After a lengthy wait, sports fans in New York will have access to mobile betting apps within the next few months. Pre-launch bonus offers should arrive before then. On November 24, 2021, the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) approved final sports betting rules, which allows NY sports betting app operators to complete the licensing process. On November 8, 2021, the NYSGC selected the following sportsbooks to launch in New York: DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, Rush Street Interactive, WynnBET, PointsBet, Bally’s, and Resorts. As it stands, New York sports betting is inching closer to becoming a reality.
When Will New York Mobile Betting Apps Launch?
New York online sports betting is still on schedule to launch by Super Bowl kickoff in 2022. There are already a variety of New York retail sportsbook locations throughout Upstate New York where bets can be placed in person.
There are two major restrictions that New York bettors should be aware of. Sports bettors are unable to wager on in-state college schools, and NY mobile sports betting is not currently available. State legislators and former Gov. Cuomo reached an agreement to move forward on launching mobile apps. Currently, nine sportsbooks will join the NY sports betting market. We have you covered with live updates in the section below, so you always have the latest info.
Before New York online sports betting launches, bettors in New York can place online bets by crossing the border to make mobile bets in New Jersey or in Pennsylvania and, as of October 19, Connecticut as well.
New York Mobile Sports Betting Latest Updates
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November 24, 2021:
Official rules governing New York mobile betting apps took effect on November 24, 2021. This is the next step in the ability of the NYGSC to license operators to launch.
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November 22, 2021:
Senator Addabbo filed a bill to allow NY mobile sports betting operators to add fixed-odds horse race betting. The proposed bill also allows mobile betting kiosks in various downstate locations.
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November 19, 2021:
New York Sen. Joe Addabbo filed a bill to allow the state’s mobile sports betting operators to add fixed-odds horse race betting options and also to allow sports betting kiosks in downstate New York.
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November 8, 2021:
The following operators have been approved to launch in New York:
DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Rush Street Interactive (BetRivers), FanDuel, WynnBET, PointsBet, Bally Bet, and Resorts World.
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November 2, 2021:
The New York State Gaming Commission is expected to announce two groups that will be authorized to offer sports betting in the state this week. Operators in these groups include DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, WynnBet, and more.
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September 14, 2021:
WynnBET is named as official partner of the New York Jets. The sportsbook operator will open a luxury lounge at Met Life Stadium.
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August 13, 2021:
The list of New York sports betting license applicants who applied as platforms and operators was released alongside their redacted bids. Here’s who made the list.
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August 9, 2021:
The New York State Gaming Commission released the six bidding groups competing under the RFA process. A few of the six groups included otherwise rival and competitive sportsbooks. One group includes BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Ballys. The first three of those companies represent the lion’s share of sports betting revenue in the US. Kambi has two group bids, one with Caesars, BetRivers, PointsBet, and WynnBET. The other Kambi bid includes Barstool and Fanatics. Solo bidders include Bet365, TheScore, and FOX Bet.
5 Best New York Sports Betting Apps
Best Overall App
at DraftKings Sportsbook NY
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NH, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY
Best Overall App
DraftKings New York
Free Bet
$50
Deposit Match Promo
$1,000
Licensed By
NYSGC
DraftKings Sportsbook will be one of nine mobile sports betting options in the state of New York. Bettors can gamble with confidence using a platform that has been established for years in the sports gaming market. Expectations to go live are in the second half of the NFL season. At this time, residents can place bets at Del Lago Resort & Casino in Waterloo.
- Use winnings from DFS platform on DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Quick, easy-to-use bet slip.
- “Missions” offer special bonuses in crown or free bets when activities are completed.
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For MGM Loyalty Program
at BetMGM NY
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NV, TN, VA, WV
Best For MGM Loyalty Program
BetMGM New York
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Licensed By
NYSGC
BetMGM is one of nine mobile sportsbooks that will launch in New York when online wagering goes live. Local retail locations for BetMGM are located in Upstate New York. Empire City Casino in Yonkers is an option that MGM can use for a sportsbook, but no official plans have been made. Future online betting provides easier accessibility for New York City residents.
- One of the largest betting markets in top sports leagues when compared among competitors.
