Best New York Online Casinos to Play Today
This article has been updated since first publication.
Online gambling has been a topic of ongoing discussion in the Empire State for some time—but what are your options for playing casino-style games online in New York?
For casino fans, navigating New York's online casino market and understanding where and how you can play can be confusing. That’s where PokerNews steps in. This guide breaks down the current state of online casino gaming in New York, highlighting what’s allowed, what’s not, and what you can do in the meantime.
Where to Play Casino Games Online in New York
New York has long been a global hub for entertainment—from Broadway shows to major league sports. It’s no surprise that there's widespread interest in online casino gambling here.
While traditional online casinos offering real money games aren’t legally available just yet, social casinos have filled the gap by offering fun, casino-style games that are free to play.
These platforms use virtual coins or tokens and do not involve real-money betting or prize redemptions. They’re meant purely for entertainment and skill-building, making them a legal and enjoyable way to experience the excitement of casino games from home.
| Online Casino | Bonus | Play |
|---|---|---|
| Slotomania | Get 1,000,000 Free Coins | Play |
| House of Fun | Get 100+ Free Spins & Daily Bonuses | Play |
| Rush Games | Access Hundreds of Casino-Style Games with Free Play Credits | Play |
| BetRivers.net | Get Daily Free Coins & Spin the Bonus Wheel | Play |
The Legal Status of Online Casinos in New York
New York
- Live Poker is allowed
- Live Poker is legal since 2013
- Upstate NY Economic Development Gaming Act
- Sports Betting is allowed
- Sports Betting is legal since 2022
- Online Poker is forbidden
- Online Casino is forbidden
Currently, online casinos are not legal in the state of New York. With changes to legalization in previous years, there is additional hope for online casino gambling to be legalized.
In New York state, the constitution forbids games of chance. This definition fits the category of casino games, except those allowed in the few commercial casinos and tribal locations.
However, this could change. The new bill in the New York State Senate, SB8412, includes an amendment allowing online casino gambling.
In the meantime, in New York, you can play social casinos – where you can still get into the action of winning some amazing prizes!
Find out more about the legal situation for casinos in all 50 states, with our interactive casino map!
Read moreUnderstanding the Differences: Real Money vs. Social Casinos
As laws differ from state to state throughout America, the difference between Real Money Casinos and social Casinos can be crucial.
When you’re playing with the different providers, reading articles, or viewing information online, you might see this terminology, but what does it mean?
Real Money Casinos and Social Casinos
Here’s a quick breakdown of your current options in New York:
Real Money Casinos: Legal gambling for real money is limited to licensed, land-based casinos across the state. These offer a full range of table games and slots in a physical setting.
Social Casinos: These platforms let players enjoy casino-style games like slots, poker, and blackjack using virtual currency. There are no real-money wagers or payouts, making them legal and accessible to players within New York.
Social casinos are a great option for casual gaming, community interaction, and practicing strategies without any financial risk.
Real Money Casinos
Currently, the only way to play real money casino games in New York is to visit one of the many brick-and-mortar casinos in the state.
The Best Online Casinos for New York Players
Check out some of the best online casinos to play in New York right now. Plus, we've added our own exclusive PokerNews bonus link for each site, so you can grab some free coins when you sign up!
Play for Free at Slotomania
Slotomania Casino boasts over 50 million downloads on Android, making it a dominant player in the social casino arena.
New users at Slotomania can receive up to one million free coins to kickstart their gaming experience. Additionally, players can benefit from daily coin bonuses and coin multipliers to enhance their coin bankroll. The casino games at Slotomania are developed by Playtika, a leading gaming software company, ensuring a top-notch gaming experience for New York players.
Play for Free at House of Fun
House of Fun delivers a bold, colorful social casino experience with hundreds of high-quality slot games and no real-money wagering required.
Developed by Playtika, the same company behind Slotomania, House of Fun offers new users over 100 free spins just for joining, plus daily rewards, quests, and themed challenges. With unique bonus mechanics and eye-catching visuals, it's a top choice for casual gaming fans in New York.
Play for Free at Rush Games
Rush Games is the free-to-play extension of the trusted BetRivers brand, offering online slots and table games in a completely legal, non-monetary format for players in New York.
With a smooth interface and titles from leading developers, Rush Games provides a social casino experience that mirrors a real gaming floor—minus the financial risk. Log in daily for free credits and enjoy exclusive games not found on other platforms.
Play for Free at BetRivers.net
BetRivers.net brings the excitement of a top-tier casino directly to your screen with daily free bonuses and a wide selection of virtual slots, blackjack, roulette, and more.
Operated by Rush Street Interactive, this site is designed for entertainment and fun only—no real money is involved. With loyalty rewards, tournament features, and leaderboard competitions, BetRivers.net offers a social gaming experience New Yorkers can enjoy without limits.
History of Gambling in New York
When you’re trying to understand the current prospect of online casino legalization in New York, you need to be able to understand its history.
Arguably, it all began in 1967 when The New York Lottery sold its first ticket. While lotteries have existed long before this, such as in 1776 when the Continental Congress authorized a lottery to fund the war against the British, 1967 marks a significant milestone in the history of modern lotteries.
Moving forward to 2001, New York legalized several Indian casinos and permitted Video Lottery Terminals at a multitude of racetracks, which enabled more revenue to be created and growth to the economy in New York.
Although online casinos and gambling are still illegal in New York, in 2013, this is where the change potentially began. In 2013, the New York state legislature passed the Upstate NY Economic Development Gaming Act.
Flash forward to April 2021, and New York legalized mobile sports betting as the state legislature approved the move. The first mobile sports betting platform launched on January 8, 2022, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Latest New York Online Casino Updates
With the gambling industry in New York now thriving, it appears to be only a matter of time before online casinos join the list of products available to gambling fans.
2025 looks like a real possibility for the legislation, with fruitful conversations having taken place at the state legislative level for the past few months now.
In any case, keep your eyes glued to PokerNews, as we'll keep you posted on any updates to the online casino scene in New York, including any forthcoming legalization of online casino play.
New York Online Casinos FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I gamble online in NYC?
Although gambling is currently illegal in NYC, there are an array of social casinos that you can experience online.
What online casino can I play in New York?
In New York, there are currently no legal online casinos. However, you do have the option to play on social casinos. With social casinos, there are many options, such as Slotomania and House of Fun.
What is the best online casino in New York?
Although online casinos are still illegal in New York, there are a few social casinos that you can take advantage of to be able to win some amazing prizes.
With a multitude of benefits and bonuses, here are some of the best online casinos consist of:
Are online casinos legal in New York?
No, in the state of New York, online casinos are illegal – for now. However, with the range of social casinos which are available online, you can still enjoy the experience with a range of games to choose from.
What forms of gambling are allowed in NY?
Although it may seem that gambling options are limited in New York, especially with the illegality of online casinos, there are a few legal gambling options for New Yorkers. Some of those legal gambling options consist of the following:
- Horse racing and horse betting
- Commercial and tribal casinos
- Charitable gaming such as bingo and raffles
- The New York Lottery
What is the legal age for gambling at casinos in New York?
In New York, you must be age 18 or over to be able to play the lottery or bet on horse racing. However, to bet at New York casinos and sportsbooks, you must be 21 or over.
Will NY regulate online casinos in the future?
There is a possibility of online casinos being regulated in the future. With the active bill in the New York Assembly, it would mean that online casinos and online would be able to proceed as legalized and regulated activities in New York.
