We're a few hours into New York online sports betting, and naturally people have questions.
If you're new to betting (or just new to legal betting), there could be some hangups as you get started.
Luckily it takes just a few minutes to get started and you'll be placing your first bet in no time.
Here are the four steps to get started, with plenty of helpful links along the way for new bettors.
How to Start Betting in New York
Before we dive into signing up, familiarize yourself with key sports betting terms and ideas:
- How Odds Work in Betting
- 12 Tips for Beginners
- What Do These Different Bonuses Mean?
- How Should I Use My Bonuses?
- When Will Online Casinos Launch?
1. Choose Your Sportsbook
OK, now let's get started with your first sportsbook.
Eventually, you'll want to have multiple sportsbooks to get the best prices and a variety of bet types. But you gotta start with one.
Let's start with FanDuel, one of the four sites going live on Saturday, Jan. 8. The DFS giant is the industry leader in sports betting right now thanks to its existing user base, smooth app and huge betting menu.
DraftKings, Caesars and BetRivers will also go live Saturday. Five more sportsbooks will launch in New York in the coming weeks..
2. Sign Up
New bettors can claim $100 in free bets and a $1,000 deposit match here or click the image below to start the sign-up process.
You'll be taken through a normal sign-up flow and asked to put in some information, like:
- Name
- Address
- Birthday
- Last four digits of SSN
Don't put in any false information, or the sportsbook won't be able to verify your account, and you won't be able to deposit and withdraw money.
3. Deposit Money Online
Some states require you to sign up and/or deposit at in-person sportsbooks and casinos. Not in New York.
FanDuel will prompt you to deposit in the sign-up flow. Just add a bank account or credit card to get started.
Here are the most popular deposit options:
- Credit card
- Bank account
- PayPal
- Wire transfer
- Many more…
4. Place Your First Bet
Alright, now the fun part. It's time to place your first bet.
Once you're on the site or in the app, just click on the bet that you want next to the team you want to bet. The bet cell will turn blue, and also show up in the Bet Slip on the right side of your screen. In the FanDuel app, the Bet Slip is at the bottom.
Let's say you like the Chiefs -10.5 against the Broncos. Click the box that lines up with the Chiefs point spread, and it'll turn blue. Head over to the bet slip, enter the dollar amount you want to bet, and click the green button at the bottom to place the bet.
All set! You've just placed your first legal sports betting wager in New York. Now sit back and enjoy NFL Week 18 and beyond.
