Can I Sports Bet Online In New York?
In the coming months, yes you will be able to bet online in New York. Sports betting is already legal in the Empire State but that only counts for in-person wagering and regulations need to be agreed upon before mobile betting can launch. Sports betting was first legalized in New York in 2013 but until 2021, there were no official plans to include the mobile platform.
Where Can I Place A Bet?
Once NY mobile betting officially launches, you will be able to place sportsbook wagers from any location inside of the Empire State. It is more than likely that bettors will be able to choose from several different platforms, although the possibility of a single-operator system remains.
Until then, bettors are limited to land-based sportsbook locations including the following:
- Del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo, NY)
- Resorts World Catskills (Monticello, NY)
- Rivers Casino & Sportsbook (Schenectady, NY)
- Tioga Downs Casino Resort (Nichols, NY)
- Turning Stone Resort (Verona, NY)
- Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort (Hogansburg, NY)
- Yellow Brick Road Casino (Chittenango, NY)
- Point Place Casino & Sportsbook (Bridgeport, NY)
- Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino (Salamanca, NY)
- Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls, NY)
- Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino (Buffalo, NY)
Do You Have To Live In New York To Bet Online?
No, you do need to live in New York or be a resident in order to wager online. You do, however, need to be physically present inside the state in order to place wagers. Exact whereabouts are verified using geolocation technology.
Are Online Sportsbooks Legit?
Yes, New York sports betting sites are legal and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission. NY online sportsbooks are completely legitimate in the same way that sites in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania are.
Can I Win Real Money At An Online Sportsbook?
Yes, you can win real money at NY online sportsbooks. As is the case in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and a growing number of other states, bettors can win real cash from wagering at betting sites in New York.
Why Play At An NY Sports Betting Site Vs. A Land-Based Sportsbook?
While some may enjoy the environment at a land-based sportsbook and prefer to walk to the window to place bets, there’s no debating that betting via online apps makes the entire process much easier. It also can’t be argued that mobile wagering comes with more benefits to the customer than betting at a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
The most obvious advantage is convenience, which is especially true in New York since there’s a huge population of people who aren’t located anywhere near any of the land-based sportsbooks currently open for operation.
There are 8.5 million people who live in New York City and around eight million more that live on Long Island. That’s over 16 million people who are located two hours or more from the nearest sportsbook location.
In these areas, it takes less time to cross the border into New Jersey to bet, which explains how the Garden State gets 20 percent of its rake from New Yorkers. In other parts of the state, the Pennsylvania border is a more attractive option than driving to a brick-and-mortar sportsbook.
In reality, there are a host of amenities that come with online betting that land-based locations just can’t provide, including:
- Wagering From Any Location Inside The State
- Signup Bonuses (No Deposit, First Deposit, Risk-Free Bets)
- Ongoing Promotional Offers (Daily, Weekly, Monthly)
- Odds Boosts/Profit Boosts
- Live Betting Made Easy
- Free Bet Offers
- Many Methods For Deposits & Withdrawals
How Do Sports Betting Signup Offers Work?
First Deposit Offer
A first deposit offer is a welcome bonus that involves the sportsbook matching your original deposit up to a certain amount in site credit. While many sportsbooks with this offer have a 100 percent deposit match attached, some may offer a lesser amount as part of their bonus.
For example, let’s say a sportsbook has a first deposit offer that will match your initial deposit 100 percent of the way up to $500. This means that if you invest $200, you will receive another $200 in site credit, totaling $400 in funds. If you deposit the full $500, you’ll be awarded an additional $500, bringing your grand total to $1,000 to bet with.
Keep in mind that the site credit cannot be withdrawn, and wagering requirements must be met before winnings from this bonus can be withdrawn as well. Check terms and conditions for exact requirements since these vary from site to site.
No Deposit Offer
A no deposit offer is precisely what the name implies. It’s a welcome bonus that is awarded without any deposit into the site being necessary, and it’s the closest thing to free money that a bettor is going to get when signing up for a sportsbook.
There aren’t a ton of NY no deposit bonuses, as is the case in other states. But for the sites that do offer them, they’re very easy to claim. After creating a new account, the bonus will be triggered without any investment into the site being required.
Depending on the sportsbook, the bonus will either be automatically used when you go to place a bet, or there will be an option in your bet slip to use the bonus if you have other funds in your account.
Winnings won with first deposit bonuses may be subject to wagering requirements, so check the terms and conditions.
