New York Sports Betting

How New Yorkers Can Bet In New Jersey

As New York has not authorized legal online sports betting yet, those residents looking to capitalize on mobile wagering must travel outside state lines.

For most in New York, nearby New Jersey stands as the best option. With over a dozen online sports betting apps, the Garden State certainly has plenty of options.

While all actual betting via NJ betting apps must occur while physically in New Jersey, New Yorkers can download the sportsbook app, sign up and deposit/withdraw funds from the comfort of their own homes.

Remote Registration

Part of the beauty of online sports betting in New Jersey is the ease of signing up and funding accounts without actually needing to be in the state.

Via desktop or mobile devices, powered by both iOS and Android, users who are at least 21 years old can create online sports betting accounts with their desired operator.

Sportsbooks require some personal information to verify identity and eligibility to enjoy NJ sports betting. But all of this grunt work can then be done from your New York home:

• Date of birth
• Email address
• Legal name
• Mailing address
• Last four digits of Social Security number

All that’s left is funding accounts, which can be accomplished using a variety of payment methods and, again, from home. Most sportsbooks accept the following forms of payment:

• PayPal
• Credit/debit card
• Bank transfer
• Play+ prepaid card
• Wire
• E-check/ACH

Geolocation and how it works

All actual betting must take place in New Jersey. To help enforce this, online sportsbooks have utilized geolocation technology.

Such tech combines IP and Wi-Fi data, allowing sportsbooks to pinpoint exactly where you are located. If geolocation runs into any hiccups, it will not allow users to move forward with their bet placements.

So, in order to get that wager in, users need to make sure they are within New Jersey state lines and are allowing the betting apps to locate them.

New York online sports betting and mobile betting

As indicated, New York only authorizes retail sports betting at its commercial and tribal casinos.

Obviously some lawmakers are looking to green-light regulated online wagering, which would help the state truly realize its billion-dollar revenue potential.

While nothing is a given, the set list of retail sports betting partners, and the overall landscape of US sports betting, provides an indication of what could come to New York.

For example, del Lago Resort & Casino boasts DraftKings Sportsbook as its sports betting partner. DraftKings has been among the most aggressive, and successful, legal wagering providers in the country. Just in the northeast, the online sportsbook has gone live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New Hampshire. With a land-based partner in New York, there is little doubt DraftKings would roll out an online sportsbook once afforded the opportunity.

Similarly, FanDuel Sportsbook has laid roots with Tioga Downs Casino Resort. Seemingly hand-in-hand with DraftKings, FanDuel has launched regulated betting apps in the likes of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, no doubt with the intention of doing the same in the Empire State.

And wherever those sportsbooks have thrived, BetRivers has done the same. Through Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady, BetRivers has an avenue to online sports betting in New York. It has climbed to dominance in Pennsylvania and Illinois, and most certainly it will look to continue the trend in New York.

Even Caesars Entertainment has a path to online sports betting, providing retail wagering to three tribal casinos.

And when New York does authorize mobile sports betting, other big players will target the state. Think BetMGM, FOX Bet and perhaps even Barstool Sports.

Live retail sports betting in New York

As indicated, four commercial casinos in the state have opened retail sportsbooks. To boot, seven tribal casinos have added brick-and-mortar books.

Commercial casinos

Resorts World Catskills

Address: 888 Resorts World Dr., Monticello
Sportsbook: Sportsbook 360
Partners: IGT, Betgenius, bet365
Hours: Monday-Friday, 3:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
Amenities: The sportsbook stretches 6,000 square feet and features a center bar surrounded by a 360-degree arc of 32 large, flat-screen TVs. This is all in addition to a 9-by-16-foot high-definition screen. Bettors have access to a betting counter as well as 14 self-service kiosks.

Del Lago Resort & Casino

Address: 1133 State Rte. 414, Waterloo
Sportsbook: DraftKings Sportsbook at del Lago
Partner: DraftKings
Hours: Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-2 a.m.
Amenities: With over 30 beers on tap and real-time odds boards, this 6,000-square-foot sportsbook has it all. That includes 23 betting kiosks, four betting windows and 1,000 square feet of LED video screens.

