New York City – Guide to Betting and Fun
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 those amazing things to do on your next trip.
Place your bets
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. And fun fact – The name Big Apple was actually the name for New York City 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, but it certainly is 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 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 it is the home of the famous Belmont Stakes, which happens in June. The distance is officially listed as a mile-and-a-half and is presented by NYRA Bets.
Aqueduct Racetrack is another incredible location. Live racing resumes in December 2021. 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 nine legal mobile sportsbooks in New York, you can place bets from the comfort of your home. NYC sports betting fans can easily visit upstate to bet. FanDuel Sportsbook at the Meadowlands Racetrack is fantastic and connected to MetLife Stadium, where the Giants play in New Jersey. Like Belmont Stakes, this is also accessible with a connecting train from Penn Station.
Mobile sports betting was signed into the state budget, so online sports betting is in place now. The New York State Gaming Commission announced the sportsbooks that are issued licenses to take bets in New York. DraftKings is live, BetRivers Sportsbook is one other contender. Currently they partner with Rivers Casino and are live New York as well.
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. So far things look positive with nine casino operators butting in interest for three downstate casino licenses, according to the gaming commission.
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.
Stay and sleep in New York
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 exports 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.
Eat in New York
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 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 is 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 the 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.