While there are no licensed local casino sites in NY at this point in time, lots of state residents do like to gamble online. In fact, online sports betting is now legal and live under the control of the New York Lottery.
So there is a legitimate online gaming option within the state. We’re on the right track as more and more US states have shown. It can start to put pressure on lawmakers to legalize a range of online gambling options, including online casinos in New York.
Casinos Near Lexington, KY - Try Keene or CincinnatiWe’ll explain all of the relevant details around both options in our online casino New York guide. You’ll learn about the legality of playing at online casinos as a New Yorker, what the future might hold, and even touch on some of the best offshore casinos you can sign up at in the meantime.
Disclaimer: This post aims to educate users on the subtleties surrounding the legality of online casinos and is not legal advice. Although we publish accurate information, we cannot be held responsible for your choice to participate in any activities found here.
Best Online Casinos in New York
Top rooms with the best views!
There are no legal local casino sites in New York right now. So until that changes and the New York Gaming Commission starts licensing online casino operators, the only place to play are offshore online casinos.
We have reviewed dozens of such sites over the years and have narrowed down the ones we trust and think are safe. There are risks attached to playing at offshore casino sites in New York but if you stick with our recommended sites, such as the ones above, you should be okay.
The risk of using offshore casino sites is that you have no local legally protections if anything were to go wrong. These businesses aren’t based in the United States, so getting blood out of a stone becomes something of an exercise when things don’t go according to plan.
Offshore casino operators are also in countries without strong consumer protection laws. And taking legal action against them would require significant resources to travel abroad. All of which makes it a pretty big headache and a risky proposition generally.
We haven’t heard of many issues from New Yorkers who use these services. But it only takes one bad apple to cause problems. We strongly advise you set up accounts with our recommended sites and deposit and withdraw small amounts first to make sure everything is okay.
You should also note that there are no guarantees. We try to provide as much useful information as possible about the best online casinos in New York, but ultimately, these sites operate outside of the regulatory remit of US or New York State authorities. Our obligation to you is to be transparent about that.
Top Online Casinos in Michigan for 2023 [Updated]Is Online Casino Gambling Legal in New York?
Online casino gambling is not legal in New York although there are some signs that could change soon. Several bills have been introduced in recent years to authorize local online casinos.
None have made it across the finish line just yet, but we are hopeful. Online poker and gambling sites are already legal in four states and that number will only grow going forward.
However, New Yorkers can still use offshore online casino sites. That’s because they are operating legally where they are based, even if it isn’t legal in the United States for American citizens to use their service. We’ve explained this process in greater detail below.
The Federal Wire Act
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 actually predates the internet and was designed to prevent criminal organizations from utilizing wire communications to organize illegally. However, after online gambling became a thing, the Department of Justice (DOJ) interpreted the language within the act to mean that it was illegal to participate in any form of online gambling.
This had disastrous consequences for the nascent US online gambling industry. The DOJ’s opinion forced the shuttering of all online poker sites and sharing networks within a few short years during the noughties. But in 2011, the DOJ revised its opinion and concluded that the Federal Wire Act only related to sports betting.
This opened the door to states enacting their own online gambling regulations. And since then, several states have chosen to legalize online casino games, poker, and sports betting. Of course, the only sites licensed to operate inside a state are guaranteed to meet the relevant security requirements. And players will have access to local customer support and payment methods.
The Issue of State Sovereignty
Another key development in the journey towards state-based online gambling was the 2011 Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion on the Wire Act. The DOJ concluded that the Wire Act only prohibits online sports betting.
This meant that individual states were free to adopt their own online gambling regulations. And several chose to do just that. The main pillar of the case for online gambling regulation is the concept of state sovereignty.
Essentially, states believe that online gambling transactions are initiated on devices inside their borders, so they should receive a cut of any revenue generated. Moreover, officials want to regulate these transactions to ensure player safety and protect against money laundering and problem gambling.
Gamblers in New York will only benefit from local online casino sites controlled by the New York Gaming Commission. Until that happens, the concept of state sovereignty doesn’t extend to online gambling and casino games.
