Legal New York Online Casinos
Since New York sports betting became legal on Jan. 8 back in 2022, it has been the largest betting market in the U.S. What the Empire State does lack, however, are legal online casinos — for now.
After iGaming legislation failed to make the annual budget in 2023, New York may join the online casino market at some point in 2024.
Additionally, NY is expected to offer online casinos for their existing nine sportsbooks, with the likely addition of more online casino brands which makes it easier for you to find the site that’s right for you.
NY Online Casino Quick Facts:
- Date legalized: TBD
- Launch date: Online poker and iGaming Legislation got tabled in 2023 – check back in 2024
- Regulated by: New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC)
- Must 21+ and within state lines to place bets
NY Online Casino Updates and History
NY Online Casino News
- January 11, 2024 - State Sen. Joseph Addabbo delivered on his recent promise by filing the new bill to legalize online casino gaming in New York. Addabbo’s bill, SB 8185, could bring legal iCasino to one of the most populated states in the U.S.
- February 15, 2023 - State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. introduced Senate Bill S4856. The bill would authorize interactive gaming (slots, table games, and live dealers) in New York with a 30.5% tax rate. The bill got referred to the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee, where it remains for the 2023-24 legislative session.
- January 17, 2023 - State Assemblyman James Gary Pretlow introduced Bill No. A01380 to legalize and regulate online poker (Omaha Hold’em and Texas Hold’em and any material equivalent) as games of skill. The bill failed to reach a vote. With Pretlow up for re-election in 2024, it remains possible the bill may see legislative action in the next session.
- February 25, 2022 - State lawmakers introduced an iGaming bill back in February 2022 and no resolution was settled. New York online casino legalization is expected to be revisited in 2023.
A Look at NY Online Gambling History
|
2024 |
On January 11th, State Sen. Joseph Addabbo filed for a new bill in New York, SB 8185. The bill calls for licensees to pay a 30.5% tax rate on gross gaming revenue. In addition, each casino or operator conducting iGaming is required to pay the New York Gaming Commission a one-time $2 million fee. This bill could bring iCasino to the state meaning New York is one step closer to regulated iGaming. Addabbo mentioned the potential revenue generation from casino apps as a main reason for New York to consider legalization. He estimates New York could generate $475 million on a yearly basis in tax revenue from mobile casinos. |
|
2023 |
In January, State Assemblyman James Gary Pretlow introduced Bill No. A01380 to legalize and regulate online poker. In February, State Sena. Joseph P. Addabbo Jr. introduced Senate Bill S4856 to regulate iGaming (slots, table games, and live dealers). Both internet gaming bills stalled but remain active for the 2023-2024 New York State Legislature session. If either bill fails to receive a vote and doesn’t pass by June 2024, then the legislation becomes the responsibility of the next session, which convenes in January 2025. |
|
2022 |
Lawmakers finally had a conversation started on NY online casino gaming (casino gaming bill S8412) during their early 2022 legislative session. For more context, Gov. Addabbo’s bill would tax gross revenue from iGaming at 25%, with a one-time $2 million fee for operators. A bill summary projects that New York could yield $475 million annually in tax revenue on top of $150 million in licensing fees. |
|
2013 |
Upstate NY Economic Development Gaming Act is introduced to gain a voter's perspective on the benefit of legalizing casinos. Casino gaming is also officially legalized after allowing several casinos to operate throughout the state. |
| 2011 |
Resorts World Casino opens, becoming the first and only casino to operate in New York City. |
| 2001 |
Native American casinos are legalized after 9/11 and VLTs are installed in casinos. This move was the origin of racinos. |
Social Casinos and Sweepstakes Games
The arduous legal process associated with online casinos doesn’t mean players must wait until everything gets finalized. Legal loopholes for sweepstakes and social gaming created an industry that allows players to gamble online for free easily.
Players at social casinos can take advantage of sweepstakes games that offer redeemable cash prizes and gift cards. Games include slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, and more.
