This is the most straightforward way of placing a wager on a sporting event. You decide which result is most likely and stake a single amount on that outcome alone. So if you believe the New York Knicks are going to win their game tonight, you place a bet on that outcome. You will know exactly how much you stand to win if you are correct.
The Best Sports Betting Sites in New York 2022
Online sports betting in New York went live in January 2022 and the response from the wagering public was phenomenal. In the first 30 days, NY sports betting operators took nearly $2billion in bets. Read our guide to the top sportsbook sites in the state for great odds, outstanding bonuses and the most exciting wagers.
Our top recommended New York sportsbooks
Sites for New York sports bettors to avoid
For your safety and security, we recommend using only licensed and fully regulated New York sports betting sites and apps. Many unlicensed offshore operators will try to attract your custom – some of these will appear on our list of sites to avoid. There are many reasons for avoiding these sites, including payment problems, false advertising, rigged games, and generally questionable practices.
Top online sportsbooks in NY
When it comes to choosing the best betting site for you, the selection available includes some of the leading players in the market. These operators have developed outstanding sportsbooks with excellent promotions and a wide range of sports and markets.
BetMGM
The BetMGM sportsbook comes to NY sports betting with one of the most well-known names in the casino and leisure space. MGM enhanced its sports betting capability by creating a betting arm in conjunction with Entain, one of the most experienced and respected brands in that field in the UK and beyond.
BetMGM has a bold, assertive marketing strategy, with actor Jamie Foxx as the face of its campaigns. Since it launched in New York on January 17 2022, bettors in the Empire State have had the chance to take advantage of a generous sign-up bonus of a $50 balance boost and a risk-free bet of up to $1,000.
With the extra flexibility of its Edit My Bet feature, which allows you to change the terms of a wager even after the event in question is under way, it is a destination for the experienced player, as well as the novice.
Caesars
Caesars is another brand with a long history in casinos – it is arguably the most famous name in that leisure area. It moved with impressive speed to embrace the potential of sports wagering by acquiring William Hill, one of the leading UK betting brands that already had a US presence, for nearly $4billion.
The result is a superb NY mobile sports betting experience. An eye-popping welcome bonus of a risk-free bet of up to $1,500 is backed up by a regular supply of ongoing promotions and offers, and first-class user experience.
With a great rewards program and comprehensive customer support options, Caesars deserves its place in the top rank of NY sports betting sites. It had a presence in the state already, supplying the sportsbook at three upstate casinos.
Players who enjoy mixing casino games with their sports betting will find an excellent selection of online games to enjoy too.
DraftKings
DraftKings made its name as one of the two leading providers of Daily Fantasy Sports games to players across the USA. Since sports betting was effectively legalized in 2018, it has enhanced its offering and is now recognized as one of the best sportsbooks available in the many states where it holds a license.
Sports bettors at the upstate Del Lago casino had already had a taste of the DraftKings sportsbook before it was one of the initial four New York sports betting sites to go live on January 8 2022.
DraftKings scores extremely highly for the quality of the user experience on both desktop and mobile platforms, and for the broad variety of markets on offer. You will notice that the home page is personalized to offer you bets that match your stated preference and user history, making it ideal for the regular bettor.
FanDuel
Along with DraftKings, FanDuel was one of the heavy hitters in the Daily Fantasy Sports space before it pivoted sharply to embrace sports betting. It has progressed superbly in leveraging its high DFS-driven profile and is now commonly regarded as one of the leaders in the US online sports betting space.
FanDuel was the first operator to launch a US sports betting app, assisted by its mobile-first approach to DFS games, and it was one of the first four firms to go live for online sports betting in New York on January 8 2022.
It is very hard to find fault with the FanDuel sportsbook. It is easy to use and the choice of markets is plentiful, matched by the high frequency with which it offers boosts and other bonuses.
FanDuel is also a solid choice for bettors who enjoy in-play wagering. Its service is backed up by a strong commitment to live streaming of events.