The Secure Notre Dame Act of 2018
State sovereignty has another potential obstacle to contend with in the form of the Secure Notre Dame Act of 2018. This act was passed in response to athletic bets placed using an offshore site, which is currently legal in New York, and aimed at notching up the score in a university game.
The Wire Act-like restrictions outlined in this bill were promptly vetoed by Governor Andrew Cuomo. But it does show how easily the pendulum can swing and how quickly online gambling could be restricted again in New York.
15+ Best Free Slots Online (2023) - Top Free Casino Games to PlayNow, the key aspect of this piece of legislation is the definition of gambling. The bill defines “a bet or wager” as “the making of a statement, whether by words or by conduct, action, or forbearance, communicating a intention to engage in a game or contest”
In simple terms, this means that simply visiting a casino site and looking around could be considered as placing bets or wagers on an unknown outcome. Now, we don’t think the courts would necessarily interpret it in this way, but it shows how important it is to stay informed about these matters.
Timeline for Regulated Online Casino Gambling
It’s fair to say that New York is a long way behind other states when it comes to regulating online gambling. Other than DFS and sports betting through the New York Lottery, there isn’t a state regulatory body authorizing online gaming websites.
But we know that lawmakers are interested in generating more tax revenues, which is the primary reason why states choose to legalize online casino gambling. Below, we have charted the steps most other states have taken before launching safe, local online casino sites.
Taking longer than 12 months.
Proposed Online Casino Gambling Bills in NY
At the last count, there were three pieces of legislation that have been proposed and could lead to the creation of the New York Gaming Commission. Local state representatives Bob Joseph (R-Cheektowaga), Michael Cusick (D-Staten Island), and Gary Pretlow (D-Mount Vernon) all floated drafts of bills containing provisions for online casino gambling.
These proposals include provisions for sports betting, interactive fantasy sports, racetrack wagering, and lottery sales. If these bills are passed, the New York State Gaming Commission would be authorized to oversee all forms of remote gambling.
Pretlow previously tried to get an online gambling bill passed in 2016 and 2017, so there is some form of momentum. But the issue appears to be agreeing on how much to tax operators, with rates ranging from 10% to 15% in previous proposals.
Operators are likely to balk at higher tax rates, especially as neighboring states offer lower taxes and other advantages. And we suspect politics may come into play too, although it’s difficult to predict who would oppose online gambling and why.
🏆 Best US Online Casino Real Money Sites 2023 💸🏺 - Legally Operating Local CasinosWhat Does Online Casino Legalization Mean for NY?
If and when New York legalizes online casino gambling, it won’t happen overnight. Other states have taken between six months and two years to roll out all of the necessary licenses and systems.
International companies will have to find local partners, which can take time. And the New York Gaming Commission will need to hire experts to vet applications and ensure everything is up to scratch. We outline the various steps below, all of which will take time.
Will probably take around 12 months.
2024ish
It could take up to four years before all of the dust has settled and the market has reached maturity. We say this because it took New Jersey eight years to overtake Nevada as the biggest gambling market in the US.
And while New York’s population is slightly smaller than New Jersey’s, it is almost seven times bigger than New Jersey’s. There will be plenty of operators wanting a slice of the action once local casino sites are live, and the competition will be fierce.
Potential Online Casino Partners in NY
When a state announces its intentions to license local casino sites, international operators usually express their interest in serving that market. We know several companies would love to offer casino games to New Yorkers if the market opens, and some of the biggest names in iGaming spring to mind.
DraftKings
— DraftKings recently completed a merger with Endeavor, which owns , and it now offers a unified product for sports betting and casino gaming. New customers can claim a $20 free bet plus a 20% first deposit bonus worth up to $1,000.
Best Online Casinos in Canada (2023)- Top Canadian CasinosRecurring players can look forward to additional promotions, rewards, and a stellar selection of slots and table games from top developers, such as and Kambi Gaming.
