From casinos to racetracks, discover where to bet and play in New York. Our guide covers 22 venues across the Empire State.
Central New York • Hotel, Spa, Golf
Capital Region • Hotel, Dining, Entertainment
Finger Lakes • Hotel, Spa, Dining
Catskills • Hotel, Spa, Golf
Western New York • Hotel, Spa, Dining
Southern Tier • Hotel, Spa, Dining
Western New York • Dining, Parking
North Country • Hotel, Spa, Dining
Central New York • Dining, Parking
Central New York • Dining, Parking
Lower Hudson Valley • Dining, Entertainment, Parking
Capital Region • Hotel, Dining, Entertainment
Southern Tier • Hotel, Dining, Golf
New York is the city that never sleeps. It is always fast. It is always fun. And it is always betting that you will fall in love with one of the best places in the world to visit. This is especially true for those who love to gamble. Place your bets on the Big Apple and check out the amazing things to do on your next trip.
If you are coming for horse races, there is no better experience than seeing the speed on the track that happens as quick as a New York minute. Fun fact: The name "Big Apple" was actually crafted by the legendary writer John J. Fitz Gerald who wrote about races for the New York Morning Telegraph in the 1920s.
It's not just a juicy fruit—it's certainly a great place to bet on the ponies at Belmont Park in Queens. Easily accessible by train from Penn Station, you can step right off at the tracks and into a tunnel that leads you to Belmont. For more than a century, Belmont has been the stage for many of racing's greatest legends and is the home of the famous Belmont Stakes in June. The distance is officially listed as a mile-and-a-half and is presented by NYRA Bets.
Aqueduct Racetrack, also known as "The Big A," is the only racetrack in NYC, occupying 210 acres in South Ozone Park in Queens. Since 2013, the New York Racing Association has invested more than $18 million in capital improvements at Aqueduct, making it a beautiful place to visit and experience the best in horse racing. The Big A is easily accessible via car, bus, and subway.
New York City is also home to some of the best sports teams in America. From football with the Giants and the Jets to baseball with the Yankees and Mets, as well as basketball with the New York Knicks in Manhattan and the Brooklyn Nets in Brooklyn, it's a place that offers a wide variety of betting opportunities.
Currently, there are eight legal mobile sportsbooks in New York where you can place bets from the comfort of your home. NYC sports betting fans can easily visit upstate venues to bet in person. Looking for mobile sports betting? Check out our NY Sportsbooks guide for the complete list of licensed mobile operators.
In December 2025, the state finally awarded the three "Downstate Casino Licenses" to Resorts World NYC (Queens), Hard Rock (Queens), and Bally's (Bronx).
These are fully regulated "Vegas-style" casinos with live table games and full-service retail sportsbooks.
| Casino Name | Location | Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Rivers Casino & Resort | Schenectady, NY | Rivers Sportsbook |
| del Lago Resort & Casino | Waterloo, NY | DraftKings Sportsbook |
| Resorts World Catskills | Monticello, NY | Sportsbook 360 |
| Tioga Downs Casino Resort | Nichols, NY | FanDuel Sportsbook |
Owned by sovereign nations (Oneida, Seneca, Mohawk), these have offered sports betting since 2019/2021.
| Casino Name | Location | Sportsbook |
|---|---|---|
| Turning Stone Resort Casino | Verona, NY | TS Sports (Caesars) |
| Seneca Niagara Resort | Niagara Falls, NY | The Sports Lounge |
| Seneca Buffalo Creek | Buffalo, NY | The Sports Lounge |
| Seneca Allegany Resort | Salamanca, NY | The Sports Lounge |
| Point Place Casino | Bridgeport, NY | TS Sports (Caesars) |
| YBR Casino & Sports Book | Chittenango, NY | TS Sports (Caesars) |
| Akwesasne Mohawk Casino | Hogansburg, NY | Sticks Sports Book |
The landscape shifted dramatically in late 2025 with the awarding of three downstate casino licenses.
Currently transitioning from Racino to full commercial casino. Sportsbook 360 active; full retail betting windows expected Spring 2026.
Construction began Jan 2026. The facility and future Hard Rock Sportsbook will not open until 2030.
Currently a golf course at Ferry Point; construction on the casino and temporary sportsbook is pending.
MGM pulled out Oct 2025. Remains a VLT facility (slots/electronic tables only). No retail sportsbook available.
When in town, pick from a variety of fantastic hotel options such as the luxe Baccarat Hotel New York. Exquisite and elegant rooms await you in this posh venue in Midtown. Just as lovely is the divine Four Seasons Hotel Downtown with captivating views of the waterfront close by.
For a true Central Park experience, the Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle captivates the traveler and puts them right in the middle of one of the biggest parks in the world. The Times Square EDITION offers a sleek option for modern travelers looking for edgy fun in this hotspot.
For those wanting more of a boutique hotel experience, there is The Ludlow in the East Village that transports you to a world of trendy and well-styled accommodations. And for the ultimate view of the city, head over to the exquisite 1 Hotel Brooklyn. There is nothing more stunning than a rooftop drink here that has 360-degree views of the city including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.
If you love to bet and love to eat, New York City is a foodie paradise. From dollar slices of pizza on busy street corners to high-end Michelin chef offerings, there is no place like the Big Apple when it comes to eating.
Contento in East Harlem is popping up on everyone's lists. Check out this wine bar with Peruvian flair. Sweetbriar in the Flatiron district is also buzzing. Executive Chef Bryce Shuman of Betony and Eleven Madison Park opened the brand new restaurant that showcases everything farm fresh and sustainable. There are numerous vegetable preparations to curated meat and fish options that are flame roasted or buried in lit coals.
And of course, there is nothing more New York City Instagram-worthy than a big steak. From Empire Steak House in Midtown to Sparks with legendary tales of mob ties, you get quality meat and some good old-fashioned city love.
Gallagher's Steakhouse completely lives up to its reputation. It's a must-stop to experience the legendary sense of history now brought to modern times with Chef Alan Ashkinaze. The iconic log flame and hickory here is unique and gives each steak an incredible quality that you cannot miss.
With so many different opportunities for gambling, it just adds to the allure of New York City, which is also home to Broadway and amazing attractions like the Empire State Building, Central Park, and the famed Statue of Liberty.
There is also developing news that Manhattan's East River waterfront is wanting to be a spot for a "Monte Carlo"-style casino. The planned East River casino submitted to the state Gaming Commission is from restaurateur Michael "Buzzy" O'Keeffe and his popular Water Club in Midtown.
Written by Elizabeth Taylor