08/17/2025
New York has established a comprehensive legal framework for sports betting, allowing both in-person and online wagering under state regulation. The path to legalization began with the federal repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, which granted states the authority to regulate sports betting individually. New York lawmakers had already set the stage with a 2013 constitutional amendment permitting sports betting at select commercial casinos, but full-scale expansion required additional legislative and regulatory actions in subsequent years.
In-person sportsbooks became operational in New York in 2019. The initial rollout was limited to four upstate commercial casinos—Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, del Lago Resort & Casino, Resorts World Catskills, and Tioga Downs Casino Resort—along with several tribal casinos. These venues offer betting windows, self-service kiosks, and lounge areas for a variety of sports, including professional and collegiate events.
Online and mobile sports betting in New York launched officially on January 8, 2022. This development dramatically expanded market access, enabling bettors across the state to place wagers through licensed mobile applications. The New York State Gaming Commission approved a competitive bidding process for mobile betting licenses, awarding them to a select group of operators that met strict regulatory requirements and revenue-sharing agreements with the state.
The licensed mobile sportsbook operators in New York include well-known national brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, PointsBet, WynnBET, BetRivers, and Bally Bet. These platforms are required to adhere to state-mandated integrity standards, offer responsible gambling tools, and remit a significant portion of their revenue to the state—New York currently imposes one of the highest tax rates on mobile sports betting in the United States, at 51% of gross gaming revenue.
While sports betting is legal in New York, certain restrictions apply:
The legalization of sports betting in New York has generated substantial tax revenue for the state, with mobile betting quickly surpassing expectations in both handle and revenue figures. These funds are directed toward education, youth sports programs, and problem gambling treatment initiatives. The competitive landscape has also encouraged operators to offer generous promotions and user-friendly betting platforms to attract and retain customers.
The state has emphasized the importance of promoting responsible gambling through public awareness campaigns, operator requirements, and partnerships with problem gambling support organizations. The New York State Gaming Commission actively monitors operator compliance and enforces penalties for violations.
Sports betting is fully legal in New York for both in-person and online wagering, with a well-regulated market that includes major national operators. While certain restrictions are in place to protect amateur athletics and promote responsible gambling, the industry has become a significant contributor to state revenue and a popular form of entertainment for residents.