FanDuel
— FanDuel is another leading DFS site that transitioned to sports betting and casino gaming. It is now owned by Flutter Entertainment, which also operates popular UK brands, such as Paddy Power and Betfair.
New customers can claim a $1,000 no deposit bonus and access hundreds of slots and 100+ table games, including exclusive titles, like Rogue Coins.
BetMGM
— BetMgomn is another popular sportsbook that offers casino games in several states, including Michigan and West Virginia. It is owned by Roar Digital, which is a 50/50 joint venture between GVC Holdings and MGM Resorts.
BetMGM welcomes new casino players with a $1,000 deposit bonus, and its multi-channel approach means you can begin your journey in a retail casino in Las Vegas and complete it online in New York.
BetRivers
— BetRivers is quickly becoming a favorite among sports bettors and casino players in several states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. It offers a 100% matched deposit welcome bonus up to $250, along with a loyalty program that awards points for every real money bet or wager.
You can swap your iRush Rewards points for bonuses, free spins, and other goodies at a later date, and the account balance will reflect any proceeds automatically.
Caesars Online Casino
— The Caesars Online Casino brand is strong, and many people will be queuing up to join if it goes live in New York. New customers can claim a $200 deposit bonus and complete the caesaries experience by joining the Caesars Rewards Program.
Loyalty points can be earned by betting on sports or playing casino games, which helps you climb the ranks and earn better prizes and perks.
Responsible Gambling
All of the leading international operators take responsible gambling very seriously and have proven record in this regard. The New York State Gaming Commission would be wise to partner with experienced brands.
Problem gambling is a major issue in the United States and New York State, and the following statistics highlight just how prevalent the issue is. According to a conducted by the New York Council on Problem Gambling:
- 3.45 million adults in New York experience problem gambling each year.
- 77,000 adults in New York have pathological gambling problems.
- 161,000 adults in New York demonstrate symptoms of moderate to severe impulse control disorders.
- 12,000 teens in New York experience problem gambling each year.
- 310 teens in New York have pathological gambling problems.
- 680 teens in New York display symptoms of moderate to severe impulse control disorders.
If New York state legislators choose to legalize local online casinos, they must work closely with the New York Council on Problem Gambling to limit exposure for vulnerable people.
That could involve self-exclusion tools, stringent age verification protocols, and the ability to set spending and time limits on your account. All reputable international operators already offer these features, and the New York State Gaming Commission should make them mandatory.
Top Offshore Casino Sites for NY
- 🏆 🥇 Ignition Casino – Best Overall Online Casino in New York
- 🥈 🥈 mBit Casino – Top Bitcoin New York Online Casino
- ��� SevenSegratedStar 🥉 Seven Segmented – Great Variety of Promotions for NY Players
- ⭐ ⭐ SlotsandCasino – Top Selection of Slots Games in NY
- ✅ ✅ WildCasino – Fastest Payouts for New Yorkers
- 🌟 🌟 BetOnline – Most Welcoming Bonus in New York State
- 🎰 🎰 DuckyLuck Casino – Best Gambling Site for Slot Enthusiasts in NY
- 🎰 🎰 Launchbay Entertainment – Best for Free Play with Crypto
- 💰 💰 XBet – Top Welcome Bonus Boosts
How to Tell Legit from Shady Online Casinos
It can be tough distinguishing between legit and shady casino sites, but you can follow our five-step guide below to help you separate the wheat from the chaff:
Tips for Playing at Online Casinos for Real Money- Secure Sockets Layer certificates: All reliable online casinos encrypt their websites with SSL certificates provided by recognized certificate authorities, such as Cloudflare, Let’s Encrypt and RapidSSL. You can check for SSL protection by looking out for https in the URL and a tiny green padlock symbol to the left of the URL. Click on the symbol for a breakdown of the certificate holder and the authority that granted certification.
- Auditing agencies: Reputable online casinos are audited by private firms to verify the publications on their websites are correct. The two largest auditing agencies are eCOGRA and Technical Systems Testing (TST). Both publish public reports listing the game payout rates for the previous month and previous year. You can check the website footers of any suspicious sites for logos from these firms. Alternatively, visit the websites of eCOGRA and TST to check the database for the casino site name.