Tioga Downs Casino Resort

Address: 2384 W River Rd., Nichols
Sportsbook: FanDuel Sportsbook at Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Partner: FanDuel
Hours: Monday through Friday, noon-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Amenities: Located near the main entrance of the casino, this 2,600-square-foot sportsbook features 27 video displays (including a large video wall) as well as eight betting windows and seating for more than 50 guests.

Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

Address: 1 Rush St., Schenectady
Sportsbook: Rivers Sportsbook
Partner: BetRivers
Hours: Windows open daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; kiosks open daily, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Amenities: Replete with individual VIP club chairs and table seating, Rivers Sportsbook also features five private booths with TV monitors and a state-of-the-art 53-foot LED video wall. On top of it all, another 22 TVs fill the sportsbook, as do 14 betting kiosks and six betting windows.

Tribal casinos

Turning Stone Resort Casino

Address: 5218 Patrick Rd., Verona
Sportsbook: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Partner: Caesars
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-midnight; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: Among the first things noticed by guests is a massive, curved 500-square-foot LED screen, visible from three sides. The Lounge also includes custome-made luxury seating, VIP areas with dedicated screens and fan-favorite food and beer.

Point Place Casino

Address: 450-452 NY-31, Bridgeport
Sportsbook: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Partner: Caesars
Hours: Daily, noon-midnight
Amenities: Located on a newly expanded gaming floor of the casino, The Lounge offers luxury VIP areas with dedicated screens, 30 big-screen LED TVs and a 24-foot video wall.

Yellow Brick Road Casino

Address: 800 W Genesee St., Chittenango
Sportsbook: The Lounge with Caesars Sports
Partner: Caesars
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-midnight; Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-midnight
Amenities: This sportsbook stands as the largest retail operation in New York and features a 32-foot video wall and more than 30 large-screen TVs, including six 85-inch screens. Additionally, The Lounch includes seven VIP fan caves, dozens of stadium recliners and space for more than 200 guests.

Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino

Address: 1 Fulton St., Buffalo
Sportsbook: Sports Book
Partner: Kambi
Hours: Counter open daily, 9 a.m.-midnight; kiosks open daily, 24/7
Amenities: Located a mere 15 miles from Bills Stadium, this sportsbook has the essentials for betting customers. This includes televisions and self-service kiosks open and accessible around the clock every day. Looking to minimize time spent in betting lines? Simply use a bet-building app to select your bets, bring the QR code to the sportsbook or ticket window, and scan to complete your transaction.

Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino

Address: 310 4th St., Niagara Falls
Sportsbook: Sports Lounge
Partner: Kambi
Hours: Counter open daily, 10 a.m.-midnight; kiosks open daily, 24/7
Amenities: Similar to sister Seneca properties, the Sports Lounge offers ample seating and screens to catch the game. In addition to betting windows and self-service kiosks, customers have access to a bet-building app to preset wagers. They will need to take that QR code to the sportsbook in order to complete their transaction.

Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino

Address: 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd., Salamanca
Sportsbook: Sports Lounge
Partner: Kambi
Hours: Counter open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; kiosks open daily, 24/7
Amenities: It should come as no shock that the Sports Loung at Seneca Allegany closely resembles the retail sportsbooks at the other two Seneca casinos. That means access to TVs to follow the game as well as to betting windows and self-service kiosks. As ever with Seneca, bettors can build their bets via an app before bringing in the QR code to scan at the sportsbook to complete the transaction.

Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort

Address: 873 State Rte. 37, Hogansburg
Sportsbook: Sticks Sports Book & Grill
Partner: IGT
Hours: Not accepting Sports Wagers until further notice
Amenities: This sports book boasts a 9-by-13-foot high-definition video wall to copmlement 18 65-inch TVs. If that weren’t enough, guests will be greeted by various odds boards while relaxing in comfortable seating.

What sports can I bet on in New York?

