Online Gambling in New York: America’s Sports Betting Powerhouse

Online poker is not legal in New York. The state has debated online poker legislation multiple times, but no bill has passed. As a result, players do not have access to regulated poker platforms or to multi-state liquidity pools like those in Michigan and New Jersey.

For regulated play, residents must visit land-based poker rooms at commercial or tribal casinos, where cash games and tournaments are offered under state and federal oversight. Some players use offshore poker sites, but these are outside U.S. legal protections.

The New York Lottery, established in 1967, is one of the most profitable lotteries in the country. It offers multi-state draw games like Powerball and Mega Millions, as well as instant scratch tickets, Quick Draw, and other state-exclusive games.

Sales are limited to licensed retail outlets, as online ticket sales are not yet permitted. Winnings are taxable, with both state and federal deductions applied to prizes above $5,000. Lottery revenue is earmarked for public education funding.

Bingo is legal for licensed charitable and nonprofit organizations. Commonly run by churches, veterans’ halls, and community groups, bingo nights remain a longstanding fundraising tool across the state.

Players must be 18+ to participate, and events are regulated with restrictions on prizes, event frequency, and organizational reporting. Real-money online bingo is not licensed in New York, though residents can access social or sweepstakes versions.

Charitable gaming is permitted through nonprofit licensing, covering raffles, pull-tabs, casino nights, and bingo. Proceeds must benefit a charitable purpose, and the state enforces strict limits on prize values and the number of events.

While most charitable gambling takes place in-person, digital promotion of events is allowed. However, online charitable raffles or games are not formally regulated and remain a legal gray area.

DFS is fully legal after years of litigation. In 2016, lawmakers passed legislation recognizing fantasy contests as games of skill rather than games of chance. DraftKings and FanDuel, both with deep ties to New York sports culture, dominate the market.

Players must be 18 or older to participate in DFS contests, though operators may set stricter limits (often 21+). Contest formats include salary-cap games, pick’em tiers, and guaranteed prize pool tournaments. The NYSGC monitors compliance to ensure fair play and consumer protections.

Private social gambling is heavily restricted. While small home poker games or office pools may occur informally, the law does not provide a broad exemption. Any game where the host profits (via rake or entry fees) is considered illegal gambling.

Social casino apps that use virtual credits without direct cash wagering are permitted and widely available. Players should note that even informal games can attract legal consequences if they cross into profit-making territory.

New York has a diverse land-based casino market made up of:

• 4 commercial casinos: Del Lago, Rivers, Resorts World Catskills, and Tioga Downs

• Tribal casinos: Run by the Oneida, Seneca, and Mohawk nations, offering full Class III gaming

• Racinos: Facilities with video lottery terminals (VLTs), but no full table games

Casino venues provide slots, poker, table games, and retail sportsbooks, with age restricted to 21+. They also serve as economic anchors, supporting local employment and generating significant tax revenue for the state.