Sports Betting in New York: Legal Status, Regulations, and Market Overview
Sports betting is fully legal in the state of New York, with both retail and online wagering available to residents and visitors. The legalization process was complex and took years of political negotiation, but New York has since emerged as one of the largest sports betting markets in the United States.
Legalization Timeline
Sports betting in New York technically became legal in 2013 when voters approved a constitutional amendment to allow commercial casinos. However, it wasn’t until 2019 that in-person retail sports betting launched at upstate casinos. Online sports betting took longer to implement due to political resistance and regulatory hurdles. In April 2021, the state budget included provisions for online sports betting, and the first legal mobile sportsbooks went live in January 2022.
Regulatory Framework
Sports betting in New York is regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC). The regulatory framework allows for both retail sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos, and online sportsbooks operated by licensed providers. The online sports betting model in New York is unique in that the state operates a competitive bidding system and imposes a high tax rate of 51% on gross gaming revenue for mobile sports betting operators.
Authorized Online Sportsbooks
As of 2025, the following online sportsbooks are licensed and operational in New York:
- FanDuel Sportsbook
- DraftKings Sportsbook
- Caesars Sportsbook
- BetMGM
- BetRivers
- PointsBet (Note: May cease operations or rebrand due to acquisition trends)
- WynnBET
- Bally Bet
- Resorts World Bet
These platforms offer betting markets on major American sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), as well as international events, college sports, and niche competitions. However, New York prohibits betting on in-state college teams and college events held in the state.
Tax Revenue and Market Impact
New York quickly became the top U.S. market for sports betting by handle and revenue. The state’s 51% tax rate on mobile sports betting is the highest in the country, generating hundreds of millions of dollars annually. This revenue funds public education, youth sports, and responsible gambling initiatives. Despite concerns that the high tax rate could deter operators or limit promotions, the market has remained competitive and profitable.
Responsible Gambling Measures
To combat problem gambling, New York has implemented strict advertising regulations, funding for support services, and self-exclusion tools. The NYSGC requires operators to display responsible gambling messages and provide direct access to support hotlines and intervention programs.
Betting Age and Geolocation
The legal age to bet on sports in New York is 21. Bettors must be physically located within state boundaries when placing bets online, verified through geolocation technology. Bettors located outside of New York cannot access betting features on NY-licensed platforms.
Future Outlook
New York may expand its sports betting offerings further, with discussions ongoing about adding more operators, improving promotional flexibility, and potentially lowering tax rates to enhance market sustainability. Additionally, there are ongoing legislative efforts to legalize fixed-odds horse race betting and allow wagering kiosks in stadiums and arenas.
New York’s experience has become a national case study in balancing strong tax revenue with competitive industry growth, and its legal sports betting model is closely watched by policymakers in other states.