Like regulated sports betting industries in states across the country, New York authorizes operators to accept wagers for the majority of the most popular sports.

And, of course, that includes the four major professional leagues in North America:

• Major League Baseball
• National Basketball Association
• National Football League
• National Hockey League

Naturally, New York sportsbooks offer a wide array of other sports on which bettors can wager:

• Auto racing
• Boxing
• College basketball
• College football
• UFC/MMA
• Golf
• Rugby
• Soccer
• Tennis

When it comes to college sports, regulators in the state have drawn a line between what is and what is not acceptable. By law, New York operators cannot accept bets on any collegiate event that takes place in the state or on any school located in the state.

Any college basketball games held within New York borders become off-limits. Looking to bet on your local team, even if it’s playing outside of the state? Can’t do it.

Quirkier events might not be found at any New York sportsbooks. This includes the likes of the Oscars or Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest. Fear not, though. In nearby New Jersey, regulators have shown a propensity to approve such markets for their operators.

Betting on professional teams from New York

While bettors won’t have the ability to wager on their favorite New York-based collegiate programs, they can still get skin in on the game with their preferred professional teams.

Even if the New York Giants and New York Jets aren’t technically “New York” teams — what with MetLife Stadium sitting in East Rutherford, New Jersey — New Yorkers still call those NFL franchises their own.

Along with those two organizations, bettors in the Empire State can wager on a number of other professional teams that proudly call New York their home. The list includes eight other franchises from the four major North American professional leagues as well as a few other noteworthy organizations:

• New York Mets (MLB)
• New York Yankees (MLB)
• Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
• New York Knicks (NBA)
• Buffalo Bills (NFL)
• Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
• New York Islanders (NHL)
• New York Rangers (NHL)
• New York Red Bulls (MLS)
• New York FC (MLS)
• New York Liberty (WNBA)

Obviously, the lack of college betting on New York-based teams hurts. Fortunately, neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer legal wagering on these programs.

Professional leagues, teams with sports betting partnerships

While pro leagues and franchises long fought against state-regulated sports betting, they have since come around.

In the two years since the US Supreme Court repealed PASPA, thus clearing the way for state-sanctioned wagering, a number of organizations — and even their leagues as a whole — have locked down partnerships with legal sportsbooks.

In New York, it is no different. The four major North American pro leagues plus Major League Soccer are headquartered in New York City. All five have brought sports betting operators into their corners.

• MLB: DraftKings, FanDuel, FOX Bet, MGM
• NBA: FanDuel, FOX Bet, MGM, William Hill
• NHL: FanDuel, MGM, William Hill
• NFL: Caesars
• MLS: MGM

To boot, six franchise have also come forward with sports betting partnerships:

• Buffalo Bills: Seneca Nation
• Buffalo Sabres: Seneca Nation
• New York Giants: DraftKings
• New York Jets: MGM
• New York Knicks: DraftKings
• New York Rangers: DraftKings

Legal vs. illegal online sportsbooks

All operators recommended here have gone through proper licensing to conduct sports betting in regulated jurisdictions, whether that be in New York or in nearby New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Before even launching sportsbooks, these operators undergo rigorous testing, background checks, security checks, the whole nine yards. If bettors decide to take their business to any one of these sportsbooks, they can trust they are in the right hands.

Some folks, though, remain unsure which online sportsbooks are legal and which are not regulated. Or, they simply choose to keep frequenting offshore sportsbooks. Either way, placing wagers with unregulated operators puts plenty at risk.

Can I trust an online sportsbook in New York?

Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Yes, if you’re looking in the right areas.

Licensed and legal sportsbooks throughout the country, and certainly in New York once online betting receives the go-ahead, fall under state regulation.

In the case of the Empire State, operators answer to the New York State Gaming Commission, which oversees all legal sports betting.

The commission sets the rules to be followed by operators, thus creating a structured and trustworthy industry. Sportsbooks must abide by these guidelines, to the letter, which creates a sense of transparency so as not to take advantage of customers.