Risk-Free Bet
A risk-free bet offer is a welcome bonus that involves the sportsbook refunding new customers if their very first wager on the site winds up in a loss, up to a certain amount.
FanDuel Sportsbook is known to employ a $1,000 risk-free bet offer. First, the bettor must create an account and make an initial deposit, and this will trigger the bonus. Once the time comes to place that initial wager, the bettor can do so knowing that if it loses, they will be refunded in site credit up to $1,000.
It is a way of minimizing risk for new players and it also incentivizes taking a shot with a huge bet to start things off. If the first bet winds up in a victory, there is no site credit awarded.
How To Sign Up To A Sports Betting Site
When signing up for NY mobile sportsbooks, prospective bettors are able to receive signup bonuses to get started. They are good to be aware of because your preference for a no-deposit bonus, deposit match bonus, or a risk-free bet could play a role in which site you choose.
After you decide where to sign up, you need to find the registration page. There are a couple of easy ways to do that including clicking the ‘Get Bonus’ button on our New York sportsbook page. You can also click one of our links advertising the site of your choice.
The third option would be visiting the site directly and clicking ‘Join’ or ‘Sign Up’, but make sure you have one of our New York sports betting bonus codes handy to enter during the signup process to get your bonus. From there, follow these steps to complete the process and claim your bonus:
- After being redirected to the registration page, fill out all required information including name, address, email address, photo ID, and more.
- If you visited the site without clicking on any widgets or links, this is where you can enter a promo code to ensure you receive your bonus.
- Once finished, hit the ‘Submit’ or ‘Enter’ button. You will receive an email notification for your records
- At the completion of the signup process, the bonus will be triggered
- Choose your preferred banking method and deposit into your new account. The transaction will occur immediately. If you receive a deposit match bonus, it will be reflected in your total balance
- Begin placing bets
If you receive a no-deposit bonus, it should appear in your account immediately after completing the signup process. If the site you signed up for offers a deposit match bonus, that will appear following the initial deposit. For sportsbooks offering risk-free bets, they will be added to the account if and when the first wager loses.
Check terms and conditions before committing to any sportsbook to best understand the rules of that particular site.
Online Sportsbook Payment Options
Getting started at online sportsbooks in New York may seem like a daunting process, but it’s actually quite simple once you’ve committed to a site. Once you complete the registration process, all that’s left is to deposit and place your bets.
Below, we’ll detail how the deposit process works and we’ll also go over withdrawals for when you want to take some profits out of your account.
How To Deposit
Once your account and banking information is set up, depositing funds is simple and can be done in a few short steps:
- Click the ‘Deposit’ or ‘Add Funds’ button either in the Account section, on the dashboard of the app, or on the homepage of the site if using a browser
- Choose your preferred banking method
- Enter the amount you wish to deposit and press ‘Submit’ or ‘Enter’
- If using an eWallet such as PayPal, enter your password to connect the payment to your account
- The site will confirm the process is complete and your balance will reflect the deposit instantly. You will also receive email confirmation for each deposit
How To Withdraw
There’s no better feeling than winning money from the sportsbook and thankfully, the process of pulling winnings out of your account is an easy one:
- Locate the ‘Withdraw’ button in the Account section of the app or site
- Choose your method of payment
- Enter the amount you wish to withdraw
- If choosing an eWallet such as PayPal, you may be asked to verify your account information, and the same goes for if you connect your bank account directly to the sportsbook.
- Complete the withdrawal and your account balance will reflect the transaction
- You will receive an email notification confirming the withdrawal
Online Sportsbook Payment Options
One of the very best things about wagering online is the plethora of payment options. Rather than waiting in line at a casino sportsbook and only being able to use cash at the window or kiosk, betting online opens up several avenues for deposits and withdrawals.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are one of the most common ways that bettors fund their sportsbook accounts in every state where betting is legal, and it’s one of the easiest as well. Deposits are instant with credit cards and there are no fees incurred from the site, although bettors should make sure their personal bank doesn’t impose any fees for depositing on a gaming site.
Credit cannot be used for withdrawals but when it comes to deposits, many major credit cards are accepted including the following:
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
Debit Cards
Using a debit card is another common way to put funds into sportsbooks accounts, and it works very similarly to using credit. Debit cards can’t be used for withdrawals but deposits are instant and don’t come with any fees attached on the sportsbook’s end.
Again, check with your bank if you want to be sure you won’t be assessed any fees before depositing. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are among the many available options for debit deposits as well.
