NY Online Casinos
A trip to a casino can be a fun event, but it often requires some planning. However, there are online casino options for New Yorkers that can allow them to play from anywhere on a moment’s notice.
While sports betting may be legal, regulated in-state online casinos are not. However, that doesn’t mean New Yorkers are completely without options to play casino-style games online.
New York casino players have two options when it comes to playing casino games online.
You can choose a sweepstakes or social casino, allowing you to legally play online in NY and win real cash prizes. Your other option is to download a NJ or PA mobile casino app. You will need to make a quick trip across state lines before you can play for real money.
Are online casinos legal in NY?
No. The New York state constitution expressly forbids games of chance, a definition that suitably fits casino games.
A 2013 constitutional amendment did authorize the state to issue up to seven casino licenses. Tribal groups in the state have also run casinos of their own since 1993, according to the terms of their gambling compacts. However, state law and those compacts restrict the offering of such games to those facilities.
So, what would it take to legalize New York online casinos? Most likely, another constitutional amendment. Although that is a long and arduous process.
It requires not only both chambers of the New York Legislature to approve a measure by a supermajority, but also voter approval. The time frame on that is about three years. So, even if the Legislature got moving on the issue right away, it would likely still be around 2025 or later before online casino platforms actually went live in New York.
Yet there is no momentum for such a change in Albany right now. For the foreseeable future, the status quo will remain in place. That means New Yorkers have two primary options: play online sweepstakes games or cross state lines into New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
The first option might be preferable for New York residents who value being able to play from their homes.
New York online sweepstakes casinos
A lot of people in states where online casinos remain illegal regularly play sweepstakes and social games online.
The apps and websites that offer such options make them work very similarly to casino games and look very much like the games that casino apps offer. You might be wondering, then, how are they legal in New York?
Online sweepstakes games are legal in the Empire State because there’s no “consideration” element. You can play without having to risk a single penny of your own money. The sites do award prizes with real value, but it isn’t necessary for you to pay.
In the US, there are three sites available for NY players. Two social casinos and one online sweepstakes casino. These sites have become popular because of their selection of casino games. New Yorkers can play at all three of them to their hearts’ content and do so from the comfort of your own home.
- Chumba Casino: If you’re looking for a variety of casino-style games, including some slots with progressive jackpots, you might want to try Chumba Casino. New players enjoy a special Gold Coin and Sweeps Coin promotion, which you can access using the link on this page. Chumba Casino is a social casino.
- LuckyLand Slots: Just like Chumba, new casino players can get 10 Sweeps Coins just for registering your account. LuckyLand also has an app for Android devices, making the platform available to those who prefer to play on their phone. For iPhone users, you’re currently confined to your computer, but perhaps there will be an app for that someday. Luckyland is a social casino.
- Funzpoints: Funzpoints is best known for its low limits in its titles, which prolongs gameplay. In fact, the maximum prize you can cash out is just $20. If you just enjoy playing casino-style games, and whether you win any real money is less important, this site is definitely for you. FunzPoints is a sweepstakes casino.
New Jersey, Pennsylvania online casino options
Some New Yorkers understandably prefer to play casino games online and do so for money. If you spend any time in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, multiple online casinos are at your disposal.
While Pennsylvania does have a couple of unique brands, New Jersey has a more robust market. And considering more of the New York population lives closer to the NJ border, we’ll focus on the New Jersey online casino landscape. Here are some of the best online real casinos you can play in the Garden State:
Download real money casinos in NY and play in NJ
- BetMGM Online Casino: With a suite of over 220 games, functional apps and integration into MGM’s iRewards program, it’s easy to see why online casino players in New Jersey flock to this operator. New players receive in site credit just for signing up and can also take advantage of an introductory offer to match their initial deposit up to $25.
- Caesars Online Casino: Caesars boasts nearly 600 titles on its online casino platform, which includes live dealer games. This online casino offers a similar registration bonus of $25 in site credit. First-time depositors also get a 100% match up to $2,000.
