Best New York Online Casinos

The roaring land-based casino trade in New York State adds to New York City’s reputation as “The City That Never Sleeps.” However, despite the success of in-person gambling, online casinos are not legal in the Empire State. Read our complete guide below to learn more about the future of online gambling in NY and current legal alternatives.

Many NY lawmakers oppose the legalization of online casino gambling, but a few significant names have shown strong support in the past. These include Senator Joseph Addabbo, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

Sen. Addabbo, in particular, has been the driving force, having introduced legislation every year since 2022. All of these bills failed, partially due to widespread concerns about problem gambling. 

Until online casinos get a prized signature, players can continue to visit land-based casinos or play for free at sweepstakes casino sites. These offer the same great games with many being community driven. Be sure to claim a free SC coin bonus if available. 

There's no determining when real money casinos will be authorized. In fact, you could argue that New York is well behind the rest of the country. This means that social casinos are the only alternative.  

Social casinos offer an authentic casino gaming experience that's very much legal. That's because there is no risk of any financial losses. Instead of wagering with real money, NY players use virtual currency on their favorite online slots and table games. 

Registering for these New York online casinos couldn’t be easier. Simply visit a site, enter your personal details, and you’re good to go. Once you have an account, you'll receive "Coins" from the casino, allowing you to play the games. 

If you want to wager with real money, you can legally do so at one of the many land-based casinos in the Empire State. Scroll down further to see our favorite casinos in the state.

There are many casino games for players in New York to enjoy without spending a single dollar. These vary depending on the operator, but usually players can choose from a combination of online slots and classic table dealer games, such as blackjack, poker, roulette, and more.

If real money NY online casinos were legal, they'd offer dedicated casino apps. After all, most notable brands already have existing apps, they’re just not available for play in NY. 

Until these are legalized, players can choose from the different social casino mobile apps. These are legal, compatible with iOS and Android devices, easy to use, and provide a convenient experience for mobile players. 

If you’re not one for downloading apps, don’t worry. All the top New York online casino sites are built on HTML5-optimized technology. This ensures a seamless and responsive casino experience when you play via the mobile browser site. The site will adapt to fit your screen size.

While online casinos in New York remain illegal, it’s not for lack of trying. Sen. Addabbo submitted SB 8412 to allow each online sportsbook to launch an online casino site. Since 2022, he has submitted legislation every year to legalize the same thing. Nothing has made it through the New York Legislature before the end of the session.

The main concern is the rise of problem gambling in New York. While all online sportsbooks are required by the New York State Gaming Commission to enforce responsible gambling measures, the problem is still growing in NY.

Sen. Addabbo estimates that New York is missing out on $3 billion a year in revenue. Essentially, this means that, while online casinos remain illegal, the issue isn’t going away. You can expect the Senator to submit more online casino bills in future legislative sessions as time goes on.

Online sports betting launched in January 2022, in time for the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. Residents and visitors can bet on sports anywhere within New York’s borders using sites licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission.

The New York sports betting market was an instant success, instantly overtaking Nevada and New Jersey for the US’ largest betting handle per month. In January 2022, with online sports betting, it jumped up to over $1 billion. New York has a 51% tax on online sports betting, and the funds are used for community programs and public education. 

Although NY online casinos aren’t currently legal, there are plenty of brick-and-mortar casino establishments across the Empire State. The exceptional casino gambling scene guarantees an unforgettable game-playing experience. 

Before you visit, let’s take a closer look at some of the top NY commercial casinos:

Del Lago Resort and Casino is a world-class casino establishment offering multiple fine dining options, a spa, and AAA Four Diamond rated accommodations. Located in upstate New York, Del Lago provides plenty of gambling features, including slots and table games, as well as multiple poker offerings and a huge retail sportsbook.

Jake’s 58 Hotel, situated in central Long Island, is a unique casino destination. It offers many video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming machines, including slots and electronic table games like blackjack and poker. 

Jake’s doesn’t offer any live dealer games, unfortunately. That said, the state-of-the-art casino VLTs and lavish dining options are enough to satisfy all gambling enthusiasts.

Resorts World Catskills gives Sin City a run for its money with its luxurious accommodations, a multitude of fine dining choices, spas, and even a golf course. If that wasn’t enough, the casino itself holds an impressive number of slots, live table games, a dedicated poker room, and a 24/7 sportsbook.

Rivers Casino and Resort, based next to the Mohawk Harbour in Schenectady, is a premier gambling haven. It's home to an impressive selection of slot machines, multiple table game offerings, and a 24-hour poker room. This popular Rush Street Interactive casino also has a hotel, several restaurants, and a BetRivers Sportsbook.

Tioga Downs offers a broad spectrum of gambling activities with its 5/8-mile racetrack and first-class casino site. Just north of the Pennsylvania border, Tioga Downs provides an array of video lottery terminals, table games, and a dedicated poker room. There's also a variety of restaurants, bars, a golf course, and a FanDuel retail sportsbook.

New York has a wide selection of land-based casinos owned by different Native American tribes. These offer a classic Las Vegas-style casino experience and are hugely popular with many NY residents. Some of the tribal casino venues in NY include: 

• Akwesasne Mohawk Casino in Hogansburg
• Lakeside Entertainment in Union Springs
• Point Place Casino in Bridgeport
• Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca
• Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo
• Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Irving in Irving
• Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Oil Spring in Cuba
• Seneca Gaming and Entertainment Salamanca in Salamanca
• Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls
• Turning Stone Resort & Casino in Verona
• Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango

In 2001, New York State approved a bill to allow VLTs (Video Lottery Terminals) to be placed on racetrack grounds. Then in 2004, the Saratoga Raceway became the first racing establishment to operate video lottery games in New York City. 

Although popular with New Yorkers, racinos are slightly different from the more traditional casinos. These particular venues are only permitted to operate electronic casino games.  

Top racinos in New York include the following:

• Empire City in Yonkers
• Fairgrounds Gaming in Hamburg
• Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington
• Monticello Gaming & Raceway in Monticello
• Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs
• Vernon Downs & Casino Vernon

Poker fans can participate in games and tournaments across New York at any physical casino featuring dedicated poker rooms. Tioga Downs, Del Lago, Rivers, and Resorts World Catskills are just some of the commercial casinos offering live-action poker in New York. Some of the Tribal casinos with poker rooms are Turning Stone, Seneca Niagara, Seneca Allegany, and Akwesasne.

Assemblyman Pretlow recently proposed an amendment to the state’s law classifying poker as a game of skill. This could mean that the legalization of NY online poker sites could be on the horizon. However, until this proposition is signed off, poker enthusiasts can only play online at social poker sites.

Players have access to various responsible gambling resources in New York. Self-exclusion programs, help centers, counseling services, and help telephone lines are some available services to support those struggling.  

The New York National Problem Gambling Helpline is free, confidential, and operates 24/7. Don’t hesitate to call 1-877-846-7369 if you need help.