After years of litigation and anticipation, New York has finally legalized sports betting. Players can now place bets on their favorite team from any location with internet access – be it their home or anywhere else around town. Top platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Caesars are now accessible to Empire State residents – while more iGaming operators could soon launch NY online casinos as well.
When will Online Gambling Become Legal in New York? New York’s initial sports betting law only allowed sportsbook operators at New York commercial casinos or tribal locations; however, recent amendments have opened the door for any licensed operator to offer sportsbook apps and mobile sites in New York state, fuelling speculation that New York could soon legalize online casino games.
New York legislators have been quick to introduce legislation for the state’s gambling industry. A proposed bill by Sen. Joseph Addabbo would enable iGaming – featuring online slots, table games and live dealer gaming. Furthermore, winnings from this form of gaming would be taxed at significantly lower rates than retail sportsbook winnings in New York state.
If the bill passes, operatorss will also need to agree with a labor union to ensure all live dealer positions are held by union members – something raised by the state casino workers’ union as an issue. It will ensure all live dealer positions receive equal consideration as those at physical locations.
As New York State’s legal gambling market expands, lawmakers have also discussed ways to enhance responsible gaming programs. A 2022 panel at Saratoga Springs’ Racing and Gaming Conference highlighted the significance of expanding responsible gaming programs and adapting them to meet an ever-expanding industry – an integral step toward curbing problem gambling in New York State.
Although New York does not yet have any licensed online casinos, residents still enjoy gambling through social and sweepstakes sites. Many social and sweepstakes sites provide casino-style games such as blackjack and slot machines, without being run by an regulated casino; nonetheless they pay out real cash prizes; one such site offering this experience is Chumba Casino, offering unique sweepstakes-style gambling experience.
New York currently hosts four commercial and seven Native American casinos located on Seneca, Mohawk and Oneida tribal lands, providing traditional casino gaming and more. Furthermore, these facilities also boast sportsbooks and racetracks; yet most people who want to gamble within New York state typically travel out of state (Pennsylvania or New Jersey) in order to do so despite these lucrative offerings. This could soon change, however; New York lawmakers have introduced several bills legalizing online gaming including those that would launch online casinos as well as sportsbook apps within New York state borders.