- DraftKings Online Casino: You might know this brand better for its daily fantasy and sportsbook offerings, but the casino side is no afterthought. It comes with everything you’d expect: live dealer games, slots and table games. If you’re new to DraftKings, you can get $60 in site credit just to try out the casino and an impressive 100% deposit match up to $2,000.
- Golden Nugget Online Casino: On a monthly basis, this app rakes in more revenue than any other online casino in New Jersey. And for good reason. The menu of titles is massive, with nearly 800 games. Golden Nugget isn’t resting on its laurels, however. You can get $10 just for signing up, then a 100% bonus up to $1,500 on your first deposit.
- Tropicana Online Casino: While Tropicana does offer $25 in site credit to new customers, the rest of the introductory offer is what sets the casino apart. Tropicana will cover your losses over your first seven days of play, up to $100. The casino offers both Android and iOS apps, a solid menu of slots and table games, and a special community jackpot prize.
How online casinos work
If you’re at least 21 years of age, not on any gambling self-exclusion lists, you’re good to go at a sweepstakes site. That is, of course, after creating, registering and depositing funds into your account. For NJ casinos, you will need to cross the border.
How to sign up
Signing up for an online casino is easy and quick. The casino will walk you through the process, in which it will collect a few pieces of identifying information from you:
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Last four digits of your Social Security number
- Legal name
- Mailing address
How to deposit
After the casino verifies your identity, the last step before playing is to add funds to your account. You can do so by using one of the methods below online casino.
- ACH payments from a checking or savings account
- Credit/debit cards
- Online banking
- PayNearMe
- E-wallets like PayPal
- Casino cage (if in NJ or PA)
Online casino apps vs. desktop
As previously mentioned, you can access these online casino games on a computer. Actually, that’s the best method if you want to be able to play the entire catalog of titles. Some casinos don’t make their entire selections available on their apps. At the same time, you can’t top the mobile casino app for ease and mobility.
The geolocation technology on your device verifies that you are indeed within the state when you play. So, when you install an online casino app in NY, make sure you give permission for them to use your location. If you elect to play on your computer, you’ll likely need to install geolocation software to facilitate this.
Land-based casinos in New York
New York has hosted numerous Native American casinos on Seneca, Mohawk, and Oneida tribal lands ever since the first Indian casino opened in 1993. Four new commercial casinos were opened in upstate New York between 2016 and 2018 as well.
Native American NY Casinos
Opened in 1993 by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York, Turning Stone was the first land-based casino and the first Native American casino in New York State. Since then, the property has expanded, with the most recent renovations completed in 2017.
Turning Stone is a premier Indian casino that offers a complete resort experience with lodging, a spa, golf, dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 32 tables, state-of-the-art room
- Table games: 80+ games
- Slots: 2,000+ games
- Bingo: World-class bingo hall
- Keno: Games called every five minutes
Smaller than Turning Stone, the Yellow Brick Road Casino is also an Oneida Indian property. The casino features the yellow brick road theme from the Wizard of Oz that extends through the gaming floor to the dining and entertainment venues.
Casino Game Selection:
- Table games: 14+
- Slots: 400+
Similar in size to the Yellow Brick Road Casino, the Oneida Nation also hosts this rustic-themed casino located in a woodland area replete with beloved lake points. Point Place offers a gaming floor, dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Table games: 20+
- Slots: 500+ games
Located in downtown Buffalo’s inner harbor area, the Seneca Nation’s urban casino offers a variety of gaming, dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Table games: 35+
- Slots: 1,100+ games
Boasting picturesque views of the Niagara Falls region, this full-service Seneca Nation casino resort offers gaming, lodging, spa services, dining, entertainment, and conference facilities.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 16 tables
- Table games: 100+
- Slots: 2,800+ reel and video slot games
- Keno
Set in the Allegheny Mountain foothills, this full-service Seneca Nation casino resort offers gaming, lodging, spa services, dining, and entertainment.