- Weekly $10 free bet for wagering $50 or more within typical week (Monday-Sunday).
- Loyalty rewards can be used toward MGM physical locations (M Life).
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For Promotional Variety
at Caesars Sportsbook NY
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, LA, MI, NJ, NV, TN, VA, WV
Best For Promotional Variety
Caesars New York
First Bet Match
$1,001
Use Promo Code
SHARPBET
Licensed By
NYSGC
Among other top sportsbook operators, Caesars will have an online presence in New York. Earlier this year, the transition was made to Caesars Sportsbook from William Hill, providing more brand familiarity in North America. Caesars has a partnership with the Oneida Indian Nation for multiple sportsbook locations in New York. In-person sports betting is currently available, but online wagering will go live at a later date.
- Often features one of the best welcome bonuses for new users.
- Promotions are wide-ranging and varied, providing new opportunities for bettors nearly every day.
- Sportsbook layout on desktop and mobile is simple and organized.
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For Entry-Level Bettors
at BetRivers NY
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, PA, VA
Best For Entry-Level Bettors
BetRivers New York
Deposit Match Bonus
$250
Use Bonus Code
SHARP250
Licensed By
NYSGC
One sportsbook that has received traction over 2021 is BetRivers. This platform has expanded across much of the United States and is looking to break into Canada. It’s a tremendous option for new sports bettors as it features a lower deposit bonus, but matches 100 percent of it. While there are not a variety of new promotions daily, they remain consistent across a number of popular sports. BetRivers is available through the Rivers Casino and Resort in Schenectady. In the near future, mobile betting at BetRivers will also be an option in New York.
- Dedicated rewards program for loyal bettors.
- Fast withdrawal speeds.
- Many promotions are simple and featured consistently, such as profit boosts.
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Best For DFS Players
at FanDuel Sportsbook NY
Available On: Android, iOS, Web Browser
States Allowed: AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV
Best For DFS Players
FanDuel Sportsbook New York
Risk-Free Bet
$1,000
Licensed By
NYSGC
FanDuel will be one of the online sportsbooks available in New York when things launch in the coming weeks. While it has name recognition compared to DraftKings, FanDuel can be tailored to big bettors or small-time players. Recent updates on their website and mobile app provide faster loading times and quicker chances to bet live. Until online betting goes live in New York, bettors can go to Tioga Downs Casino in Nichols to place sports wagers now.
- Site credit similar to real money account; fewer limitations compared to free bets.
- Frequent parlay insurance promotions for various sports.
- Offers free-to-play betting alternative for those looking to gamble without risk.
Terms and Conditions Apply. 21+
Additional NY Mobile Betting Apps
Bally Bet
Bally Bet received approval to offer sports betting in New York when mobile sports betting officially launches. The sportsbook is one of the newer apps, but it is great for its live streaming. With the Bally Bet app, sports bettors can live stream the games while also wagering on them.
New bettors can claim a $550 risk-free bet when Bally Bet goes live in New York.
PointsBet
PointsBet will also launch in New York when mobile sports betting goes live. The sportsbook has it all with hundreds of different ways to wager on a variety of sporting events. Plus, the sportsbook has one of the best and most comprehensive selections of domestic and international sports.
PointsBet offers new bettors up to $2,000 in risk-free bets with promo code BESTOFFER.
Resorts World
Resorts World Catskills in New York has a retail sportsbook, but with the launch of online sports betting in New York, Resorts World Sportsbook will also launch a mobile sports betting app. The sportsbook offers betting on major US sports as well as other sports such as rugby, MMA, and auto racing.
WynnBET
WynnBET is expected to be one of the first apps to launch when online sports betting goes live in New York. Offering some of the most competitive odds in the industry, the WynnBET app is also one of the best quality apps. This makes WynnBET ideal for live betting.
WynnBET offers new bettors a $1,000 risk-free bet when signing up with the app.
Full List of Mobile NY Sports Betting Apps
- Bally Bet
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- Caesars Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- PointsBet
- Resorts World
- WynnBET
How To Place A Bet In NewNew York Today
Retail Sportsbooks In New York
New York’s retail sportsbooks offer a wide range of wagers on all major sports. The southernmost location is Resorts World Catskills. The northernmost is Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort near the Canadian border. Most are spread across Upstate from Albany to Buffalo.
