Best New York Online Casinos 2025
Despite legalizing online sports betting and seeing several sportsbooks launch in January 2022, New York has yet to create a regulated online casino market. Lawmakers will discuss the issue in the 2025 NY state legislative session.
However, until lawmakers resolve the issue, players can use sweepstakes casinos in New York. These platforms let players enjoy casino games for fun, playing for a chance to redeem real-life prizes. Below, we’ll delve further into the legality of NY casinos and appraise the best sweepstake brands in the state.
Best Casino Games to Win Real Money in New York
If you intend to play at real-money New York online casinos, targeting games with the highest RTP rates is essential. This gives insight into a game’s approximate return per $100 staked.
This is true across all casino verticals, including slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and video poker. Here’s a breakdown of the best games within each vertical to win real money.
Slots
Blackjack
Roulette
Live Dealer
Crash Games
Card Games
Baccarat
Arcade
Bingo
Casual Games
Craps
Dice Games
Fish Shooting
Game Shows
Instant Games
Keno
Other
Scratch Cards
Slingo
Table Games
Video Poker
Virtual Sports
Spinmatic
Amatic Industries
Barcrest Games
Spinmatic
SmartSoft Gaming
Casino Web Scripts
How to Win Real Money on Casino Games in New York
These games are among the best in each category for RTP, which indicates your potential return from millions of simulated outcomes, although it is no guarantee. RTP rates will also vary between different games, verticals, and casinos. On average, blackjack and video poker offer the best RTP rates, often above 99%.
New York Online Gambling Overview
New York Gambling Laws
New York doesn’t have a lawful, regulated marketplace for online casinos. However, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has referred SB 2614 to the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering in the latest bid to legalize online casinos in the state.
Although this is unlikely to pass in the 2025 legislative session, it will lay out formal plans to legalize online casinos and create an agreeable tax levy on operators.
Sweepstakes casinos can operate in NY thanks to the no-purchase-necessary clause. These sites let you use virtual currency to access games such as slots, roulette, and blackjack and play for fun.
How to Play With New York Casinos
If you want to wager at one or more sweepstakes casinos in New York, you must target reputable sites with SSL encryption to safeguard your data. Once you’ve identified your preferred casino, follow the steps below to open an account.
- Head to the casino and hit “Register” or “Sign Up.” This button is usually located in the top right-hand corner of the lobby.
- Enter your personal information, like your email and unique username, alongside your name, address, DOB, and phone number.
- Agree to the terms and conditions and complete any verification.
- Choose a coin bundle from the “Buy” page. Pick a payment provider and enter the relevant details to link it to your account. Confirm your purchase.
- Play casino games with your topped-up account, including your purchased funds and a no deposit bonus.
Accepted New York Online Casino Banking Methods
You can buy coin bundles at New York online casinos via many payment methods. These include fiat banking options, like debit and credit cards, and e-wallets like PayPal. These methods typically process deposits instantly, while withdrawals may take up to three business days. Some fiat payment providers may also charge nominal transaction fees.
At operators like Stake.us, you can also access a range of cryptocurrencies. Tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum can process fee-free deposits and withdrawals, which are immutable and recorded transparently. Crypto withdrawals are often completed in minutes, while some tokens allow for noticeably high transaction limits.
| Payment Method | Deposits/Purchases? | Withdrawals/Redemptions? |
|---|---|---|
American Express
| Yes | No |
Visa
| Yes | No |
MasterCard
| Yes | No |
Discover Card
| Yes | No |
PayPal
| Yes | Yes |
Apple Pay
| Yes | No |
Bank Transfer
| No | Yes |
Bitcoin
| Yes | Yes |
Ethereum
| Yes | Yes |
DOGE
| Yes | Yes |
Litecoin
| Yes | Yes |
Ripple
| Yes | Yes |
TRON
| Yes | Yes |
Who Can Play at New York Online Casinos?
The legal age for participating in NY state lottery games is 18. This is also the legal age for frequenting land-based casinos. However, as there’s no regulated online gambling marketplace, those aged 18 and over can also bet at sweepstakes casinos in New York. Sites may also require bettors to prove their real-time location when registering an account.
What Legal Requirements Must Players Meet for New York Casinos?
