Online Sportsbooks For NY Residents
New York is one of those US states prevented by federal laws from legalizing and regulating sports betting. The state does not license any bookie, online or land-based, to accept bets from residents. The lack of laws, however, leaves New York residents free to place wagers online with any sports betting website that takes New York wagers.
This page gives a brief overview of the sports betting scenario in New York. Besides discussing the legalities of betting on sports events at land-based and online facilities, this page presents a comprehensive list of legal online sportsbooks accepting New York residents.
Although New York’s existing land gambling laws can be interpreted in different ways, the state does not have a single law that clearly addresses the issue of betting on sports events online. In the absence of clear online sports betting laws, sports fans can legally bet on their favorite teams at online sports betting websites that take NY residents. The state cannot prosecute residents for breaking a law that does not exist.
New York is prevented by the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992 from legalizing and regulating sports betting activities in its jurisdiction. If there are any bookies operating in New York, they are doing so in violation of the state’s laws. But it is safe and legal for those living in New York to place bets online with NY betting sites.
Learn More: Gambling Laws + Statutes In New York
Best Legal Sports Betting Websites For New York
The online sports betting sites listed on this page are 100 percent legal for those living in New York. Since they are based outside New York, they do not violate laws that regulate betting in New York. Since they are licensed and regulated in offshore gambling jurisdictions, these sites that specialize in legal New York gambling adhere to the highest industry standards. New York sports fans can legally bet on collegiate, professional, and even most international sports events at legal online sportsbooks.
| Rank | Legal Sportsbooks | Bonus Rewards | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BetOnline Sportsbook | 25% Match Up To $1,000 - "FIRST" | Visit BetOnline |
| 2 | SportsBetting | Bonus To $1,000 / 50% Match - "SB50" | Visit SportsBetting |
| 3 | 5Dimes Sportsbook | To $520 Total; 50% - $200, 20% After | Visit 5Dimes |
Does New York Have Legal Land-Based Sports Betting?
Federal-level laws prevent New York from legalizing sports betting, online or land based. Although New York has a number of racinos, a blend of horse race tracks and casinos, offering pari-mutuel betting facilities, none of its gambling facilities offer sports betting services. Those looking to place some money on the outcome of the game should either sign up at NY sports gambling websites or travel all the way to Nevada to place bets on their favorite sports.
New York Sports Betting Laws + Statutes
Three federal laws have a major impact on New York’s sports betting scenario—the Wire Act of 1961, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006, and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992. Recently, the DoJ announced that the Wire Act applies only to online sports betting, which would make online sports betting illegal in all US states. While the UIGEA doesn’t criminalize sports betting, it does makes it criminal for banks to process funds related to online sports betting activities. Finally, the PASPA clearly prohibits all US states except Nevada, Oregon, Montana, and Delaware from legalizing sports betting. Under these circumstances, one cannot expect legalized sports betting facilities in New York in the near future.