If you want to bet on sports while inside the state of New York, you’ll have to visit a retail sportsbook and bet in person. Some of these sportsbooks, such as Sportsbook 360 at Resorts World Catskills, allow you to view the bets online before you visit. All will take phone calls inquiring about the lines they’re offering.
New York City does not have any retail sportsbooks despite having land-based casinos. The closest in-state option is Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, which is 90 miles from Manhattan. Here is the full list of New York retail sportsbooks.
Online Sportsbooks In New Jersey Or Pennsylvania
Some New Yorkers may find it easier to simply cross the border into New Jersey or Pennsylvania to bet online. As long as you’re at least 21 and physically located within state lines, you can wager at any of the legally licensed online sportsbooks in those states.
Our favorite New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut Sportsbooks for New York residents:
Upcoming Events For Sports Betting
Whether you’re heading to a New York retail sportsbook or crossing the border to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or Connecticut to bet on a mobile app there are plenty of big sporting events to bet on.
The college football season continues with some intriguing conference rivalries and a few tantalizing non-conference matchups. Here are some of those upcoming games.
- Ohio State vs. Michigan
- Alabama vs. Auburn
- Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma St.
- Notre Dame vs. Stanford
- Pittsburgh vs. Syracuse
- Army vs. Liberty
The Buffalo Bills beat the New Orleans Saints on Thanksgiving, improving their record to 7-4. Other noteworthy games in Week 12 include:
- Titans vs. Patriots
- Jets vs. Texans
- Buccaneers vs. Colts
- Rams vs. Packers
- Browns vs. Ravens
New York Sports Betting Revenue
In November 2020, sportsbooks across New York State generated $2,619,676 in revenue, which translated to $261,968 in state taxes. That’s incredibly low compared to the sports betting revenue in New Jersey ($931,620,415) and Pennsylvania ($491,910,713) in the same month.
The discrepancies are due to two main factors. Those states offer online sportsbooks, and New York City does not have any in-state retail sportsbooks.
Once New York State legalizes online sports betting, the state could see sportsbook revenue reach $3 billion by the end of 2021. According to State Budget Director Robert Mujica, legal mobile sports betting would increase tax revenue from $50 million to more than $500 million per year.
How New York Compares To Other States
Pennsylvania and New Jersey are some of the few states that legalized all forms of online gambling: sports betting, casino games, and poker sites. All sites are also commercial companies under a casino model regulator, which means the sports betting odds are extremely competitive.
New York, on the other hand, will not legalize online casino gaming or poker sites. It will also have a state-run model for sports betting, which means the odds at New York’s online sportsbooks may be worse than what’s offered at Pennsylvania and New Jersey online sportsbooks. In fact, New Jersey boasts the highest sports betting revenue in the country, even more than Nevada.
Interestingly, 20% of New Jersey’s sports betting revenue comes from New York City sports bettors visiting the Garden State. If New York’s model means worse odds than what’s offered in New Jersey, New Yorkers may continue to make the trip in high numbers.
New York Betting Successes And Failures
New York Sports Betting Success
New York’s sportsbooks were never expected to do as well as states with online sports betting options. While sportsbook revenue continued to rise throughout the end of 2020, a few million dollars is nothing compared to the over $920 million generated monthly in New Jersey.
Now that New York is legalizing online sports betting by early 2022, it’s likely that in-state revenue will skyrocket from the retail-only numbers. But even with around 11 million more residents than New Jersey, it may not top its neighbor in revenue with an uncompetitive market.
But New York State may end up getting upwards of 50% of all in-state online sports betting revenue – while New Jersey taxes online sports betting revenue at 13%. Of that roughly $920 million per month the Garden State brings in, it gets about $118 million in taxes.
Even with mediocre odds, a legal online sportsbook in New York will likely generate at least that much or more.
NY Sports Betting Compromise?
One thing that could be categorized as a win for New York sports betting is the model the state has put forth. Originally, former Gov Andrew Cuomo campaigned hard for a lottery-run model, which would limit the number of operators and likely give bettors a worse experience than they could find in neighboring New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Cuomo did get his way, though proponents of a more casino-based model improved the state’s outlook. Now, there will at least be four sports betting skins.