To boot, and as aforementioned, each licensed operator must pass a series of testing to ensure everything is on the up-and-up. No technological glitches. No security gaps. No payment issues. That kind of thing.

Bottom line, bettors using licensed and regulated sportsbooks can enjoy a sense of security. Your funds will be safe. With offshore sportsbooks, there’s no such assurance. One day, your account will reflect the correct balance. The next, it’s all gone. And there’s no legal recourse to pursue in order to recover those lost funds.

How do I know if a sportsbook is legal?

Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to figure out if an online sportsbook is a legal operator you can trust.

For starters, the mobile betting service will include the logo of the state regulator that oversees such operations. In New Jersey, for example, each online sportsbook features the seal of the Division of Gaming Enforcement. No doubt, once they go live, mobile sports betting sites in New York will depict the logo of the state gaming commission.

Even simpler, the URL of the online sportsbook can be a tell-tale sign. If the service ends with a “.com,” it’s more likely a reliable and legit sportsbook. Any other suffix, such as “.ag” or “.lv,” should throw up a red flag.

If a sportsbook is offering to pay or accept cryptocurrency, that should also trigger an alarm. Legal operators don’t, and can’t, go this route.

Is my money safe? How do I get paid if I win?

Through legal online sportsbooks, bettors’ money is certainly safe.

Operators are afforded and stick to a set list of methods to receive deposits and pay out winnings, for starters. And while bettors may understandably be leery of trusting sportsbooks with debit cards or bank account numbers, trust remains that licensed operators in state-regulated industries undergo heavy scrutiny to ensure consumer protection.

What’s more, the speed of payouts is actually faster with legal sportsbooks. Obviously, we all want our money right away. Through legal sportsbooks, bettors can withdraw winnings in short order. That could be by transferring to your debit card, for example, or even visiting a casino cage and receiving cash in person. Offshore operators, meanwhile, could delay payments up to a month.

On top if it all, legal sportsbooks answer to a greater power. Run into any issues, talk to the regulators. In the case of New York, that would be the gaming commission. As for dealing with issues with offshore sportsbooks, such an avenue isn’t as easily accessible.

Revenue and tax rates

One of the biggest upsides to legal sports betting in New York is the support the industry provides for services in the state.

Sports betting here is taxed at a 10% rate, the same bracket as any other gambling game in the state.

Roughly 80% of proceeds go toward education and property tax relief in New York. Some 10% is split between municipalities and counties that host legal sportsbooks. And the remaining 10% goes to non-host counties in the area on a per-capita basis.

History of New York sports betting

While legal sports betting in New York has operated since summer 2019, the state has had a bill in place to legalize the industry since 2013.

Lawmakers passed S5883, also known as the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act, seven years ago. New Yorkers approved the resolution, which allowed the state to build four commercial casinos that would also house retail sportsbooks.

The Empire State, though, had to wait five years until it could authorize legal sports betting. And the bill did not allow online wagering.

The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, passed federally in 1992, prohibited most states from green-lighting regulated sports betting. Only Delaware, Montana, Nevada and Oregon were excluded from the measure. And, of course, only Nevada actually operated legal sports betting.

In 2018, however, the US Supreme Court changed everything. In repealing PASPA in May 2018, the court opened the door to state-sanctioned sports betting.

The court’s ruling allowed New York to move forward with crafting its regulatory framework for state-regulated wagering. By January 2019, the New York State Gaming Commission released rules for betting in the state, basing its guidelines on the 2013 gaming expansion law.

Even before the first legal wagers were placed in July 2019, legislators began pushing for the authorization of online sports betting. Sen. Joseph Addabbo Jr. was at the front of the effort, but time and again, the quest to expand regulated wagering online has fallen short. Addabbo, though, continues to fight.

The latest effort appears closer than ever. And even Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who has expressed his desire NOT to have online betting in New York, seems to be easing on the idea in the near future.

As New York builds a revenue bill to attack a $15 billion budget deficit, supporters of authorizing mobile sports betting have become more confident that the vertical will receive the green light in 2021.