Best New York Online Casinos to Play Today
This article has been updated since first publication.
Online gambling has been on the horizon for the Empire State for a while now - but where can you actually play online in New York in 2024?
For casino fans in NY, navigating the unclear legalities and finding a place to play in 2024 can be incredibly frustrating. However, this is where PokerNews can help, as in this article, we'll provide a comprehensive guide containing everything you need to know about New York's online casino market.
From the current legal situation to social casinos, join us as we reveal all.
New York Online Casinos - Where to Play Online in 2024
For centuries, New York has been one of the world's entertainment capitals—from Broadway to baseball, the city is alive with sports and entertainment. Naturally, there have been many calls over the years for online casino gambling to be brought to the state, but as of yet, social casinos are leading the way.
The sites recommended below are the best social casinos currently available to New York players. They offer free casino games using a sweepstakes model.
| Online Casino | Bonus | Play |
|---|---|---|
| WOW Vegas | Get 1.5 Million WOW Coins + FREE 34.5 SC (requires purchase) | Play |
| McLuck.com | Get Up to 57,500 Gold Coins + 27.5 FREE Sweepstakes Coins | Play |
| Pulsz Social Casino | Get up to 367,000 Gold Coins + 32.3 FREE Sweepstakes Coins | Play |
| Luckyland Slots | 7,777 FREE Gold Coins & 10 FREE Sweeps Coins | Play |
| Chumba Casino | Get 2 Million Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps Coins for FREE | Play |
| Slotomania | Get 1,000,000 Free Coins | Play |
| Sweepslots | 10,000 Gold Coins & 1,000 Sweeps Coins | Play |
The Legal Situation in New York in 2024
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 sweepstakes and 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 morePlaying at Real Money Casinos, Social Casinos, and Sweepstakes Casinos in New York
As laws differ from state to state throughout America, the difference between Real Money Casinos, Social Casinos, and Sweepstakes 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?
Sweepstakes Casinos and Social Casinos
For players who'd still like to play casino games but without the risk of real money gambling, social casinos are a fun and legal alternative that is available in New York. Using a sweepstakes model, these sites offer free-to-play slots, poker, and table games, much the same as any real money casino.
Social casinos are considered a great way to hone your skills, engage with an online community, and enjoy the thrills of the casino floor without risking that precious bankroll.
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 in 2024
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 WOW Vegas in New York
WOW Vegas describes itself as 'America’s best social casino' and offers a variety of casino-style games, including jackpot and classic slots, for New York players.
Similar to McLuck Casino, WOW Vegas utilizes software from highly reputable iGaming studios such as BetSoft, Pragmatic Play, and BGaming to power their games. Upon signing up, you are immediately awarded free coins, known as 'WOW Coins', allowing you to start playing right away. Sweepstakes Coins can be used on specific games for a chance to win cash prizes.
It's open to all players of legal age in New York.
Play for Free at McLuck.com
McLuck.com Casino stands out as a premier choice in the social casino landscape of New York, and it proudly promises to stay 'free forever' as per its own commitment.
The site features an impressive array of iGaming software providers such as Pragmatic Play, NetEnt, Playson, and BGaming. Slot enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the MCJACKPOTS section, where games offer four levels of progressive prizes, making it a must-visit category.
Play for Free at Pulsz
Pulsz Social Casino is making waves in the social gaming scene in New York, offering an extensive library of 700-800 casino-style games accessible with virtual coins. New players are welcomed with 5,000 free Gold Coins to start their gaming journey. Additional coins can be earned through daily logins, competitions, and generous giveaways.
With over half a million Americans already enjoying Pulsz Social Casino, New Yorkers have every reason to join in the fun and excitement!
Play for Free at Chumba Casino
Chumba Casino has garnered immense popularity among social gamers in New York, and it's easy to see why.
Operated by the reputable Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW) Group, Chumba Casino offers gameplay with both Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, providing access to a wide range of free slots and casino games.
For those looking to extend their playtime, the site also offers the option to purchase additional Gold Coins, often bundled with opportunities to earn free Sweeps Coins.
Play for Free at LuckyLand Slots
LuckyLand Slots, operated by the VGW Group, provides a rich variety of free casino games for New York players, comparable to what Chumba Casino offers.
At LuckyLand Slots, you can enjoy playing with free Gold Coins or opt to use Sweeps Coins for a diverse selection of slot games. Winnings from these games can be redeemed for real prizes. New members are welcomed with 7,777 free Gold Coins and an additional 10 free Sweeps Coins upon signing 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 SweepSlots
Launched in 2021, SweepSlots is a fresh addition to the sweeps casino scene and is definitely worth exploring. Operated by Regal Technologies LLC, SweepSlots has rapidly built a solid reputation and welcomes New York players eager to enjoy top-quality free slots.
Similar to other social casino platforms, SweepSlots employs a coin system where players use Gold Coins to access a variety of games.
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 and sweepstake casinos that you can experience online. Available in the state of New York, there are some amazing casinos.
With the options such as WSOP Social Poker, Slotomania, House of Fun, and more, there are many online casinos and poker tournaments you can still enjoy within the state of New York.
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 and sweepstake 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 sweepstakes and 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:
o Horse racing and horse betting
o Commercial and tribal casinos
o Charitable gaming such as bingo and raffles
o The New York Lottery
Will I need to live in NY to play at online casinos?
Once online casinos become legalized in New York, both residents and visitors to the state will be able to join all the benefits of online casinos. This is because the mobile applications and websites will use geolocations to ensure that the players are within the state of New York.
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 aged 21 or over.
How many land-based casinos are in New York?
In New York, land-based casinos are legalized. The empire state houses 12 land-based casinos and racinos, which the New York State Gaming Commission oversees.
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.