- Licensing and regulations: Legitimate casino sites are based in countries that provide online gambling legislation, and these countries typically require license applicants to pass background checks and adhere to local gambling regulations. Applicants must prove they are financially solvent, operate legally on the international stage and possess the required infrastructure to provide a safe service. Applicant background checks cost money, and all expenditure is justifiable if it weeds out the rogue operators. You can find details of the country of origin and any licensing bodies on the casino website footer.
- Merchant services: All reliable casino sites accept payments from reputable merchant service providers, such as Visa, MasterCard, PaySafeCard, and various cryptocurrencies. These merchants will not knowingly handle funds from a scam site, as it reflects badly on their operation and can leave them open to charges of aiding a criminal enterprise.
- Reputation management: The best way to determine the quality of an online casino is to ask other players. Forums are a great place to start, and you can search for the name of the site and the word “review.” If a site operates honestly, you will find a mixture of good and bad reviews. Be wary if all the reviews are glowing, as this may indicate the operator uses the same registration details for online forums as as as their website domain name. In this instance, the site could be run by paid models, and the feedback is not an accurate reflection of reality.
Not all of these checks will reveal issues with a site, but the more boxes a site ticks, the more likely it is trustworthy. Any casino site that passes three or more of these tests is probably legit and worthy of further investigation.
Best Online Casinos in New Jersey for 2023Guide to NY Mobile Casino Apps
Every reputable casino site is accessible via mobile devices these days, and the best sites feature large numbers of games that have been explicitly designed and tested for phones and tablets. The best mobile casino sites offer the following benefits:
- Convenience: You can play real money casino games anywhere, anytime when you use an approved device.
- Speed: Mobile-optimized games have been stripped back to improve speed and performance.
- Touch controls: Touchscreen technology is ideal for casino games, allowing you to shuffle cards, spin slots reels, and scroll menus with ease.
- Bonuses: Some mobile casino bonuses are only available to users of the mobile site or dedicated app.
You can play games on desktop devices and mobiles, but you miss out on the push notifications and dedicated software offered by some sites. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, and we tend to use desktop PCs for pub quizzes and mobiles for short bursts of Candy Crush and blackjack.
Do I Need an App for Casino Games in NY?
No. You do not need to download an app to enjoy online casino games. Indeed, it’s rare for US casino sites to offer native apps these days. Instead, all reliable casino sites feature mobile responsive websites that automatically adjust to fit whatever phone or tablet you use to access them.
The vast majority of games are available on mobile devices, and you rarely encounter bugs or glitches when playing on the move. Native apps do offer slightly faster loading times, push notification promos, and other special offers. Still, the differences between the two platforms are minimal these days, and you can enjoy a high quality mobile casino experience without downloading an app.
online casino best payoutsBoth Ignition Casino and BetOnline are good examples of top online casinos offering excellent mobile experiences. You can claim great welcome bonuses at each site and play hundreds of top games on phones and tablets running on Android and iOS systems.
Slots are the most common mobile game category, but you can also find roulette, blackjack, video poker, virtual racecards, casual games, and live dealer tables. Additionally, you can fund your account securely using crypto payments and benefit from enhanced security and faster transaction times.
How to Sign Up and Play at NY Online Casinos
You can register for a new casino account in under 10 minutes. Simply follow the step-by-step instructions below:
- Use the quick links to find the best online casinos in New York and click on a recommended site to visit it.
- Browse the homepage to familiarize yourself with the range of games on offer and click the To Register, click here button to begin the registration process.
- You will be invited to create a username and password, so select something you can remember easily but that is hard to guess.
- You will also be asked to supply your email address, full name, date of birth and other contact details.
- The final stage is funding your account for the first time. You can pick from a range of payment methods and enter your details securely.
- Don’t forget to check for free play offers or no deposit bonuses that allow you to play real money casino games without risking your own cash.