Play Plus
Another acceptable option for deposits is a Play+ card, which is brought to you by Discover and can be used the same way a debit or credit card would be. There are generally no fees for using this method to fund your account and this card can also be used for withdrawals at sports betting sites. Many operators have their own site-branded Play+ card that you can sign up for after registering with a sportsbook.
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards are growing in popularity at betting sites across the country and can be used at most sportsbooks. This method can be easily used just as credit/debit cards and allows the bettor to limit the amount they spend, and it also allows for a degree of anonymity in terms of banking information.
A prepaid card is preferred by some because it can be bought, filled, and used on a betting site without the player needing to attach their bank account or disclose any personal information associated with their banking. It can also be used over and over again, but there is usually a small fee attached to each transaction.
PayPal
PayPal is by far the most popular eWallet payment method at online casinos and sportsbooks today. It’s extremely simple to set up and use, plus PayPal is an incredibly secure site.
Bettors can easily attach their banking information to their PayPal account without ever having to enter any personal information on the sportsbook itself, and this method makes both deposits and withdrawals a simple process.
Keep in mind that you can usually only use PayPal to withdraw if you use it to deposit, but that shouldn’t be a problem because doing either one is very easy. Deposits are instant and withdrawals are processed within 24 to 48 hours, sometimes less! There are no fees attached and it works for everyone since minimums are low and maximums are high.
Skrill
Skrill is another fast and secure eWallet option for funding sportsbook accounts. Similar to PayPal, there is no need to share any banking information with the site, just the details of your Skrill account.
Deposits and withdrawals take up to 24 hours but both are free of charge. You can only use Skrill to withdraw money if you used it as a deposit method in the past. Please note that not every sportsbook accepts Skrill as a payment method.
PayNearMe
If your preference is to use an online sportsbook but still deal with cash, then PayNearMe is an excellent option if it is accepted by the site.
After logging into your account and choosing PayNearMe as your deposit method, you must select the participating store near you that you’d like to pay at (7-Eleven, CVS, Family Dollar). From there, you’ll receive a voucher with a barcode from the sportsbook that you can take to the store with you.
Once you arrive at the store, you can pay for the voucher in cash and once your barcode is scanned, funds will wind up in your account within 15-30 minutes. There is usually a fee of $5.99 or under for each transaction, and PayNearMe cannot be used as a withdrawal option.
ACH
Automated Clearing House (ACH) allows bettors to use their bank account to fund their sportsbook account.
It enables direct debit transactions and is entirely secure, but it does take things a bit longer to process using this method. There are some sites that do not accept this method but for the ones that do, deposits are instant and withdrawals can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days.
Check
The option to receive a withdrawal via physical check is available in New York as well. There are no withdrawal fees but it will take several weeks for the check to reach you by mail.
Cash At The Casino Cage
If an online sportsbook is partnered with a land-based casino, you can visit the cashier’s cage to receive your winnings in person. This is one way to get your money in-hand immediately and there are no fees attached, although there is less convenience with this method.
Sports Betting Apps
Online wagering can be done via an application, laptop, or desktop, as is the case in other states. Whether you’re on-the-go or sitting on your own couch, you’re just one account login away from placing bets.
There is virtually no difference between the two since the markets and odds are exactly the same whether using a mobile device or a desktop computer. There is a chance, however, that using data on a mobile device could mean it takes a few extra seconds to nail down your exact location with geolocation software.
Can I Bet On Sports With My iPhone or other iOS devices?
Yes, you can use iOS devices including an iPhone to wager at online sportsbooks in New york.
Can I Bet On Sports With My Android Phone or Tablet?
Yes, bettors are able to use an Android Phone or tablet to place wagers at New York betting sites.
Do I Need To Create A Second Account To Play On An NY Mobile Sportsbook App?
No, you only need and are allowed one online account to wager at NY mobile sportsbooks. You can create various accounts for different sites, but only one per sportsbook.
How To Download A Sportsbook App For iPhone
Downloading a NY online sports betting app is an extremely simple process for those with an iPhone or iOS device. Take the following steps:
- Visit the app store and search for the sportsbook you belong to or want to join
- Download the app and wait for it to install
- Complete the registration process as laid out above, or enter your email address and password to access your account to begin betting
The downloading process takes no more than a minute or two while the registration process takes only a few minutes while deposits are instant. In no time at all, you’ll be ready to bet on games.
