New York Gambling Laws

Nowadays, there are many opportunities to gamble in New York. The once strict New York gambling laws now allow even for commercial casino gambling and an online poker bill might soon pass.

Casino Gambling and Betting in New York

In recent years, New York’s reputation of an anti-gambling state has drastically changed. New York gambling laws were among the strictest in the US, as they were almost always the pioneers of anti-gambling restrictions. However, throughout the 20th century, New York gambling laws were considerably loosened, allowing for tribal and commercial casinos, charitable gambling, lotteries, and even some betting.

In 2013, New York legalized commercial casinos by the New York gaming economic development act. “New York is already in the gambling business,” and has “more electronic gaming machines than any state in the Northeast or Mideast,” puts the act. Legislators realized that the “state does not fully capitalize on the […] potential of legalized gambling.” Therefore, they allowed for three upstate casinos in New York to boost the economy and provide well-paying jobs. Besides those three casinos, there will be even more venues launched in the near future.

Currently, there are 20 racinos and casinos in New York, offering different types of gambling. Betting in New York is allowed on racetracks, some of which have casino-style gaming machines as well. Betting can be done in person or remotely. Other types of sports betting in New York are illegal. Furthermore, charity gambling, like bingo or raffles, is also on the list of allowed gaming in New York.

Card games, such as blackjack and poker are also available in New York. These type of games can be played for real-money at licensed casinos. Plus, the green light applies to non-profit social poker as well.

Online Gambling in New York

Even though the state is already on the progressive road, as of now, there are no legal internet casinos in New York. However, US gambling law experts say that New York does not criminalize for online gambling. Therefore, players could simply play at offshore casinos. It’s up to debate whether this approach is acceptable or not. There are many online casinos that accept New York gamblers, however they are not licensed in the state and they have no regulatory framework.

Good news is that there’s a bill that would legalize online poker in New York. It would “amend the racing, pari-mutuel wagering and breeding law and the penal law, in relation to allowing certain interactive poker games.” US gambling news say that legislators are in favor of the regulation. However, their priority is land-based gambling at the moment. Legal online poker in New York could bring USD 120 million to the state, annually.

Lotteries in New York

New York was the third state to legalize lotteries. The New York Lottery is regulated by the state’s Gaming Commission and its revenues go towards the public education system. Besides in-state games, the New York Lottery offers multi-states games as well. Therefore, Powerball, Mega Millions and Cash4Live are all available to play in New York. New York Lottery tickets can’t be purchased online; players have to find a near ticket reseller in order to participate.

Daily Fantasy Sports in New York

In 2015, New York Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, has sued DraftKings and FanDuel. “DraftKings only offers a way to bet on existing sporting events, nothing more,” he said. Schneiderman also highlighted that the sites breached “New York’s state constitution, penal laws and other statutes.” In 2016, a New York state appeals court ruled that both sites can continue to accept wagers from New York players until a final decision in the fall. Therefore, daily fantasy sports in New York are available at the moment.