Legalized online sports betting is coming to New York, and the hope is it will be fully up and running by the Super Bowl on Feb. 13, 2022.
PlayNY is here to answer some of the questions you may have.
Which sportsbooks are coming to NY?
The NY State Gaming Commission selected nine sportsbooks to operate in New York — FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM Sports Betting, Bally’s, Caesars Sports, Resorts World, Rush Street (BetRivers Sportsbook), WynnBet and PointsBet. The operators have a 51 percent tax rate, which means right off the top 51 percent of their revenues go to the state.
The NYSGC had until before Dec. 6 to select applicants for licenses, so it is seemingly ahead of schedule.
So when can I bet online in New York?
For now, that’s TBD. But NY State Sen. Joe Addabbo, a longtime advocate for legalized online sports betting, is hopeful for early 2022.
“The NFL playoffs in January, I think that’s totally possible,” Addabbo told PlayNY. “That’s being realistically optimistic.”
For what it’s worth, NFL Wild Card Weekend spans Jan. 15-17. That could potentially be a massive three-day introduction for sports bettors across the state.
What needs to happen before the first bet is placed?
From a NYSGC spokesman: “Winning bidders may select a facility to house servers, with the Commission retaining final approval of location as well as reasonable and actual costs. Each needs to build out a server room, and equipment has to be tested and approved by an independent testing laboratory.”
Of note: the servers must be housed on location at any of NY’s four commercial upstate casinos: Resorts World, Rivers, del Lago and Tioga Downs.
How long will it take to get the state ready for sports betting?
This could take weeks, if not months. While online sports betting rules and regulations have been approved by the NYSGC, they won’t be fully adopted until Nov. 24.
Technically, sportsbooks would be able to launch on an individual basis immediately after, assuming they’ve checked all the necessary boxes.
But regulators must ensure that the technology is fully functional and secure for customers. There’s significant pressure to make sure everything is running smoothly ahead of the potential launch.
Which local teams can I bet on?
Bettors in New York will be able to place wagers on the Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Rangers, Islanders, (Devils), Knicks, Nets, Bills, Sabres, Liberty, NYCFC, Red Bulls, Gotham FC.
What professional sports can I bet on?
All of the major professional sports leagues are on the table for New York sports betting. That means MLB, NBA, WNBA, NFL, NHL, MLS, NWSL, PGA, NASCAR, MMA, Tennis, Boxing and the CFL/Various European Leagues (Premiere League, F1, Rugby etc …)
Can I bet on the Syracus Orange on my NY sportsbook app?
Yes, bettors can place bets on college football and college basketball, for example. But under New York state law, no betting is allowed on the in-state college teams, such as Syracuse, St. John’s or Army.
What is the status of horse racing?
After legalized NY sports betting apps are fully up and running, NY State Sen. Joe Addabbo is looking to get horse racing on the apps of the nine operators who secured licenses.
“That’s the next step for me. I have to have someone have the ability to bet the Mets, Jets, Yankees, Rangers, Islanders, whatever they want, and then the fifth race at Saratoga,” Addabbo told PlayNY.
What do I need to sign up for a NY sportsbook app?
To open an account, you will need to provide some personal information including your legal name, valid address and phone number, valid email address, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security number, account name and password.
Can I bet online in NY now?
Soon there will be no need to take the trip across the George Washington Bridge or from World Trade Center to the Hoboken PATH station to place your wagers. Soon New Yorkers will be able to bet in NY. Simply download your NY sportsbook app and allow it to use your location. Of note: You can set up and deposit and withdraw outside the state. If you signup on your computer, you have to download the Geolocation software so the sportsbook knows your location.
Can I use my NY sportsbook app in New Jersey?
No, you cannot use a New York sportsbook app in NJ. If you have a New Jersey account, you likely won’t need to do anything to sign up.
How do I access a sportsbook app?
You can download the sportsbook app via your cellphone on either the Apple or Android platforms. Make sure you are downloading the NY version of the app. There will also be a browser version for desktops and laptops.