Here’s a brief overview of the best social and sweepstakes sites available to players in New York. (Players must be at least 18 years old to register for an account.)
| Casino | Signup/Welcome Bonus |
Top Features |
|
|
- Over 500 slots - iOS/Android mobile apps - 1200+ Games, Slots & Live Dealer Games! - FREE Daily Rewards - Authentic brand, Made in the USA - All Pragmatic Games. All Games at highest RTP in Sweeps |
|
| WOW Vegas |
- Over 900 slots - iOS/Android mobile apps |
|
|
- Over 500 casino games - iOS/Android mobile apps - Daily Login Bonus - VIP Loyalty Rewards - Redeem SC for cash
|
Pulsz Casino
- Read our Pulsz Promo Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: Get up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 FREE Sweepstakes Coins
Licensed through Yellow Social Interactive Limited and headquartered in Gibraltar, the Pulsz Casino offers over 500 casino games. While most games are slots, players may choose from a few options.
There’s Texas Hold’em Poker, Dice, Hilo, and Multihand Blackjack for table games. There are also six different scratchcard games.
To register at Pulsz, you can use your Facebook, email, or Google account. First-time deposits come with extra Gold Coins (GC), the site’s currency for social gameplay. A Daily Login Streak allows players to accrue coins for consecutive logins.
Coin packages range from $1.99 to $99.99. When you buy a GC package, you’ll also get VIP points, a Golden Key to unlock exclusive games, and Sweepstakes Coins (SC). Players get SCs when buying GCs, from promotions, or mail-in requests.
To win redeemable cash at Pulsz, you’ll need to wager SCs. Players can switch between GC and SC at the top right of the Pulsz dashboard. Only SCs may get redeemed for gift cards and cash.
SCs come with a 1x wagering requirement. Each SC represents $1. There’s a minimum SC 100 ($100) for bank transfers or Skrill withdrawals.
If you want to redeem your SCs for a gift card, there’s a minimum SC 10.00 ($10). Click the Redeem button on your dashboard and have an electronic gift card sent to your registered email.
Pulsz offers ongoing promotions, a VIP Loyalty Rewards program for extra GCs, and a Refer-a-Friend bonus worth $20.
That makes it an excellent social gaming option for New York players!
WOW Vegas Casino
- Read our WOW Vegas Casino Promo Code & Review
- Bonus Offer: Get 1.75 million WOW Coins + 35 FREE Sweepstake Coins!
The WOW Vegas social casino is available to players in New York state via mobile apps and browsers, along with a desktop version. Its parent company, Wow Entertainment Limited, is licensed and regulated by the Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission.
New players can get 1.75 million WOW Coins, along with 35 Sweepstakes Coins. To buy WOW Coins, you can choose packages ranging from $0.49 to $999.99. Sweepstakes Coins are then given as bonus gifts with a purchase.
Players can't redeem their Gold Coins, but Sweepstakes Coins can be redeemed when a sufficient number are earned.
Here are a few popular games to consider from the software developers Pragmatic Play, 3 Oaks, Booming Games, and Betsoft:
- Hellvis Wild — win up to 5,000 X bet
- Tiger Jungle Hold and Win — 15 bonus symbols for a grand jackpot
- Fish Reef Megaways — 10,000 X with a huge max win
- Wild Diamond 7x — 3x3 slot with a 30 free spins feature
- Golden Dragon Inferno — 243 ways to win, four fixed jackpots
Chumba Casino
- Read our Chumba Casino Promo Code & Review
Under VGW Group (VGW Games/VGW Malta), the parent company of LuckyLand Slots, the Chumba Casino is available to players in New York. Regulated and licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority, the casino provides two currencies: Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins.
Play with Gold Coins for social gaming entertainment, or switch to Sweeps Coins for redeemable prizes. You’ll need a minimum of 100 Sweeps Coins to redeem them.
