The New York State has had a turbulent relationship with gambling ever since the prohibition period of the 1930s when they banned not only alcohol but also casino games, horse racing, and all other forms of gambling. However, the tumultuous relationship improved significantly, as land-based casino gaming started to develop in New York when the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted in 1988. Now, the Empire State even allows commercial casinos, race tracks, lottery, and different kinds of gambling.
But what about online gaming? The situation with online casinos and betting sites is not so clear cut, as these forms of gambling are not yet considered legal per se. However, some wheels have been put into motion, and a solid foundation has been laid, so it is safe to assume that New York State will legalize it.
Top 10 New York Online Casinos
Here is a list of our top 10 recommended online casino sites to play at for real money from New York.
1
Bovada
Rating 4.5
Mobile Friendly
Accepts Bitcoin
Live dealers available
Deposit Methods: ACH Direct Deposit, American Express, Bank transfer, Bitcoin, echeck, MasterCard, Matchpay, Visa, Visa Gift Card
The deposit plus bonus amount is subject to a 25x playthrough requirement before the deposit, bonus amount and any winnings can be withdrawn.
Forfeiting this bonus will result in this bonus and any subsequent winnings associated with this bonus to be removed.
Bonus funds cannot be used for play on Live Dealer games.
Craps and Live Dealer play do not count toward meeting rollover requirements for withdrawal.
All games, except Craps and Live Dealer, contribute towards playthrough requirements; however, certain games may have a greater contribution than others.
Deposit Methods: ACH Direct Deposit, American Express, Bank transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Courier Check, echeck, Ethereum, Gift Cards, Litecoin, MasterCard, Matchpay, Tether, User2User Transfer, Visa
Withdrawal Methods: American Express, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, Check, Ethereum, Litecoin, Tether, User2User Transfer
The deposit plus Casino bonus amount is subject to a 25X Casino playthrough requirement before the deposit, bonus amount and any winnings can be withdrawn.
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Deposit Methods: American Express, Bank transfer, Bitcoin, Bitcoin Cash, BitcoinSV, Courier Check, Ethereum, Litecoin, MasterCard, Matchpay, Player Transfer, Tether, Visa
Bonuses issued at the discretion of the Company are subject to one per individual, household, civic address, e-mail address, deposit instrument, bank account, telephone number, computer/device, and/or IP address.
If you cancel or forfeit the bonus at anytime prior to wagering and rollover requirements being met, all funds generated by the bonus (including the bonus) will be void and be ineligible for reinstatement. Details on the applicable restrictions can be found in the specific terms of the promotion.
Unless otherwise stated, the minimum amount required to activate a deposit bonus is $20.
Bonuses are subject to wagering and rollover requirements and must be met by their specified timeline prior to any approved requested withdrawals.
Players can claim the WILD250 bonus code on their first deposit only.
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A minimum deposit of $20 is required to qualify for WILD250 and WILD100 bonus codes.
The maximum bonus amount per deposit is $1,000.
The correct bonus code needs to be entered to claim the correct match bonus with your deposit. ie WILD250 on your first deposit and WILD100 on subsequent deposits.
This bonus is only valid on select Slots, Table games and Video Poker games.
This bonus is not valid in the Live Dealer Casino.
The deposit plus bonus amount is subject to a 40X rollover requirement before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Not all games contribute towards bonus rollover; please check our bonus contribution page for further details.
If the rollover requirements are not met within 30 days of claiming the bonus, any remaining bonus funds winnings will be forfeited.
Only one bonus can be active at any one time.
The maximum release amount is 5X the bonus amount up to $5,000.
Rollover requirements must be met before any additional bonuses can be granted.
This promotion is non-transferable.
Standard bonus terms and conditions apply.
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All free bonuses require a minimum of 60x wagering before any withdrawal can be made. Wagers placed on Blackjack, Video Poker, Craps, American Roulette, Baccarat, and other table or non-slot games will not count toward this wagering requirement unless explicitly stated otherwise. Playing any excluded game before meeting these wagering requirements may result in the casino voiding all winnings and potentially closing the account. Withdrawal requests submitted before completing the wagering requirements will be denied until these requirements are fully met.
Giving an answer to this question is more complicated than it seems. First of all, the New York Penal Code, section 225 that describes gambling activities allowed in the Empire State does not specifically mention online gambling. The law does say that “any device, machine, paraphernalia or equipment which is used or usable in the playing phases of any gambling activity” is considered illegal unless otherwise stated. With that in mind, we can safely conclude that using phones, laptops, and other devices to access online casinos would be considered as breaking the law and an illegal form of gambling.