PointsBet
PointsBet entered the online sports betting market in New York on January 24 2022. PointsBet is the home of PointsBetting, which adds an exciting twist to spreads. If you cover the spread, you do not simply get a fixed return; your winnings are determined by how much you beat the spread by. The flipside is that if you are on the wrong side of the spread, your losses increase too.
But this enhancement to the ever-popular option of points spread betting has helped PointsBet to carve out a healthy niche in the states where it has gone live.
You can place wagers in the more conventional way too, and there is plenty besides to like about this feisty underdog. That includes a welcome bonus that can total $2,000 in risk-free bets.
WynnBET
Unlike many of its rivals in the casino space, Wynn took some time to get into gear and embrace the possibilities of sports betting. However, it has now brought its recognizably luxurious and high-quality approach to the world of wagering and is winning plenty of friends in the process.
WynnBET was the seventh brand to go live in New York, opening its virtual doors in February 2022. The focus is on elegance and style; this is online wagering with a touch of class.
The WynnBET mobile app is extremely well designed, allowing bettors to move easily to the sports and markets they want to bet on. The choice of sports available could be broader, while the absence of any live streaming is a negative too. But this is a brand with deep pockets that, with a few adjustments, could be a serious player in the NY mobile sports betting field and beyond.
BetRivers
The Rivers brand is a familiar name in the casino world, with several properties across the USA including an establishment in Schenectady. It has moved swiftly to develop its sportsbook, which is now live in several states, and was one of the first to launch a NY mobile sports betting offering on January 8 2022.
New customers can take advantage of a simple but generous welcome bonus, a 100% match on your first deposit of up to $250.
That is followed up by a healthy choice of boosts and bonuses, as well as a good VIP program and easy navigation on both website and app.
While BetRivers may not have the trailblazing impact of some of its New York sports betting rivals, it is particularly strong when it comes to allowing flexibility on parlay bets. It fully deserves its place in this ultra-competitive market place.
Popular sports to bet on in New York
As can been seen in the stunning results from the first months of legal sports betting New York, this is a state that absolutely loves sport. It is home to numerous top pro teams and college outfits, and embraces events further afield too.
Football
Football is the daddy of the USA’s sporting family. It is the biggest game across the land and boasts, in the NFL, the world’s most lucrative sports league and the leading annual betting event, the Super Bowl.
New York City fans may have had less to get excited about in recent years, given the under-achievement of the Giants and the Jets. But the Buffalo Bills have flown the flag for the Empire State in the NFL.
Regardless of local teams’ form, the appeal of football to sports bettors is irresistible and ensures healthy interest whenever the game is on.
Basketball
The New York Knicks, based in the heart of Manhattan at Madison Square Garden, still attract a loyal following even though their last championship was as long ago as 1973. The state is also home to another NBA team, the Brooklyn Nets.
Basketball’s profile has risen considerably in recent decades, and there is a considerable appetite for top NBA action. The sheer number of games played, and the fact that it is a relatively high-scoring sport, also make the NBA an ideal vehicle for betting – another factor that will keep interest high in New York and beyond.
Baseball
In the New York Yankees, the state is home to arguably the most famous and iconic sports team in US sport.
The Bronx Bombers’ 27 World Series titles illustrate the firm grip they have held on the affections of several generations of baseball-mad New Yorkers, a hold that is unlikely to loosen any time soon. The New York Mets also fly the Major League Baseball flag in the state.
The length of the regular season, the place it occupies in the American psyche and the fact that it drives huge number of stats mean that baseball will always command serious levels of betting interest here.
Hockey
Hockey is often seen as the fourth of the Big Four sports – but not in New York, a state that is home to three well-supported NHL sides and plenty of fans who will be keen to wager on the action.
The fact that the New York Rangers play in the heart of the Big Apple at Madison Square Garden boosts their profile. The Rangers have won four Stanley Cups – the same total as their local rivals, the New York Islanders.
The Buffalo Sabres may have no Stanley Cups in the cabinet but they draw big local support, including many Canadians who cross the border to watch games.
NCAA football
College football is a very big deal in the state of New York. There are numerous universities with programs in the top three divisions of the NCAA and whether you pull for Syracuse, Cornell, Fordham or West Point, you will not be alone. Millions of people follow college football here.
