New York Sports Betting
Editor’s note: As of Jan. 19, 2021
New York residents are finally in a sports betting state of mind after lawmakers, following months and months of consternation, moved forward with allowing sports wagers in retail settings.
The state actually approved legal sports betting in 2013 but had to wait until the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in May 2018, which opened up wagering on professional and collegiate games across the nation, before implementation – which still took another year.
So betting is happening, but there is still work to be done as there is no mobile wagering in the state. There are several hurdles in New York regarding online and mobile betting, including opposition from Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a ruling from the state attorney general that says it likely will take an amendment to the state constitution. Launching an amendment referendum will probably, at a minimum, set mobile betting back until 2020, if not 2021.
Sports betting is limited to four upstate casinos plus tribal casinos:
· Commercial casinos -- Del Lago Resorts and Casino (DraftKings), Resorts World Catskills (bet365), Rivers Schenectady (Rush Street), and Tioga Downs (FanDuel).
· Three full-service Oneida Indian Nation casinos offer sports betting --Turning Stone Resort, Point Place Casino, and Yellow Brick Road Casino, all offering Caesars Sports.
In the next legislative session, lawmakers are expected to reconsider opening betting to more venues including racetracks and off-track betting facilities.
Is sports betting currently legal in the state?
Yes; seven casinos are offering live sports betting in New York.
When did New York start accepting bets?
The first legal sports bet was made on July 16, 2019, at Rivers Casino by Schenectady Mayor Gary McCarthy.
What is the legal age to bet on sports in New York?
You must be 21 years old
What restrictions are there on sports betting in New York … is online wagering allowed?
Mobile betting is not allowed and actually opposed by Gov. Cuomo. Also, it likely will take an amendment to the state constitution for mobile betting to occur.
Sports bets can only be placed in person at the sports lounges at state and tribal casinos. Bets on New York college teams (Syracuse is the biggest NCAA program in the state) or on collegiate games occurring in-state are prohibited. Madison Square Garden hosts the Big East Tournament every year so that’s not available to be wagered on in-state.
How to bet in New York?
Most casinos feature betting windows with ticket writers or self-serve kiosks. Payoffs are available at the venue or winning tickets can be redeemed via the mail.
What do I need to bet in New York?
A valid ID to prove age
What about horse racing?
With Belmont being one of the tracks in the Empire State it is no surprise to discover that it is legal to place online horse racing wagers with operators such as Bet America, TVG, Twinspires, and AM Wager.