How To Download A Sportsbook App For Android
Although there’s an extra step involved, accessing NY sportsbook apps is simple on an Android device as well. Consider the following steps to get started:
- Visit the website homepage using an internet browser and scroll to locate where it says ‘Download for Android’ on the site
- Download the app as an APK file to your mobile device. You will then be able to initiate app installation
- You will be prompted to change the setting to temporarily allow for app installations from unknown sources if it hasn’t been changed yet. After you allow this change, the installation will finish.
- The sportsbook app will appear on your home screen
The process isn’t quite as simple as using an iOS device, but it still only takes a few minutes to get yourself ready to wager.
Which Sports Can I Bet On In New York?
There’s a ton to love about online sports betting platforms including the fact that there are a wide range of betting markets to choose from across many different sports. The options include but are not limited to the following sports and leagues:
- Football (NCAA, NFL)
- Basketball (NBA, NCAA, Euroleague, & more)
- Baseball (MLB)
- Hockey (NHL, KHL, & more)
- Golf (PGA, LPGA, European Tour)
- Soccer (EPL, Serie A, Bundesliga, MLS, & more)
- Boxing/MMA
- Motorsports (NASCAR, Formula 1)
- Tennis (ATP, WTA)
New York College Sports Betting Online
Betting on collegiate athletics, namely basketball and football, is popular all over the United States and New York is no different. Under the law, NCAA basketball and football are legal to bet on and that is a huge bonus for bettors. The only restriction is that teams that are native to the state can’t be wagered on inside New York (Syracuse, St. John’s, Buffalo etc.)
College Basketball
The NCAA basketball season traditionally has begun in November and runs until the end of February or early March. This is followed by conference tournaments and the NCAA Tournament, widely known as March Madness, which is the main reason for college basketball being so popular at sportsbooks.
March Madness is how most of us refer to the three-week spectacle that is the NCAA Tournament, which includes 68 teams at the start. It is the busiest time of year for sportsbooks and in many states, the total handle taken in from March Madness eclipses any other sporting event.
The tournament begins in mid-March and runs until the first week in April, when the Final Four is played Saturday and the national title game on Monday.
College Football
College football’s popularity is unquestioned during the fall and beginning of winter. The season starts in late August/early September and runs through December. Through the holiday season, the NCAA puts together a massive string of bowl games from December until early January, with the most important bowl games coming at the end.
The New Year’s Six, as it’s now known, is a collection of the most prestigious annual bowl games on the calendar. This includes the Rose Bowl, Orange Bowl, Sugar Bowl, Peach Bowl, Cotton Bowl, and Fiesta bowl games.
These games are usually played on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, with a rotating pair of them serving as the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. The playoff (also called the CFP) is a three-game, four-team tournament to decide the national champion.
Following the two semifinal games around New Year’s, the national championship is played during the second week in January. All three CFP games are among the most commonly wagered-on football games of the year.
Can I Bet On New York College Sports Teams?
No, the law stipulates that any collegiate teams that are from New York are off-limits. This would include games involving Syracuse, St. John’s, Buffalo, and others being left off the board at online sportsbooks in NY.
The Legal History Behind Sports Betting In New York
Originally, New York was ahead of the game. The state was one of the first to pass legislation authorizing sports betting back in 2013, though it would remain federally illegal for several more years.
The original legislation allowed for the building of four commercial casinos in upstate New York, and sports betting was to be permitted at those locations once the federal ban was lifted.
Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in 2018, the door was open for states to launch legalized betting however they wished.
Eventually, New York began taking wagers in July 2019 at del Lago Resort, Tioga Downs, Rivers Casino, and Resorts World Catskills. At the time, the state had not legalized mobile wagering and bets could only be placed in-person at a select number of locations.
Ever since PASPA’s repeal, Senator Joseph Addabbo was working to legalize New York online sports betting and introduced Senate Bill S17D to regulate mobile wagering in the state. After stalling at different stages, the bill finally started making headway toward the end of 2019 as it became clear the state would need new streams of revenue in the wake of COVID-19’s impact on the economy.
Legal Online Sports Betting Vs. Illegal Offshore Sports Betting
Even more important than winning bets is the safety and security of both your money and your personal information. When playing at legal and regulated New York online sportsbooks, it is guaranteed. When dealing with illegal and unregulated sites, it most certainly is not.
These offshore sportsbooks are still popular in states without legal wagering, but everyone who signs up puts themselves, their money, and their personal information at risk.