However, not a single instance of the New York State Law defines gambling in offshore online casinos as illegal. As long as players access licensed and regulated offshore casinos that do not perform business from within New York State, no criminal charges will be put against them. There hasn’t been a case where a person from New York was arrested for playing in online casinos and betting sites.
What’s more, some forms of online gambling are legal. On August 3, 2016, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law a regulatory framework which legalized the Daily Fantasy Sports in New York State. The New York State’s Gambling Commission is in charge of overseeing the Daily Fantasy Sports, commercial casinos, race tracks, and race tracks with slots and VLT (virtual lottery machines) that we recognize as racinos.
Another form of online gambling that is legal in New York and is an excellent alternative to real money online casinos is social casinos. Social casinos allow you to play slots and table games like those in real casinos, with the difference that, in social casinos, you win virtual gold coins and sweep coins. Regardless, these coins can be traded for real cash prizes, as they count as sweepstakes winnings that are entirely legal.
Future of Online Gambling in New York
We dare say the future of online gambling in New York is bright, despite the setbacks. In 2013, commercial casinos were allowed, which paved the way to the legalization of sports betting in 2019, just a year after the Supreme Court revoked the infamous 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. Many were quick to judge that online gambling is next, but Governor Andrew Cuomo made no mention of extra revenues in his latest budget plans.
However, what might push things a bit and back the efforts by the state Sen. Joseph Addabbo and other officials to legalize online casinos is the outbreak of Covid-19. The budget of New York State was depleted due to the coronavirus’s economic impact, which might implore the authorities to realize what revenue opportunities online gambling can bring.
When you consider that the neighboring New Jersey State managed to cash in close to $500 million from online gambling in 2019 alone, the untapped potential of the Big Apple and other cities in the state seems incredible, and what is even more incredible is that the officials are reluctant to explore that potential to generate revenue.
Land-Based Casino Options in New York
Brick-and-mortar casinos have been around New York ever since the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was enacted in 1988. The first casinos in the country were tribal casinos. As of 2013, commercial casinos and racetracks that have slot machines and table casino games were also allowed and licensed under the Gambling Commission of New York. At the moment, there are 12 land-based casinos in New York and 15 tribal casinos. Some of the most exciting choices include:
Empire City Casino
Empire City Casino has a long history, as it was first founded as a race track in the early 20th century. Now, under the MGM Resorts management, it has gone through several renovations and improvements to become an exclusive gaming venue. The casino floor features over 5,000 slot machines, as well as live and simulcast harness-racing options. Table games are also available, but in electronic modes solely, as Empire City Casino holds a Class II license that does not include live casino tables. Apart from gaming options, Empire City Casino offers top-notch entertainment and dining options that will complement your stay.
Seneca Niagara Casino
Seneca Niagara Casino is run by the Seneca Nation Of Indians and is located in the Niagara Falls vicinity, making it extra appealing to visitors. The casino floor that spans over 80,000 square feet features over 3,000 slot machines and 80 table casino games such as keno, blackjack, and live poker. There is also a sports bar with betting options on all kinds of sports, from college basketball to hockey. Also, their AAA Four-Diamond rated hotel offers 604 deluxe rooms and suites with numerous amenities that will help you experience a Las Vegas-type of stay.
Del Lago Resort & Casino
Del Lago Resort & Casino is a premier gaming hub with over 1,700 different slot machines and 66 table casino games, including 14 live poker tables. At Del Lago Resort & Casino, you can enjoy blackjack, roulette, craps, and even sports betting at their state-of-the-art sports bar. The housing arrangements include a hotel and spa with 205 luxurious rooms and facilities that offer upscale shopping opportunities, fine dining options, and pampering spa treatments. Del Lago Resort & Casino is located in the Finger Lakes region and is open 24/7/365.
Summary
New York State seems a bit conflicted when it comes to gambling. On one hand, land-based options, racetracks, lotteries, and sports betting are legal, while on the other hand, online casinos are not at the moment. However, you can still enjoy some online gambling action with social casinos and Daily Fantasy Leagues. The real deal online casinos are yet to be incorporated in New York State’s gaming offer.
FAQ
As such, online casinos are still not legal in the New York State, but the New York State’s residents can play at offshore online casinos freely, as this activity is not seen as illegal. Offshore online casinos are also licensed and regulated by top gambling jurisdictions in the world so that they can be fair and safe gaming hubs.
Unfortunately, online poker is not deemed legal at the moment.
Players need to be at least 21 to gamble at Seneca casinos and 18 for all other gambling venues.
Table games are legal in New York and are offered by Class III casinos that can feature blackjack, roulette, craps, and baccarat tables, apart from slot machines.
As of 2016, Daily Fantasy Sports, as games of skill, are legal and licensed under the New York State Gaming Commission.
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