New York online casinos for real money are not yet legal in the state, but there is optimism that could change in 2025. When NY online casinos do launch, expect a huge library of games and generous welcome offers for new customers. While we wait, those in the state looking to play online casino games can try out the free-to-play social and sweeps options listed below.
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While we wait for NY to legalize online casinos, you can still play many of the casino games you love at social and sweepstakes casinos. These online sweepstakes casinos allow you to play your favorite games for free or for the chance to win cash prizes.
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NY online casinos at a glance
The New York State Constitution expressly forbids games of chance, which means that real-money online casinos are not currently legal. However, that could be changing as soon as this year. Based on recent New York polls, the public generally supports the legalization of NY online casinos to help with state budget issues. That said, certain constituents do oppose the idea, including some associated with retail commercial casinos who believe online casinos might hinder their industry.
If lawmakers do authorize iGaming in 2025, the next steps would be creating regulations and granting NY online casino licenses. Depending on the timing of the legislative process and the efficiency of the regulations and licensing process, the first legal online casinos in New York could go live by the end of 2025 or early in 2026.
As the push for legal online casinos in NY continues, this is what you can expect if/when they launch. This is based on what the online casino market looks like in New Jersey and the details that have been included in previous New York bills. Here’s a quick look at some of the key elements for online casinos in New York:
- Legal betting age: 21+
- Online casinos that will be in New York: BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetRivers, and Golden Nugget all figure to be part of the online casino scene in New York when it arrives.
- Online games that will be offered in New York: You should see popular casino games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat, craps, poker, and slots. The list of games should also include live dealer table games, virtual games, Keno, bingo, scratch cards, and novelty titles (some based on TV shows).
- Tax rate: Proposed in the 2024 bill to be 30.5%
- Who will regulate online casinos in New York: The New York State Gaming Commission would oversee legal NY online casinos.
NY casino news
New York online casino bill details March 2025
In 2024, Sen. Joseph Addabbo once again proposed a new bill to legalize online casinos in New York (S8185). As expected, Asm. Gary Pretlow proposed a matching bill (A9198) as well. However, despite all the efforts, Gov. Kathy Hochul didn’t include the online casino bill in her fiscal year 2025 executive budget, once again killing hopes of iGaming legalization in the Empire State.
No online casino bill has been filed so far in the 2025 legislative session, however, Addabbo did file a bill in late March that would ban sweepstakes casinos, according to The New York Times. While it currently has little support, it is seen as a first step in getting an online casino bill in front of lawmakers this session.
Relevant details of the most-recent NY online casino bills
- Online casino play is taxable at a 30.5% rate. This rate is higher than the online casino tax rates in New Jersey and Michigan, but considerably less than the 54% rate that Pennsylvania applies to slot games.
- Mobile interactive gaming licenses cost $2 million for 10 years.
- Around $11 million annually for problem gambling education and treatment.
- Potential for up to 31 licenses: Four upstate casinos; three future downstate casinos; three Indian tribes; nine VLT racinos; nine online sportsbooks; three out-of-state bidders.
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- Approximately $25 million annually to a fund for the New York Hotel & Gaming Trades Council. The council can use the money to ensure that online casinos don’t negatively impact brick-and-mortar casinos in New York.
- Increases jobs in New York via live dealer games that must be conducted in the state.
- No significant restrictions on the games that would become available.
- Includes online lottery in the legislation.
Amendments to the 2024 online casino bill in New York
As with any bill, amendments are added to make it better or add further context to what was previously there. After proposing his 2024 bill, Addabbo amended and recommitted legislation to the New York Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee. Here are some of the changes made to the bill in hopes of bringing legal online casinos and online lottery to New York:
- Addabbo added Article 15 to the bill, spelling out “legislative intent and findings.” This details how seven states have legalized online casinos in the US.
- To help address concerns from the labor union, any operator looking to earn a New York online casino license must commit to using union employees.
- The bill could carve out as many as 31 licenses for online casinos in New York, including some for tribes. Added to the bill, in order to qualify, a tribe must “waive … exclusive geographic right to offer and conduct interactive gaming.”
- Ensure gamblers in New York have no more than one account with the licensee.
- The New York State Gaming Commission will have authorization to enter agreements with other states, allowing New York gamblers to participate in multistate contests.
- As for the online lottery, the bill details specific games that lottery players in the state could play. Those include: “any lawful lottery game authorized by the Commission including joint, multi-jurisdiction and out-of-state lottery games, daily number games, lotto games, quick draw and instant cash.”
NY online casinos and responsible gambling
When NY online casinos do launch, they will no doubt follow the lead of NY online sportsbooks and be required to follow guidelines to promote responsible gambling. These include enabling users to set limits on how much they bet in one sitting or in a week, as well as the ability to voluntarily self-exclude from betting apps. The sites will also be required to provide other guidance, including information about helplines and other resources to prevent and treat problem gambling.
Responsible gambling is a two-way street, however, requiring both operators and gamblers to do their part to ensure gambling remains fun and entertaining. Check out our guide to responsible gambling in New York for more information about best practices when gambling and where to get help if needed.
Final thoughts on online casino NY prospects
If and when New York online casinos become legal, the Empire State will immediately become one of the biggest online casino markets in the country, just like it is already for sports betting. There is potential for the NY online casino market to see up to 31 licenses, so New Yorkers can expect to see every major online casino brand seeking a license if they become available. The battle for legalization is ongoing, and PlayNY will keep you up to date on all the latest developments. Whenever online casino NY options become available, we will have you covered with all the reviews and promo offers you need to get started.
New York online casinos FAQs
Are online casinos legal in New York?
Real-money online casinos are not currently allowed in New York. However, there are dozens of social and sweepstakes casinos that are legal to play in New York. They use virtual money, but some do offer cash prizes or the ability to exchange virtual dollars for real money.
When will online casinos be legal in New York?
It’s hard to tell. No bill has been filed to legalize them in the current legislative session, but lawmakers are expected to file at least one at some point before the session ends in June.
If online casinos were legalized in New York, how many iGaming options would there be?
There were 31 licenses called for in last year’s legislation, which would give New Yorkers plenty of options to enjoy online casino gambling.
How many other states allow online casinos?
Currently, there are seven states that have legalized online casinos. Two of those states, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, share a border with New York.