But is college sports betting legal in New York? Not on games involving teams based in the state. Bettors must scratch their college football betting itch by wagering on sides from elsewhere.
NCAA basketball
No fewer than 22 New York college basketball programs send out teams to play in Division I of the NCAA. That guarantees a serious level of interest in the sport among sports fans across the Empire State.
However, you cannot back up that interest with a wager on any team whose home is in the state. It is one of the few restrictions imposed by New York sports betting law.
The Syracuse Orange have long been seen as the best New York college basketball team, but the competition among state teams is seriously intense.
Soccer
Major League Soccer has made great strides in recent years and two of its teams, the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, call the Big Apple home.
However, the cosmopolitan nature of New York ensures there is a healthy appetite for watching action from overseas – soccer is, after all, the most popular sport in the world.
When it comes to NY sports betting, you can be sure of a high level of interest in the exploits of the top teams in major leagues such as the English Premier League and Spain’s La Liga.
Golf
Golf is a sport that lends itself to New York legal sports betting. It is played at the top level virtually all year round, there are huge fields teeing it up in the top tours and the structure of the sport lends itself to a host of different wagering opportunities.
New York is also home to some of the greatest courses in the US. Venues including Shinnecock Hills, Bethpage and Winged Foot have staged numerous US Opens and PGA Championships.
Add in the other Majors – The Open and the Masters – and seismic team clashes like the Ryder Cup and you are guaranteed a steady level of interest in golf betting.
IndyCar racing
None of the events on the IndyCar calendar takes place very close to New York, but that will not stop people in the Empire State wagering on this fascinating series.
With events running from February to October, there is plenty of action to intrigue fans of this high-octane sport.
Its highlight is the Indy 500, run on the last weekend of May, and it will be fascinating to see the level of New York sports betting generated by the event now that wagering is legal here for the first time.
NASCAR racing
NASCAR racing is a genuine coast-to-coast sport these days. With 1,500 races in several series hosted at more than 100 tracks in 48 states, this is the sport that more than any other satisfies the American thirst for four-wheeled speed.
New York is home to some of those tracks, including Watkins Glen, and NY mobile sports betting sites carry extensive selections of lines and props around the leading series.
That suggests there will never be any shortage of interest among players who are big fans of motorsport in general and NASCAR in particular.
New York sports betting facts
Online sports betting in New York is here to stay. To get an idea of how dedicated sports bettors in the Empire State are today, and have been in the past, here are some statistics relating to the activity.
$1.98billion
The total handle for the first 30 days of legal New York sports betting
1940
The year in which betting on elections, which used to be rife in New York, began to decline
51%
The tax rate on sports betting revenues. This is the highest in the USA
98%
The proportion of sports betting tax revenues that will go to education
Bet types and markets
There are several ways in which you can enjoy New York sports betting. All modern sportsbooks understand that their customers want a variety of options when it comes to staking money on the outcome of their favorite sports events. The following bet types and markets are just a sample of the most popular choices available.
- Single
- Parlay
- Live betting
- Point spread
- Over/under
- Props
Free bets, bonuses and promotions
New York sports betting operators have a host of strategies when it comes to enticing potential customers. One of the most potent weapons in their arsenal is the ability to offer special bonuses, especially promotions that give extra value to new players when they sign up for an account - such as a no-deposit bonus.