Casino Game Selection:
- Table games: 30+
- Slots: 1,600+ reel and video slot games
Hosted by the Mohawk Indian tribe, this full-service casino resort provides lodging, spa services, dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 5 tables
- Table games: 25+
- Slots: 1,500+ reel (penny slots up to high-limit slots)
- Bingo
Commercial casinos in New York
The first casino with a commercial license to open in New York, Tioga Downs was originally a horse race track that was granted a commercial casino license to expand its business. The gaming floor opened in 2016, and the hotel opened in 2017. The property also features horse racing, golf, dining, and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 6 tables
- Table games: 128+ games
- Slots: 900+ games
- Video poker: 130+ different games
Opened in 2017 in the Finger Lakes region of New York, within only an hour drive to the Oneida Nation’s Turning Stone Casino, del Lago is a full-service commercial casino resort with gaming, lodging, a spa, restaurants, and entertainment.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 14 tables (Seven Card Stud, Pot Limit Omaha, Texas Hold’em)
- Table games: 66+ (e.g., craps, roulette, blackjack, three card poker, Let It Ride, Pai Gow Poker, Mississippi Stud, Casino War)
- Slot Machines: 2,000+ games
Part of the ambitious Mohawk Harbor development project on the Mohawk River in Schenectady, Rivers opened in 2017 as a full-service resort property with gaming, lodging, restaurants, and entertainment.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 16 tables, open 24/7
- Table games: 67 games
- Slot Machines: 1,150+ games (penny slots to high-limit slots)
- Video poker
- Keno
With a grand opening in 2018, Resorts World is billed as the newest commercial casino and the closest casino to New York City. This full-service luxury resort property is located in the picturesque Catskill Mountain region, boasting 100,000 square feet of gaming space, boutique lodging, a spa, and various dining and entertainment options.
Casino Game Selection:
- Poker: 19 tables, open 24/7
- Table games: 150+ games
- Slot Machines: 2,000+ games
- Video poker: 130+ different games
NY Casino FAQ's
Who regulates NY casinos?
The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming, including casino games, commercial casinos, and Class III Indian Gaming facilities (Native American casinos).
What online casinos are available in NY?
New York does not offer any legal online casinos. You do have the option of playing on a sweepstakes casino, like Chumba Casino and Luckyland Slots.
Alternative options include Pennsylvania and NJ casinos. New Yorkers will need to take a trip across the border to play at any of the New Jersey or Pennsylvania regulated online casinos.
What kind of casino games can I play online?
For the most part, games available via online casino sites and apps fit into one of three categories: live dealer, slots and table games.
Table games include American roulette, blackjack, baccarat and three card poker variants. Live dealer games are exactly what the name suggests: There’s a live dealer distributing cards and running the game in real time. Many slot titles available within online casino apps have progressive jackpots, as well.
How do I know online casino games are fair?
Being part of a regulated market provides a lot of consumer protections. In order to obtain a license, operators have to pass a detailed inquiry, and keeping that license requires them to maintain high standards.
These standards include keeping player funds separate from their own accounts, being transparent about the return-to-player rates that games carry, and only offering games from vendors that have similarly received licensure from regulatory bodies.
What kind of responsible gambling measures are in place for online gambling?
Just like brick-and-mortar casinos, online operators must participate in states’ self-exclusion programs. That means they can’t even market themselves to, much less accept an account registration from, a person on any of those lists. That includes electronic forms of marketing like emails.
Also, apps and sites must prominently post information on how individuals with compulsive gambling issues can get help. Finally, part of the gambling taxes they pay goes to fund such programs so people with those issues can use the resources free of charge.
Can tribal casinos offer online casinos in NY?
No. However, this situation is somewhat complicated.
Because tribes are sovereign entities in many ways but also must abide by the terms of the gambling compacts they make with state and US governments, they would have the right to offer any type of gambling that commercial casinos can offer in New York.
At the same time, they don’t have the freedom to ignore state laws, making such games illegal right now.