Though it won’t be a wide-open market like New Jersey, New York will at least have a fair amount of competition among betting operators, which means an overall better experience for bettors.
Where Could New York Improve Online Gambling
Sports bettors in New York, particularly those in NYC, are taking their wagers to New Jersey. It can take under 10 minutes to get from certain parts of Manhattan via PATH or ferry, which is far easier than the two-hour drive up to Resorts World Catskills.
Bottom line: New Yorkers are spending millions of dollars in more favorable sports betting markets. Some would reasonably consider that a massive legislative failure.
Both Iowa and Indiana launched online sports betting before Illinois. This meant Illinois had similar problems to New York, losing millions in tax revenue to neighboring states. Then, Illinois legalized a casino-style online sports betting market, and it’s currently the fourth-largest sports betting market in the US.
New York had the opportunity to follow Illinois’ example. Instead, it will have a more limited sports betting market, which could still send most existing online sports bettors across state lines.
At the same time, many New York residents may be waiting for legalization. This untapped market could be willing to forgo less favorable odds to legally bet online in-state – and make up for all the bettors who will take their money elsewhere.
Basically, and no matter what the revenue numbers show, New York’s online sports betting rollout may be a disappointment for serious sports bettors as well as sports betting operators.
Legalization Effort In New York
The legalization of sports betting in New York all started on May 14, 2018, when the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA, a 1992 bill restricting most states from offering legal sports betting. New York could then pass a bill legalizing sports betting.
On July 16, 2019, Schenectady’s Rivers Casino accepted the first legal sports bets, and seven additional retail sportsbooks have opened since. All the while, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo remained adamantly opposed to legalized online sports betting.
Then the coronavirus pandemic began. On top of a massive death toll, the state’s tax revenue dropped by more than $3 billion. To compensate for that, lawmakers proposed a budget proposal that legalized recreational marijuana use as well as online sports betting.
By early April 2021, an agreement had been reached between former Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers to bring mobile betting to New York. The state just wrapped up its bidding process, which resulted in the announcement of nine NY mobile sports betting apps to launch in New York. Bally Bet, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, PointsBet, Resorts World, BetRivers, and WynnBET all could launch in early 2022, just in time for the 2022 Super Bowl.
New York Teams
Professional Sports Teams
New York sportsbooks can offer any sort of bet on major league sports, including wagers on all New York teams. And New York boasts some of the best teams in the world. New York is also home to the largest number of professional teams of any region in the US.
NFL Teams
The NFL inspires more sports bets than any other league in the US, and Super Bowl betting in New York is the busiest time of year at the sportsbooks.
The state’s three NFL teams are the Buffalo Bills, New York Giants, and New York Jets.
While the Giants and the Jets play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, both are New York teams. If you attend a game, you can bet on your mobile device on New Jersey’s legal sports betting apps.
MLB Teams
New Yorkers bet millions every year on the Yankees and the Mets, a legendary crosstown rivalry. And their enormous fandoms span far beyond the boroughs in which they play. New York bettors can bet on these teams as well as all MLB teams in the US.
NBA Teams
The New York Knicks are an organization best known for having talented teams that never win a championship. Like the Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets haven’t won a championship since the ABA and NBA merged in 1976, but New York bettors don’t shy away from betting on the underdog, especially if it’s an in-state team.
NHL Teams
The Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders, and New York Rangers represent the state of New York in the NHL. While the Stanley Cup has evaded all of them for close to 30 years, the NHL remains one of the most popular sports for New York betting.
MLS Teams
New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls are two teams that continue to grow in popularity – along with betting on MLS games. On top of international leagues and the World Cup, soccer fans always have a lot of betting opportunities at in-state sportsbooks.
College Sports Teams
While you can bet on college sports in New York, in-state schools are strictly off-limits. That means you can’t bet on Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, Army, or St. Johns at New York sportsbooks.
A popular workaround is to visit Pennsylvania or New Jersey to bet on New York colleges. In Pennsylvania, you can also bet on their in-state college teams. But in New Jersey, you can’t bet on a game that involves a New Jersey college, or any college game played in the state.