| Bonus | Description |
|---|---|
Welcome bonus | Sports betting firms want you to feel welcome and in return for signing up, you should get a generous bonus that boosts your betting power and gives you the sense that you are receiving extra value in your betting experience. These can take various forms. |
No-deposit bonus | Some sportsbooks will put money in your account simply because you have signed up with them. It could be $10 or $50 which means your balance is already boosted before you have even put a dime of your own money in. |
Risk-free bets | This is a particularly popular offer to new customers. When you place your first wager, which can be $1,000 or more, it comes with no risk. If your selection wins, you pick up your return; if it loses, you get your stake back as a free bet or site credit. |
Cashback | The most common way of receiving cashback is through parlay insurance. If just one of your selections is unsuccessful, you may receive your initial stake back, usually in the form of a free bet. |
Enhanced odds | Bet boosts are an excellent way to receive extra value on your selection. Some NY sports betting firms offer several sets of enhanced odds on a daily basis - check out the special Boosts sections to see which wagers could win you more than you had planned. |
Loyalty offers | Reward schemes and VIP programs give dedicated and regular bettors a sense of belonging. The more you bet, the more rewards you can earn, usually in the form of points that can be traded in for bet credits, merchandise or more. |
Legal sports betting in New York
There were several false starts in New York after the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) was ruled unconstitutional by the US Supreme Court in 2018. It was not until 2021 that state legislators and governor Andrew Cuomo included NY mobile sports betting in the state budget.
Once online sports betting in New York was legalized in 2021, nine licenses were issued. The first four sportsbooks went live on January 8 2022, and by mid-February another three operators had launched.
What is the legal sports betting age?
Under current legislation, you need to be aged 21 or over to be able to take part in New York sports betting.
Is all sports betting legal in New York?
There are certain restrictions applied to the markets that can legally be offered by New York sports betting firms. One is that bets may not be taken on college sports events that involve teams who are based in the state. It is also forbidden for any operator to run markets relating to political events. That covers international, national and local elections.
Are sportsbook winnings taxable?
Yes, they are. The IRS treats gambling winnings as taxable income. It is advisable that you keep a record of all your wins and losses, so that you are prepared to declare them on your annual tax return.
How we rate the best sports betting sites
Our team bring considerable online gambling expertise to the task of reviewing New York sports betting websites. We understand that there are a host of factors that need to be taken into account when it comes to deciding which sportsbooks are the best for bettors in the state to use. Among those factors we weigh up when calculating our expert ratings are:
Security: Is the sportsbook licensed and regulated, with SSL encryption?
Bonuses: Range and quality of promotions and VIP rewards
Markets: Range of options available and quality of odds
Mobile: How good is the experience of betting through your device?
Banking: Range of options for deposit and withdrawal, and speed of payment
Support: How strong is the customer care package?
Responsible gaming
For the vast majority, sports betting is a relaxing, fun leisure experience but there is a risk of it becoming addictive. There are certain key principles that you should follow to ensure you are betting responsibly:
Don’t bet when you are not in control of your emotions, or have been drinking
Never wager more than you can afford to lose
Do ask for help from support groups if you feel you are having problems with betting
Check out our responsible gambling resources for more advice
FAQ
Is sports betting legal in New York?
Yes, it is. As of January 2022, you may place a wager on a sporting event through any operator that is licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission.
What sports betting apps are legal in New York?
The first four NY mobile sports betting apps to go live in January 2022 were FanDuel, Caesars, DraftKings and BetRivers. They were shortly followed by BetMGM, PointsBet and WynnBET. A total of nine licenses can be issued, which means another two operators are in the process of going live early in 2022.
What events can’t I bet on in New York?
You are not allowed to gamble on college sports events involving teams based in New York. And no sportsbook is allowed to run markets on political events, including elections. Besides that, there are very few restrictions on what types of wagers NY mobile sports betting operators can offer to customers.
What information is needed to sign up for an online sportsbook account in New York?
During the process of registering for a sports betting account, you should expect to submit several pieces of personal information. These include your name and address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, as well as your cellphone number and email address.
How can I deposit funds into an NY sportsbook?
The best online sports betting firms will offer several banking methods by which you can place funds in your account. These should include debit and credit cards, bank transfers, prepaid cards, and e-wallets.
How much tax do sportsbooks have to pay?
The law permitting sportsbooks to offer NY sports betting stipulates that they must pay 51% of their revenues to the state in taxes.
What does the 51% sports betting tax rate mean for New York bettors?
It has very little impact for New York bettors, but the tax rate imposed on companies offering online sports betting is the highest in the country. There were fears that sportsbooks would offer less generous odds, lines and spreads because of the need to protect their profits. However, in the early stages of NY mobile sports betting, those fears appeared groundless and the experience for bettors was as good as in any other states.