Chumba Casino has a $5,000 limit for a prize won on any single spin or play in New York (and Florida). Any award with a value that exceeds $5,000 gets reduced to that maximum value. Users may redeem their rewards for gift cards or cash.
Like other sweepstakes casinos, you must submit verification documents before redeeming your prize. They include copies of the following:
- A photo I.D. (passport, driver’s license)
- Proof of address (utility bill)
- Source of funds (bank statement, payslip)
The casino also adheres to a Responsible Social Gameplay Policy. Players may request a time-out or self-exclusion at any time, similar to legal online casinos.
Games at Chumba Casino include:
- Stampede Fury — Buffalo Slot Machine with five reels, 243 ways to win, and a Fireshot Jackpot™
- Big Bucks Bandits — 4x5 Megaways slot with up to 42 Jackpot and Prizes worth as much as 10,000x
- Bingo — 75-Ball, 90-Ball, and Bingo Blast (up to 125,000,000,000 Gold Coins and 2,500,000 Sweeps Coins awarded every month)
- Blackjack — Play up to five boxes at a time, add insurance, or max bet at 10,000 Gold Coins and 1,000 Sweeps Coins per hand
- SLINGO Berserk — Trigger special symbols such as wilds, free spins, and jackpots
We recommend playing at LuckyLand Slots and Chumba Casino to maximize your potential for big wins on both social gaming platforms!
BetRivers.NET
BetRivers is well-known for its online sportsbooks. Under the Rush Street Gaming umbrella, the Rivers Casino brand also operates a handful of retail locations in four states.
New York players must wait for a legal online casino from BetRivers. However, the social gaming branch of the site—CASINO4FUN—allows gamblers to play online for free.
Offering a simple approach to social gaming, BetRivers.NET allows players to experience a genuine online casino. After registering a new account, players start with 250 Virtual Credits (VC$), the site’s virtual currency.
If you run out of Virtual Credits, you can visit the VC$ store under your account dashboard. Packages range from $1.99 to $299.99.
The homepage shows gaming categories like Hot, Table, Slots, Blackjack, and Popular. They also get organized by software developers (Pragmatic, Everi, Konami).
There are also more than two dozen titles under the Live Dealer section!
Gamble alongside other players in an interactive gaming experience. You can even click the Table button to “sit” at multiple tables. (Make sure when you click over to the Evolution live options that the table allows VC$ rather than real money.)
Daily rewards under the Promotions tab include:
- Rewards Center — redeem Play Points which come from making wagers on the site
- Free Bingo — Daily Free Bingo Games from 7 pm - 11 pm EST
- Free Credits — Daily Free Virtual Credits (20 VC$) every four hours
- Free Spin — Daily Free Wheel Spin for up to 1,000 VC$
While there are no cashout options at BetRivers.NET, their platform offers a uniquely fun and rewarding social gaming experience.
LuckyLand Slots
The social casino, LuckyLand Slots, allows gamers to play on any device via an Android mobile app or a Facebook account. Play for fun with Gold Coins (GC) or Sweeps Coins (SC) to redeem for cash prizes.
Like Pulsz, there’s a Daily Login Bonus worth SC 0.30. Players can also collect 400 Gold Coins every four hours. Click the Buy button on the main screen to view coin packages.
Like their legal real money counterparts, most of the best social casinos offer deals for first-time purchases. Packages range from $0.99 to $99.99. The number of SCs you’ll receive approximately matches your deposit.
At LuckyLand Slots, there are about 100 games. You’ll find nearly two dozen Jackpot slots, 15 Instant Win titles, and a Big Hit Blackjack game. There’s also a section for Tournaments where you can compete against other players.
Click Redeem on the main screen to view your status regarding Sweeps Coins. Before withdrawing, there’s a 1x playthrough amount and an SC 50 minimum ($50).