- If you want to bet real money, check for matched deposit bonuses that double, triple or even quadruple the value of your first deposit.
Casino Games Available to New Yorkers
Just about every type of casino game is available at the top online casino sites, although some states prohibit specific games. For example, none of the top sites featured on this page offer lottery games, as they are covered by the New York Lottery.
Here’s a list of the casino game categories you can expect to find at most sites:
- Slots: Spin colorful 3D slots with multiple rows, reels and win lines in the hopes of winning instant jackpots.
- Blackjack / Twenty One: Compete against a dealer to see who can score Blackjack (21) first.
- Video Poker: Five card poker games where you attempt to create the best possible hands when you draw from a digital machine.
- Live Dealer: Real croupiers shuffle, deal and wheel the rogue in these immersive games.
- Table Game Variations: Roulette, Sic Bo, Craps, Scratch Cards, Bingo, Keno, Pai Gow and more.
- Jackpots: Win huge sums of cash by landing exciting bonus rounds and progressive jackpot features.
- Casual Games: Satisfy your competitive urges with puzzle games, arcade games and skill games.
- Virtual Sports: Enjoy animated versions of football, soccer, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, motorsports and other sports.
- Of Course, We Must Mention***: Exclusive games that defy categorization. Sometimes tricky, often rewarding, always enjoyable.**
Most reputable casino sites boast large and diverse slot selections, and you can often find slots from top developers, such as NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, iSoftBet, Betsoft and Rival. Table games are plentiful, and the best sites feature European and American roulette variations, plus fixed and progressive jackpot games.
Blackjack games tend to be more varied, and you can find games with different betting limits, side bets, rules and gameplay features. Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular, and the best sites offer roulette, blackjack, baccarat, Sic Bo, Casino Hold’em and other classic table games with a human croupier.
Finally, the best sites feature casual games, virtual sports, video poker, scratchcards, slingo and other unusual games that deserve a mention but don’t quite warrant their own category.
Deposit and Withdrawal Options
You will need to fund your casino account before you can play games for real money prizes. A wide variety of payment methods are accepted at the top online casinos in New York, and the most common options are listed below:
Withdrawals: All of these depositing options are available for withdrawals, but some sites may ask you to use the same method for cashing out as entering. If that is not possible, you will need to contact customer service and request your payout via email transfers, checks or couriered cheques.
For added convenience, we recommend you stick to crypto withdrawals where possible, as the processing times are much faster. Credit and debit card withdrawals can take two to five days, and ACH payments tend to clear within 24 to 48 hours.
Crypto payouts are processed instantly, so you can enjoy your winnings sooner. However, you will need to convert your coins to fiat currency before you can spend them, as online casinos do not accept crypto payments for subsequent deposits.
Land Based Resorts in NY
Resort World Catskills is the only land-based resort currently open in New York State. It closed in 2012, but it reopened in 2018, and it offers table games, 800+ slots, restaurant, bar, lounge and hotel facilities. Monticello Casino & Raceway and Resorts World Hudson Valley are scheduled to open in 2022 and 2023, respectively.
Las Vegas style resorts are being planned for Yellowstone and Julation, but they are not expected to be built before the mid-2020s. In the meantime, you can enjoy the following land-based casino:
- Resorts World Catskills — This resort was founded in 1943 and changed its name from the Concord Resort Hotel to Resorts World Catskills in 2018, following extensive renovations. It is located on 300 acres of woodland and hills in Thompson and features 185 hotel rooms, 800+ slots, 35 table games and electronic table games.
More on US Gambling Laws
Try as you might, you will struggle to find a comprehensive set of US gambling laws. Details of gambling legislation are spread across several codes, and some of the information is outdated. We will try to give you a broad overview of key moments in US gambling history below and provide links to relevant chapters in Title 18 of the US Code.