These sites are operated from a foreign country without regulatory oversight to skirt the rules that US sportsbooks are held to and on many occasions, it leads to players being scammed. Here are some of the many drawbacks to dealing with one of these sites:
- Some banks don’t allow transactions to offshore sites
- Small welcome bonuses and promotions (if any)
- No reliable customer service
- Not guaranteed to receive winnings
- Must withdraw using cryptocurrency at many sites
- Worse odds for most betting markets
There’s really no debate between these shady operators and the legalized brands we have in the US, which are overseen by a regulatory board in every state. In the Empire State, that is the New York State Gaming Commission.
The bettor’s private information is secure, they receive bonuses and promotions, there’s actual help from customer service, most major banks deal with legal sportsbooks, and any winnings withdrawn are guaranteed to be paid out in a reliable and timely fashion.
New York State Gaming Commission
Each state has a governing body responsible for the oversight of sports betting and in the Empire State, that is the New York State Gaming Commission.
This group oversees casino gaming, horse racing, lotteries, and charity gaming in addition to sports wagering. The goal of the commission to ensure that all gaming activity conducted in the state is of the highest quality, integrity, and credibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gambling Illegal In NY?
No, gambling is not illegal in New York. The state constitution permits several forms of gambling including Native American casinos and racinos, state lotteries, horse racing, and off-track betting.
Sports betting is legal at four Native American casinos in the state and online sports betting is on the way in 2021.
What Is The Legal Gambling Age In NY?
You only need to be 18 years old to play the lottery, wager on horse racing, or take part in charity gaming. You must be 21 years of age in order to bet at casinos or sportsbooks, whether they are online or land-based.
Are NY Online Sportsbooks Safe?
Yes, NY online sportsbooks are safe. They are completely legal and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission, which oversees the process and ensures its safety and integrity. The NYC does the same for lottery and casino gaming in the state, as well as horse racing.
Can I Win Real Money At NY Online Sportsbooks?
Yes, you can win real money at online sportsbooks in New York. If winnings are won thanks to a bonus, site credit or free bets, there may be a wagering requirement attached before being eligible for withdrawal. But any winnings won with your deposited cash are immediately yours and can be withdrawn anytime.
Can You Bet On College Sports In New York?
Yes, you can bet on college sports in New York. You can’t, however, bet on collegiate programs that are stationed inside the state such as Syracuse or St. John’s University.
Is MyBookie Legal In NY?
No, MyBookie is an offshore sportsbook and is not legal in New York. The site will likely accept your money even though it is technically illegal for them to do so, but your bank could disallow transactions to this site. If your deposit does go through, be aware of the risk that your funds could not be secure.
When Did Sports Betting Become Legal In NY?
New York was one of the very first states to pass sports betting legislation, which first passed in 2013 and allowed for gaming at commercial casinos. Despite this early action, sportsbooks inside commercial and Native American-owned establishments didn’t begin taking bets in New York until July 2019.
Can I Bet On Sports With My PC or Mac?
Yes, sports betting is possible whether you have a desktop, laptop, or mobile device of any brand. All that is required is that you’re inside state lines while placing wagers.
How Do NY Gambling Sites Acquire My Location?
Sportsbooks use geolocation technology to pinpoint where you are and ensure you’re in an area from which you can legally wager. Betting from a computer may require installing an extension to your browser so you can be located. Using a mobile device only requires sharing your location with the sportsbook app.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Winnings?
Yes because according to the IRS, any winnings from gambling are taxable income and should be reported on your return. It may also be possible to deduct some gambling losses if you are willing and able to itemize deductions
Yes, you have to pay taxes on any gambling winnings in Virginia, as this is considered taxable income that you are receiving. You are also able to deduct your gambling losses up to a certain amount if you choose to itemize your deductions instead of taking the standard deduction.
What Is Sports Betting Handle?
Sports betting handle refers to the total amount of money taken in on wagers. This can be broken down into the total handle for a specific bet, sport, game, or time period. Anything you bet on contributes to the total handle taken by the sportsbook.
Who Regulates Online NY Sportsbooks?
The New York State Gaming Commission is the governing body that oversees casinos, sports betting, horse racing, lotteries, and charity gaming in the Empire State.
Are There Any Sports Betting Restrictions?
The minimum gambling age in New York is 21 at online sportsbooks, and bettors must be inside state lines in order to successfully place wagers. Another restriction is that collegiate teams from inside the state cannot be wagered on in New York.