Sweepstakes casinos in New York may also request that you provide proof of your ID to verify your legal age and residence. Accepted documentation usually includes your passport, driver’s license, or Social Security Number. The site may ask you to provide documentation before you complete a redemption.
Who Regulates Online Casinos in New York?
The New York State Gaming Commission regulates all legal verticals in the Big Apple. These include pari-mutuel wagering, the state lottery, sports betting, DFS, and Class III Indian Gaming. The Commission is responsible for granting licenses and ensuring that requirements are met while overseeing safer gambling measures and safeguarding players.
New York Casino Apps for Players
All sweepstakes casinos operate responsive websites that are optimized for mobile. However, some have also developed native apps on iOS and Android, creating secure access and the opportunity to receive push notifications. Here’s a summary of the top NY casino apps on Android and iOS:
New York Casino Apps for Android
New York Casino Apps for iOS
History of Online Gambling Laws in New York
In the early 19th century, New York was the first state to enact a constitutional gambling ban in the US. However, it has gradually adopted a more relaxed regulatory approach over time. Here’s a brief history of how gambling laws have evolved in New York:
Timeline for Online Casino Gambling in New York
1939
New York passed a law that legalized pari-mutuel racing on horse races at tracks (including Belmont Park and Aqueduct Racetrack).
1978
Gov. Brendan Byrne opens the first casino in New York, Resorts.
1967
The New York Lottery launches after receiving approval in a constitutional amendment.
July 20, 1993
Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona became the first licensed casino to open in NY.
2013
The New York State Gaming Commission launches as part of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act.
January 2022
The first licensed online sportsbooks launched in New York, joining retail sportsbooks, which launched in 2019.
2025
Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. proposes SB 2614 to the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming, and Wagering. This bill aims to legalize online casinos and create a regulated marketplace.
Land-based Casinos in New York
Verona’s Turning Stone Resort Casino was the first NY casino to open its doors on July 20, 1993. This is owned and operated by the Oneida Indian Nation of New York (OIN) and is one of 13 tribal casinos in the state.
Six of the seven casinos permitted by the 2013 Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act have also been built, alongside eight racino locations. Here’s a summary of New York’s land-based establishments:
Turning Stone Resort & Casino, Verona
New York’s first casino, the Native American Turning Stone Resort & Casino, has been open for nearly 32 years. The venue is home to around 2,000 slots and 66 classic table games, including blackjack, roulette, and baccarat. It is also known for running high-profile poker tournaments, including a series of WSOP satellite events.
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Yonkers
Empire City Casino in Yonkers offers access to a staggering 4,700 slots, which enable you to wager between $0.01 and $100 per spin in many instances. There are also 54 table game iterations, including blackjack variations, which let you wager as little as $10 per hand and payout 3:2 on blackjacks. You can also unlock MGM rewards when playing here.
Seneca Niagara Casino, Niagara Falls
Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls also features many gaming options, including 3,600 slots. You can find everything from retro slot games to penny spins here. Amid the 60 available table games, there’s also the venue’s High Limit Table Game Area. Popular table game options include Ultimate Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Mini Baccarat, and Mississippi Stud.
FAQs
Are online casinos legal in New York?
No, there’s no legalized or regulated online casino market in New York. However, you can access sweepstake casinos as you can play casino games at these sites with no obligation to deposit funds.
Are sweepstakes casinos legal in New York?
Sweepstakes casinos will accept players from New York and allow players to enjoy casino games for fun while protecting their personal information. You can access market-leading sweepstakes casinos in New York, such as RealPrize Casino, Stake.us, and Hello Millions.
What are the best online casinos in New York?
Several top sweepstakes casinos are available in New York, including High 5 Casino, WOW Vegas, and Hello Millions. You can find information about these sites right here on this page.
Are New York online casinos safe?
Sweepstakes casinos in NY are safe as these sites don’t require you to play with real money. Although you must provide your personal information when registering, the casinos featured on this page offer SSL encryption to help keep your data secure.
Can I claim bonuses at New York casinos?
Yes, sweepstakes casinos offer different types of bonuses. They are renowned for no deposit welcome bonuses, which usually combine GC and SC as a reward. Sweepstakes casinos also regularly run daily no-deposit promotions.