New York’s restriction on in-state colleges won’t change if the state legalizes online sports betting. Illinois also prohibits sports betting on in-state schools and games, but most states do not, including Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania.
Thankfully, sportsbooks across the state offer free-to-play March Madness bracket tournaments and other promotions surrounding sporting events involving in-state teams. So even if you can’t bet on Syracuse, you can still watch them play while betting on other games.
Other Sports To Bet On In New York
New York boasts world-renowned golf courses that often hold PGA Tour events. In September 2020, the Winged Foot Golf Club in Westchester County hosted the U.S. Open Championship. Turning Stone Casino also offers both a sportsbook and golf course that hosts PGA events, all on the same Verona property.
Another New York favorite is betting on NASCAR and other auto racing events. Watkins Glen International hosts these events in every professional auto-racing sector, including the NASCAR Cup Series.
Interestingly for sports bettors, Watkins Glen is one of only two NASCAR tracks where the competitors race clockwise, which adds a variable to an already exciting and unpredictable sport. Everywhere else, competitors race counterclockwise.
At all US sportsbooks, including those in New York, international soccer is one of the most popular choices for bettors. The English Premier League and other European divisions attract a large number of in-state wagers.
New York Retail Sportsbook Locations
| Casino | Sportsbook | Location |
|---|---|---|
| del Lago Casino Resort | DraftKings | Waterloo |
| Point Place Casino | Caesars Sports | Bridgeport |
| Yellow Brick Road Casino | Caesars Sports | Chittenango |
| Turning Stone Resort & Casino | Caesars Sports | Verona |
| Rivers Casino Schenectady | Rivers Sportsbook | Schenectady |
| Tioga Downs | FanDuel | Nichols |
| Resorts World Catskills | Sportsbook 360 | Monticello |
| Akwesasne Mohawk Casino | PlaySports by IGT | Hogansburg |
New York Sports Betting FAQs
No, New York does not allow legal online sports betting from within state lines. However, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, State Senator Joe Addabbo, and other lawmakers came to an agreement in April 2021 to legalize it in 2021. New York online sports betting could come online before the 2022 Super Bowl if the state’s timeline progresses as planned.
Yes. You can be a legal resident of New York and legally bet online while in New Jersey. You can also legally join, deposit, and withdraw at an online sportsbook from New York, but you need to be physically present in New Jersey to place a bet.
18 or 21. The sports betting age in New York depends on if you’re playing at a commercial casino or a tribal casino. At New York’s four commercial casinos, the sportsbook age is 21 and up. At tribal casinos, such as Turning Stone, Point Place, Yellow Brick Road, and Akwesasne, bettors 18 and up are accepted.
Yes, but there are restrictions. You can bet on college sports in New York as long as it is not an in-state college team like Syracuse or Buffalo. If New York colleges aren’t playing and the game isn’t being held in New York State, it should be available at your closest retail sportsbook. You can call ahead or check the website to see if they’re taking bets on games before you go.
Not currently. If a website accepts a wager from you while you’re in New York State, you’re breaking the law and so is the sportsbook. Aside from the legal risk, illegal betting sites are notorious for refusing to pay winnings or outright disappearing and taking your money with them.
Yes. DraftKings Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in the state and a legal DraftKings retail sportsbook is open at Del Lago Casino Resort. The DraftKings sports betting app has been approved to launch in New York in early 2022.
Yes. FanDuel Daily Fantasy Sports is legal in New York State. The FanDuel retail sportsbook is located at Tioga Downs Resort Casino. The FanDuel sports betting app has been approved to launch in New York in early 2022.
More Resources On New York Sports Betting
- The New York State Gaming Commission website, with resources on rules and regulations, revenue reports, voluntary self-exclusion, and more
- Sports Betting Rules as enforced by the NYSGC
- New York Sports on ESPN has the latest coverage on both college and professional sports in the state
- The New York Times Sports section covers both local teams as well as national professional and college sports
- CNY Sports News courtesy of Syracuse.com
- Buffalo News Sports section covers athletics in Western New York
- Times Union Sports has the latest college and high school sports news in Albany and the Capital Region
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