Online casinos in New York are not legal yet

It is 2026, and online casinos in New York do not currently offer legal real-money play. Unfortunately, players in the state cannot legally access online slots, blackjack, roulette, live dealer games, or online poker for real money through NY-licensed apps.

New York allows online sports betting only, which is live statewide. Online casino gambling (or as it is called iGaming) remains unapproved as of 2026.

New York online casino legalization: where things stand

New York lawmakers continue to explore legalizing online casino gambling, but no bill has passed into law yet. The land-based casino lobby is strong. State Senator Joseph Addabbo has repeatedly introduced legislation to regulate real-money online casinos, including slots, table games, live dealer casinos, and online poker, but there has been no progress.

The most recent proposals would:

• License online casinos through existing land-based casinos
• Place regulation under the New York State Gaming Commission
• Require live dealer studios to be located inside New York
• Include dedicated funding for responsible gambling programs

As of 2026, these bills remain under legislative review, with no confirmed launch date.

NY Bet: Why online casinos matter in New York

New York is already the largest sports betting market in the U.S. Lawmakers view online casinos as a potential new revenue source, especially as surrounding states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania continue to generate billions from iGaming.

Supporters argue that regulated online casinos would:

• Keep gambling dollars inside New York
• Offer consumer protections missing from unregulated sites
• Generate tax revenue without expanding physical casinos

Opposition mainly comes from groups concerned about the impact on land-based casino employment.

Sweepstakes casinos are not allowed in New York

Sweepstakes casino sites that offer real money prizes, like WOW casino, are not legal in New York. State enforcement actions have targeted platforms that used dual-currency sweepstakes models to offer cash-equivalent prizes.

As a result, New York players should avoid sweepstakes casinos claiming to operate legally in the state.

New York online casinos to watch

If New York legalizes online casinos, the first operators are expected to be brands that already hold sports betting licenses in the state.

Likely candidates include:

• BetMGM Casino NY
• Caesars Palace Online Casino NY
• DraftKings Casino NY
• FanDuel Casino NY
• BetRivers Casino NY
• Fanatics NY Casino
• Bally Casino NY

These real money online casino operators already run legal sites and apps in neighboring states and would be positioned to launch quickly in New York.

Will online casinos be legal in New York in 2026?

As of now, online casinos are still illegal in New York, and legalization in 2026 is possible but not guaranteed. Much depends on the state budget process, downstate casino licensing decisions, and legislative priorities.

The approval of new land-based casino licenses in the New York City area is widely viewed as a prerequisite before lawmakers move forward with online casino expansion.

What New York players can do right now

While waiting for online casino legalization, New York players have these legal options:

• Use NY-licensed sports betting apps for wagering on sports
• Visit land-based casinos across the state
• Travel to nearby states like New Jersey where online casinos are legal

Any site offering real-money casino games online inside New York should be treated with caution.

The Best Casinos in New York (TOP Gambling Venues 2026)

For now, New Yorkers who want the full casino experience can visit one of the state’s many physical casinos. These range from upstate resorts to NYC-area spots like Empire City Casino in Yonkers. Here’s a quick look at some of New York’s popular brick-and-mortar casinos:

• Resorts World Catskills – Monticello
• Rivers Casino & Resort – Schenectady
• Empire City Casino by MGM – Yonkers
• Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino – Niagara Falls
• Turning Stone Resort Casino – Verona

And there’s more on the way! New York’s Gaming Facility Location Board is reviewing applications for up to three new casino licenses in the downstate area (think New York City, Long Island, Westchester). With applications due by June 2025 and decisions expected by December, these new spots could open as early as 2026.

Types Real Money Casino Games

The old saying is that variety is the spice of life and when it comes to online casino gambling. New Yorkers can look forward to being given access to a vast array of games. Slot machines, jackpots, table games, live dealer tables, video poker, even virtual sports – it’s all there for the taking. 

Online Slots

When it comes to online casino gaming, far and away the most popular form of gameplay are the slots. This is entirely understandable. Table games such as blackjack, roulette, or baccarat might be intimidating to the new casino bettor. Pulling a level or pushing the button of a slot machine is as simple and easy as gambling can get. It’s entirely 100 percent a game of chance. Skill is not a requirement for success.

New York online casinos like BetMGM (can play only in NJ) will on average offer hundreds of slot game options from all of the top providers in the industry, such as NetEnt, IGT, PlayTech. They will carry everything from traditional favorites to new videoslot games and exclusive many reels slots with high RTP, good payout percentage and great bonus features that includes extra spins that are only available on their gambling site online.

Jackpots

Progressive jackpot slots are the most popular form of game played at online casinos (soon in New York). The best progressive slots are a unique type of slot machines. They’re known for their huge additional prizes which keep rising every time someone spins the reels. Each time the wheels spin on a jackpot slot machine, a portion of that wager played is added to the jackpot total. Players can see the jackpot grow incrementally in real time. Some jackpot slots can reach into the millions of dollars.

Table Games

Online casino table games are for players who enjoy a bit of added intrigue and excitement in their casino play. As well, there is a mix of luck, skill and strategy involved, so players also like the notion that they at least have some control over the outcome of the game. Popular table games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat and craps. Leading online casinos will be offering several variations of each of these games to their players. 

Live Dealer Options

The newest and fastest-growing area of game play at online casinos are live dealer table games. As the name suggests, while players are still playing their casino table games online, they are doing so with an actual human being overseeing game play. 

Dealers and croupiers are situated in a studio and interact with players in real time. It offers the effect of delivering the feel of being on an actual casino floor without the need to shower, or get in the car and drive there. You’re still doing your casino gambling from the comfort of your own home – or wherever you might be if accessing via a mobile app.

Video Poker

Sitting at a poker table, contesting hands against other players, even within an online environment, can also be an intimidating process. That’s why many players prefer the anonymity of video poker. Instead of facing opponents, players are going one on one with a computer. 

Video poker variables include Jacks or Better, Deuces Wild, Tens or Better, Bonus Poker, Aces and Faces and Joker Poker.

Bingo, Slingo and more

Many casinos are beginning to offer online bingo parlors, as well as slingo, which is a game that is a combination of bingo and slot machines. 

Virtual sports are another online casino game offering that is rapidly growing in popularity. Players can wager on virtual, computerized versions of sports such as soccer, auto racing, golf, tennis, basketball, horse racing, greyhound racing, cycling and motorcycle racing.

Results for these virtual events are created through the use of a computerized random number generator.

New York online casino FAQs

Are online casinos legal in New York?

No. Real-money online casino gambling is not legal in New York as of 2026.

Can you play online slots for real money in New York?

No. Online slots and table games are not legally available through NY-licensed apps.

Is New York planning to legalize online casinos?

Yes. Lawmakers continue to introduce bills, but none have passed yet.

Who would regulate online casinos in New York?

Any future online casino market would be regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Which casino brands could launch first in NY?

BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers are considered leading candidates.

New York online casinos remain illegal, but momentum toward legalization continues. With sports betting already established and new casino licenses under review, online casino gambling is a realistic next step — just not a certainty yet.

NY.bet tracks every development so New York players know exactly what’s legal today and what may be coming next.