Most US states currently don’t allow wagering on eSports. Unfortunately for bettors in the Empire State New York is among those states that has not made it legal to bet on eSports.
New York currently doesn’t allow eSports betting, just as they don’t permit wagering on college sports involving in-state schools, or college events played in the state. Prop wagering on all college sports is also prohibited.
Many in the industry tend to view eSports along these same lines. Since eSports competitors tend to be younger adults and in some cases teenagers, there isn’t the same appetite for wagering on those sports as there is for traditional pro sports like football, hockey and baseball.
There is also a sense in the sports betting industry that eSports are similar in scope to events such as awards show betting on the Academy Awards, Grammys or Emmys, or betting on political elections like the US Presidential race. Betting is also prohibited in New York on all of these outcomes.
When it comes to sports betting, wagering on eSports is rapidly increasing in scope and popularity. While certainly still a niche sport in comparison to sports such as the NFL or NBA, more than $1 billion was wagered on eSports in 2021.
Available Games To Bet
The most popular types of eSports games are first-person shooter (FPS), multiple-player online battle arena (MOBA), and real-time strategy (RTS).
Popular eSports games that bettors can get action on include CS:GO; Dota 2; League of Legends, CSGO, Fortnite, Call of Duty, VALORANT, Hearthstone, PUGB, Rocket League, Rainbow 6, and FIFA.
The usual traditional sports betting options are available, such as moneylines on outrights, tournament winners, match winners and MVPs of events. Prop wagering is offered on both matches and specific players, along with a number of live betting options.
Best New York Esports Betting Sites
After years of waiting, New York finally approved statewide online and mobile betting in 2022.
However, the state has yet to legalize eSports betting. Currently, New Jersey, Tennessee, West Virginia and Nevada are the only US states currently offering legalized licensed and regulated eSports betting.
New York is in a unique position, however. Although betting on eSports is not permitted, eSports is regulated by the state, meaning there are specific rules and restrictions in place to govern the sport. Arkansas, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island are other US states that also regulate eSports, even though they also don’t allow wagering on these events..
The Barclays Center in Brooklyn annually plays host to the ESL One New York. This yearly video game tournament is conducted by the largest eSports network on the planet.
New York Esports Rules
The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all aspects of gaming activity in the Empire State. Players must be at least 21 years of age to legally bet online at a sports betting site or casino in the state of New York.
FAQs
No. New York has not legalized betting on eSports yet.
In terms of sports betting, whether in person or online, the legal age to play is 21.
There is mobile sports betting in New York via both Android and iOS devices.