On the homepage, LuckyLand Slots offers an interactive experience with information tabs. Users may click the ‘i’ button to view each game’s title, minimum bet, features, and volatility.
Jackpot enthusiasts can also monitor progressives while those numbers rise in real time.
Social gamers in New York with a competitive bent might prefer LuckyLand slots over WOW Vegas and Pulsz.
Legal Retail New York Casinos
Although there is currently one retail casino (Resorts World) in New York City, there are nearly two dozen retail locations throughout the state. For new land-based operations, lawmakers established the state’s Gaming Facility Location Board which accepts proposals for four upstate and three downstate casino licenses.
As of 2023, casino operators and real estate developers who submit proposals must receive local support through a Community Advisory Committee. Local committees in New York City get six members chosen by public officials. Each project must get at least a two-thirds majority from a local committee for state regulators to evaluate the application.
The recently-elected Democratic mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, hoped that two casinos in the city would help “boost the economy.” Governor Kathy Hochul ultimately maintains power over the New York State Gaming Commission, which created the Gaming Facility Location Board.
Lobbyists and lawmakers expect the licensing process to lead existing racinos to eventually offer table games with live dealers. That may bode well for any prospects regarding legal online casinos in New York.
Top companies offering proposals include Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Mohegan, and Bally’s.
Here is a list of NY casinos along with their land-based partners:
| DraftKings (DraftKings Del Lago Resort) | Del Lago Resort |
Waterloo, NY |
|
FanDuel & Betfair |
Tioga Downs Casino |
Nichols, NY |
| BetRivers (Kambi) |
Rivers Casino & Resort |
Schenectady, NY |
|
Turning Stone Resort & Casino |
Verona, NY
|
|
| Caesars |
Yellow Brick Road Casino |
Chittenango, NY
|
| Caesars | Point Place Casino |
Bridgeport, NY
|
| bet365 | Resorts World Catskills | Monticello, NY |
| TBD |
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino |
Salamanca, NY |
| TBD | Resorts World Casino | New York City, NY |
| TBD | Jake's 58 Hotel & Casino | Islandia, NY |
If you are interested in other social casinos, see our review on Fire Kirin, fortune coins, Crown Coins Casino.
Activating an Online Casino Account in New York
When the Empire State legalizes the best online casinos, signing up for an account will be simple. Note that NY online casinos are required by law to verify users’ identities to prevent money laundering and other illegal activities. Most online casinos will usually ask for standard personal information, as required by state regulators:
- Full name
- Address
- Email address
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Potentially other questions to verify your identity
What to Expect from New York Bonus Codes
There’s nothing better for players than some bonus cash just for signing up, and online casinos know this. This is why they offer enticing welcome bonuses for bettors to give their platform a shot. Players only get one chance at claiming a new user bonus at each casino, so make it count.
You’ll commonly see no-deposit bonuses in the $10-25 range, with a few higher ones mixed in. First deposit match bonuses are also fairly standard, usually 100% up to a specific limit. Finally, several but not all casinos will promote bonuses on the house, so it’s worth looking into if that is an enticing option for you.
As a note, players cannot cash out bonuses immediately as every casino will include a wagering or withdrawal requirement to prevent players from abusing these bonuses.
Expect there to be a flurry of exciting online casino promos when it becomes legalized in the Empire State.
Supported Playing Experiences on Web and Mobile
New York is expected to offer NY online casino players nearly every single option to play. Typically, a brand’s web experience and app tend to offer similar experiences. These experiences can vary by state.
Here are details on supported tech systems:
- Mobile: Android, iOS
- Web: PC, Mac
- Browsers: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari for Mac
Responsible Gambling in New York
Like any state with gambling opportunities, New York is required to provide some resources to address problem gambling in the state. While online gaming can be fun and exciting, it's also important to game responsibly and within your means.
Here are two in-state resources for problem gambling in New York:
- Text: HOPENY (467369)
- Telephone: 1-877-8-HOPENY
