin, Stellar, and a host of other supported cryptos (which vary by site). Some methods take longer to clear than others, while some will carry higher limits or associated fees. For us, the best balance of speed, fees, and transfer times is Bitcoin, which typically clears in just a few minutes and carries no added fees and limits upwards of $20,000 or more.

New York Sports Betting FAQ's

Are Online Sportsbooks Safe To Use If You Live In New York?

Legitimate online, offshore sportsbooks are safe to use if you live in New York. You simply need to make sure that the site you are using is reputable, verify how long they’ve been in the market, and make sure they’ve got overall positive reviews. Of course, if you don’t know where to look, that can take some time. Fortunately, we’ve done the legwork for you, and as long as you use a site we cover here, you are guaranteed to get best-in-class service and guaranteed timely payouts. All of the sites we recommend are legal New York sports betting sites that have at least a decade of experience, offer 100% secure banking methods, and are known for reliable payouts.

Has Anyone Been Arrested For Sports Betting In New York?

No, no one has ever been arrested for sports betting casually in New York. The state does not have any specific laws for residents that use offshore sites for betting on sports online. Law enforcement is only concerned with those individuals and businesses that attempt to operate their own sports betting sites or unlicensed local bookies who try to take bets. There is no history of the state prosecuting residents for using legit offshore sports betting sites, and we have no reason to believe that this would change. Over a million NY residents use these specific sites each year, and there’s never been a single problem for any of them. (Except that one guy who keeps betting on the Mets. He’s lost a lot of money.)

What Should I Do If My Bank Didn't Process My Credit Or Debit Card Deposit?

You have a few different options if your bank doesn’t process your credit or debit card deposit. You can try using the same card again at a later time or use another card altogether. If your bank continues to deny all your credit card transactions (which doesn’t mean your cards are no good or that you’ve done anything wrong), legal New York betting sites offer several alternate deposit options. You may want to consider using a method such as Bitcoin, MoneyGram, or even a mailed-in personal check. And if you have any questions, customer service is standing by 24/7 to make sure all your problems are solved ASAP.

What Is The Best Way To Fund Your Sports Betting Account?

The best way to fund your sports betting account is with Bitcoin. The digital currency is the fastest and most secure way to send money to a legal New York betting site. There are no fees charged when using this method, and funds are applied to your account almost instantly for wagering. The minimum deposit typically starts at $20 and the maximum can be as high as $25,000 at some online sportsbooks. Bitcoin deposits are the best option at legal New York betting sites. And remember: Bitcoin (and other supported cryptocurrencies) are the fastest way to claim withdrawals, too. Crypto offers same-day withdrawals at all the top offshore books, while all other methods can take up to a week in order to get your winnings paid out.

Do Online Sports Betting Sites Have Odds On Baseball?

Yes, legal betting sites have odds on baseball, with no shortage of New York Yankees and Mets odds. There are so many ways that you can bet on baseball in NY, including betting on the moneyline, runline, total, or first five innings. Some of the futures options include odds to win the World Series, National League pennant odds, American League pennant odds, and odds to win the division. Aside from baseball, you will also find odds on the NFL, NHL, MLS, and WNBA teams that call New York home. However, most sportsbooks will not offer many odds on NCAA baseball (outside of the College World Series) or minor league baseball. Major League Baseball is also on record as requesting that Spring Training odds aren’t posted at domestic books, though you will sometimes find these at offshore sites.

What Is Live Betting?

Live betting is the newest and most interactive way to bet on sports. You will be able to bet on the New York Knicks and other teams in real-time. Throughout the event, the oddsmaker will update the odds after each play to reflect current conditions. Some of the betting options include halftime and quarter lines, moneylines, even or odd props, point spreads, totals, and more. Sports include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis. Live betting at legal New York sports betting sites is the most exciting way to place bets.

Do Legal New York Online Sportsbooks Have Live Betting?

Live betting is the newest and most interactive way to bet on sports. With live betting, you are able to wager on the New York Knicks and other teams in real-time! Throughout a given sporting event, your oddsmaker will update the odds after each play or commercial break or timeout to reflect current conditions. Some of the live betting options available at overseas NY sportsbooks include halftime and quarter lines, moneylines, even or odd props, point spreads, totals, and more. Sports that have lots of live betting action include football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and tennis. Live betting at legal New York sports betting sites is the most exciting way to place your bets on your favorite players and teams!

Can I Have More Than One Online Sportsbook Account?

Yes, you can have more than one online sportsbook account in New York (but only one account per sportsbook). It is recommended that you join more than one sports betting site in order to shop and compare lines. The standard juice at most sportsbooks (from an industry standpoint) requires you to risk $110 for $100, which is denoted by -110 odds next to spreads and props. But let’s say you find a site where you only have to risk $105 for $100. While odds at -105 versus -110 may not seem like a big difference at first, over the span of a season or year, the savings do add up. You want to maximize your profits while minimizing your losses, and having accounts at multiple online sportsbooks will only help you. Of course, the local NY betting venues don’t even offer -110 on home teams, generally speaking. At a domestic NY book, you can expect to find the Giants at -135 odds and up, and ditto for the Yankees and Islanders and any other local club. And when you compare online prices at -105 or even -110 or -115 to local prices like -135, -150, or even -175, the savings is even more evident.

Betting On Horse Racing In New York

Betting on horse racing in New York is popular for locals and tourists alike. With Belmont Park in Elmont being the host of the third jewel of the Triple Crown, it is an understatement to say that horse racing is important in the Empire State. Horse fans can bet at other major tracks like the Aqueduct Race Track or Saratoga Race Course. New York is also home to several OTB locations when a day at the races is not possible.

Online horse racing betting has also grown in popularity. Residents can legally place horse bets on races happening at tracks all over the world. There are also additional perks, such as horse bet rebates and sign-up bonuses. The same wager types (win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, etc.) available at the track are also offered at offshore online racebooks, but you have the convenience of betting the ponies from anywhere that you have an Internet connection when you choose the latter.

The Status Of Daily Fantasy Sports In New York

Though it has been up and down, the current status of daily fantasy sports (DFS) in New York is that it is legal. On August 3rd, 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed NY S.8153 , a bill to regulate interactive fantasy sports contests in the state. The law requires operators to apply for a license with the New York State Gaming Commission and pay a 15% tax on gross revenues generated from NY players. Participants must be at least 18 years old to enter paid DFS contests. In the year prior to the passage of the law, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman had sent cease-and-desist orders to DFS operators in the state. It was a major victory that DFS was legalized shortly thereafter and the AG eventually defended the legality of the contests.

Fans of daily fantasy sports in NY can enjoy playing at any DFS site that accepts residents. Both of the industry leaders - DraftKings and FanDuel – operate in the state of NY, giving players the opportunity to enter fantasy football, baseball, hockey, soccer, and golf contests, just to name a few. DFS contests give you the chance to win huge cash prizes from the games that you love.