PASPA and the Road to Legal Sports Betting
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was introduced in 1992 and upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018. It contains the following sections relating to sports betting:
- Section 1953: Defines key terms used throughout PASPA
- Section 1954: Prohibits sports betting
- Section 1955: Allows the governor and legislative body of each state to authorize sports betting
- Section 1956: Excludes certain entities from PASPA
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 prohibited online sports betting, but it was limited to forcing STPTIC to shut down. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was included in the SAFE Port Act in 2006. It was signed into law by President Bush despite containing zero references to gambling.
It was intended to target online gambling sites, but it merely forced offshore brands off the US market, and it does notcriminate players. Its sole purpose is to make it illegal for online gambling site operators to arrange payments from US players.
Despite numerous attempts to repeal UIGEA and PASPA, it wasn’t until New Jersey vigorously challenged the constitutionality of PASPA that the professional sports protection act was struck down in 2018. That paved the way for several states, including New York, to pass their own sports betting legislation.
Title 18, Chapter 117 – Social Security
Title 18, Chapter 118 – Sex Offenses
Title 18, Chapter 121 – Drugs
Free Spins No Deposit Required Casinos in the UK for 2023Title 18, Chapter 123 – Money Laundering
Title 18, Chapter 131 – Racketeering
Title 18, Chapter 137 – Gambling
Questions About NY Online Casinos
Is online gambling legal in New York?
Online gambling is not currently legal in New York, but there are some exceptions. The New York Lottery allows you to purchase tickets online, and you can enjoy daily and weekly fantasy sports contests at operators like DraftKings and FanDuel. State lawmakers are considering several gambling expansion bills in 2023 that would authorize online sportsbooks and poker sites.
Can you gamble online in New York?
Yes, you can visit offshore online casinos and sportsbooks. However, these sites operate outside of New York State jurisdiction, so they do not adhere to US gambling standards. Therefore, you will not benefit from local customer protections, and payments may take longer and incur higher fees.
At what land-based casinos can you gamble near NY?
Resorts World Catskills is the closest land-based casino to Manhattan. It takes around one hour and thirty-five minutes to drive there, and Monticello Casino & Raceway and Resorts World Hudson Valley are a similar distance from Brooklyn and the Bronx.
At what online casino sites can you gamble in NY?
You can visit offshore online casino sites from New York, such as Ignition Casino and BetOnline. They offer a wide range of real money games, from slots and blackjack to video poker, lotteries, and more. However, you must abide by the terms and conditions of the site and make payments at your own discretion.
DoubleBubble Casino Review - High RTP Slots & Games 2023When will online sports betting be legal in NY?
Online sports betting became legal in New York in 2019, but only in-person betting was authorized, and it is only now, in 2023, that state lawmakers have agreed to authorize remote sports betting. Governor Hochul has until January 2024 to decide whether to sign, veto or permit a bill to become law.
Who regulates NY gambling?
The New York State Gaming Commission regulates commercial casinos and Indian gaming operations within state lines. The New York Lottery Division of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance regulates the New York Lottery and its retail agents.
How old do you have to be to gamble in NY?
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble at the New York Lottery, Resorts World Catskills, Monticello Casino & Raceway, and any other land-based casino within New York State.
Do you pay taxes on NY casino winnings?
Yes. The goes like this: if you win more than $1200 from a single ante up at a racetrack or video lottery terminal (VLT), the venue will withhold 24% in taxes, and if you win more than $600 from slots play, 10% will be deducted. For prizes over $5000, the withholding tax rate rises to 28%.
Are offshore gambling wins subject to US tax?
Yes. The is very clear on this matter: “Gambling income includes winnings from lotteries, raffles, horse races, and similar competitions, as well as winnings from gambling games and activities.” Furthermore, “you must report your gambling income on Line 21 of your 1040 tax return,” regardless of whether you received an W-2G form from the gambling establishment.
Has anyone ever beaten a casino in NY?
No. Anyone found tampering with casino games in an attempt to commit fraud will be arrested and prosecuted. Even if they manage to leave with extra winnings, casinos have CCTV that can be used as evidence in court, and expert witnesses that can explain how the culprits attempted to cheat the system.
