State guide

New York Sports Betting Guide

By Jake Morrison

New York is one of the largest and most active sports betting markets in the United States. With more than

a dozen licensed online operators, strong consumer protections, and massive betting volume on NFL, NBA, and

college sports, New York provides bettors with a competitive and fully regulated experience. This guide

explains which sportsbooks are legal, how to sign up, key rules on college sports, taxes, and how to bet

safely under New York State Gaming Commission oversight.

  • Legal since January 8, 2022 (online)

  • Regulator New York State Gaming Commission

  • Minimum age 21 plus

Must be 21 plus and physically located in New York to bet online. If you or someone you know has a gambling

problem, call the NY HOPELINE at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). Snapshot

  • Status Full online and retail betting legal
  • Online apps 10 state-licensed operators
  • Bet types Pro and college allowed with restrictions
  • College rules No bets on NY college teams
  • Regulator New York State Gaming Commission

New York’s sports betting market is enormous, competitive, and highly regulated. Bettors benefit from extensive operator choice and strong consumer protections, although the state’s high tax rate can limit some promotions. What this New York guide covers

Table of Contents

DraftKings Sportsbook

DraftKings Sportsbook

Up to $1,300 New User Bonus

4.9 / 5
Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook

Bet $1, Double Your Winnings On Next 20 Wagers

4.8 / 5
BetMGM Sportsbook

BetMGM Sportsbook

Up to $1,500 In Bonus Bets

4.7 / 5
Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook

Up to $2,000 in No Sweat Bets FanCash

4.5 / 5

Key New York sports betting rules

New York’s sports betting laws are consumer-focused and designed to offer strong protections and clear restrictions, especially around college sports.

Who can bet in New York

  • You must be at least 21 years old
  • You must be located in New York to place mobile bets
  • You must pass identity verification

What you can bet on

  • Major pro leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS)
  • International sports and global competitions
  • College sports (with restrictions)
  • Props, futures, parlays and live betting

What you cannot bet on

  • Any markets involving New York college teams
  • College prop bets of any kind
  • High school or youth sports
  • Unlicensed offshore sportsbooks

Key rule

You cannot bet on New York college teams, even during major tournaments like March Madness.

College sports betting in New York

New York allows betting on college sports but has two major restrictions to protect amateur athletes.

Allowed on college sports

  • Moneylines, spreads and totals on out-of-state college games
  • Team futures for tournaments (if no NY teams are involved)
  • Live betting on eligible NCAA events

Not allowed on college sports

  • All betting on New York college teams
  • Player props for any college athlete, even out-of-state
  • Events not approved by the NYSGC

These restrictions apply whether New York teams play at home, on the road or in national tournaments.

New York sports betting taxes

New York has one of the highest tax rates on operators, but taxes for bettors follow standard federal and state income rules.

Taxes on New York sportsbooks

  • Online operator revenue taxed at 51 percent
  • Retail sportsbooks taxed separately at lower rates
  • High tax rate may reduce promo availability

Taxes on bettors and gambling winnings

  • Sports betting winnings are taxable income at both the federal and state level
  • NY taxable income rates vary based on earnings
  • Large wins may trigger automatic withholding and a W-2G form
  • Bettors must report net gambling winnings on their tax return

This is general tax information, not personalized financial advice. Speak with a tax professional for individual guidance.

Retail sportsbooks in New York

New York offers several retail sportsbook locations at upstate commercial casinos and tribal gaming properties. These locations operate separately from online betting platforms.

What to expect at NY retail sportsbooks

  • Full-service betting windows and kiosks
  • Large screens and sports bar-style settings
  • In-person customer support and assistance
  • Linked online and retail wagering at select operators

Retail sportsbooks are concentrated upstate. Downstate retail expansion may occur once casino licensing is finalized in future years.

How to start betting in New York

Getting started with legal online sports betting in New York is simple. You can create an account and place a bet within minutes.

  • Choose one or more licensed New York sportsbook apps.
  • Create an account with your name, address and SSN last four digits.
  • Enable location services to verify you are inside New York.
  • Deposit funds using online banking, debit card or wallet methods.
  • Review promotional offers and qualifying terms.
  • Place your first wager.

We recommend opening multiple NY sportsbook accounts to compare pricing and take advantage of promos from different operators.

Compare top New York sportsbooks

Smart tips for New York sports bettors

New York is a competitive market, and good betting habits can help you get more value out of every wager.

Positive habits

  • Set a fixed sports betting budget
  • Use multiple books to shop for the best odds
  • Track your bets and closing line value
  • Take advantage of odds boosts and promos when available
  • Bet only on sports you follow closely

Things to avoid

  • Chasing losses or tilting after bad beats
  • Using offshore sportsbooks (unsafe and unregulated)
  • Betting on NY college teams (not allowed)
  • Ignoring line movement and market context

If betting becomes stressful or harmful, contact the NY HOPELINE at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369).

FAQs

  1. When did sports betting become legal in New York

    Retail sportsbooks opened in 2019, and online sports betting became legal in January 2022 with nine licensed mobile operators launching on day one.

  2. How old do you have to be to bet on sports in New York

    You must be at least 21 years old to place legal sports bets in New York.

  3. Can you bet on New York college teams

    No. Betting on NY college teams is prohibited, even during major tournaments like March Madness.

  4. Are college player props legal in New York

    No. College player props are banned statewide for all teams, not just New York schools.

  5. Do I have to pay taxes on sports betting winnings in New York

    Yes. Sports betting winnings are taxable income at both the federal and New York state level. Sportsbooks may issue W-2G forms for large wins.

  6. Is it safe to use offshore sportsbooks in New York

    No. Offshore sportsbooks are illegal and not regulated. For secure payments and consumer protection, use only New York-licensed operators overseen by the NYSGC.