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New York Sports Betting: Legal online sportsbooks, apps and promos

Sloan Piva

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New York Sports Betting: Legal online sportsbooks, apps and promos image

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New York has emerged as the biggest sports betting market in the United States by total betting volume. Ever since the federal ban on sports betting was repealed in 2018, sports wagering has been one of the state's biggest sources of tax revenue.

Following the launch of mobile betting in New York in 2022, the state's total betting handle reached a whopping $22.6 billion by 2024. That equates to over $1,100 wagered per resident. 

Many factors contribute, obviously, including average income of residents, the sheer size of the state and an abundance of pro sports teams within the state. New York has multiple teams in each sport, including powerhouses like the Knicks, Nets, Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets and Bills.

So, what do you need to know as an aspiring New York sports bettor, or as just a sports bettor planning a visit to the Empire State? Here are all the details you'll need to get started, including laws, how to join a sportsbook, which sportsbooks are offered in New York and the best promos and sign-up bonuses available.

MORE: Complete guide to betting on the NFL

Is sports betting legal in New York?

Yes! New York passed a bill in 2013 that would allow sports betting at its casinos, but it could not become law until after the U.S. Lifted the federal ban on single-game sports betting. 

In July 2019, the first legal retail sports bets were officially placed at the Rivers Casino in Schenectady. In 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers agreed on a budget that would legalize statewide mobile sports betting. By early 2022, mobile sports betting went live in the state.

The New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) oversees all gambling activities, including horse racing, pari-mutuel wagering, commercial casinos, video lottery terminals, sports betting, interactive fantasy sports and charitable gaming.

To place sports bets in New York, you will need to be:

  • at least 21 years old
  • physically in the state (verify with GeoComply)
  • able to verify your sportsbook account

MORE: What to know about betting on the NBA

Online sportsbooks available in New York

Here are the online sportsbook options in the state of New York.

How to sign up and place a bet in New York

The process to start your sports betting journey in the Empire State is actually quite simple. Here are the three steps:

Step 1: Choose a licensed/registered New York sportsbook

Choose one of the sportsbooks listed above. 

Step 2: Sign up, enter a promo code (if applicable), and deposit

Follow the steps to sign up for your preferred sportsbook. The book will likely ask for your social security number or driver’s license to verify your identity and age, and you will need to install GeoComply to prove you're located within the state lines.

You'll also want to enter a promo code if the sportsbook offers a sign-up promo or bonus. Scroll down to see the full array of promos offered across all books in the state of New York. 

Once you're all registered, you're set to make your first deposit. Most bettors prefer the simplicity of linking your bank account using direct deposit. Others like to use credit cards or an online payment app like Venmo or PayPal. 

Step 3: Place your bets!

Once you have completed Steps 1 and 2, you're ready to begin your sports betting journey!

To place a bet, simply click on the sport or league, find the bet or prop you want to wager on, click it and enter your bet amount. Then click submit and get ready to root on your first bet!

MORE: How do sportsbook bonuses work?

What you can bet on in New York

While sports betting is legal in New York, there are still some restrictions on what bettors can wager on. Here's a look at what's available for sports bettors in the Empire State.

  • Licensed online and retail sports betting are BOTH legal
  • NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, UFC, golf, motorsports and other pro sports and leagues
  • College sports lines, totals and futures (with some restrictions)
  • Olympics
  • Esports
  • Horse racing

What you can't bet on in New York

There are some nuances as to what can be bet on in New York. With college sports, for example, it is legal to wager on lines, totals and futures, but you cannot wager on college player props. Here are the restrictions to keep in mind. 

  • Unlicensed iGaming or online casino gambling
  • Prop bets on college athletes
  • In-state college teams
  • Collegiate events taking place in New York
  • Certain awards markets (like NFL MVP, for example)
  • High school sports
  • Political events
  • Live greyhound dog racing
  • Placing wagers at an unlicensed sportsbook
  • Must physically be in New York to place wagers

MORE: Why bettors should utilize multiple sports books

New York sports betting promos and bonus offers

Popular teams to bet on in New York

  • New York Yankees (MLB)
  • New York Mets (MLB)
  • New York Knicks (NBA)
  • Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
  • New York Giants (NFL)
  • New York Jets (NFL)
  • Buffalo Bills (NFL)
  • New York Rangers (NHL)
  • New York Islanders (NHL)
  • Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
  • Syracuse Orange (NCAA)

Responsible gambling resources in New York

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, there are several resources available for help.

  • New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS): 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY to 467369
  • New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG)
  • YOU Decide NY: Youth/young adult focused program
  • Biosocial gambling screen quiz: Via the State of New York site
  • Voluntary Self-Exclusion program (VSE)
  • New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC): Responsible gambling guidelines for licensed operators

MORE: Everything to know about odds in American sports betting

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