Online poker is not regulated in New York, and the state has not approved any real money online poker platforms. That means there are no licensed in-state poker sites available to players right now.
However, many New York residents choose to play on offshore poker platforms that accept customers from the state. These poker platforms operate outside of New York’s regulatory system but still provide real money cash games, tournaments, and full online poker lobbies to players in the state. While they are not overseen by the New York State Gaming Commission, many operate under established international licenses and use encrypted payment systems and certified gaming software to support account security and fair gameplay.
New York Poker Legality Overview
State-Regulated Sites
❌ No
Online poker is not regulated in New York. Bills such as SB 2614 and AB 6030 were reintroduced in January 2026, but no legislation has passed and no launch timeline is in place.
Offshore Poker Sites
✅ Yes
Offshore poker platforms operate outside of New York jurisdiction and accept residents from the state. These sites are not regulated by New York authorities.
Sweepstakes Poker
⚠️ Restricted
In late 2025, the New York Attorney General issued cease-and-desist orders to multiple sweepstakes platforms. Many operators exited the state or shifted to free-play models without cash prizes.
Live Poker Rooms
✅ Yes
Available at licensed tribal and commercial casinos including Turning Stone (Verona), Resorts World Catskills (Monticello), and Rivers Casino (Schenectady).
Home Games
⚠️ Limited
Permitted under New York Penal Law 225-00 only if no organizer profits from operating the game (no rake or house fee).
Players in New York will not find state-regulated online poker sites like PokerStars, PartyPoker, BetMGM Poker, WSOP.com, or BetRivers, since online poker is not currently regulated in the state. However, offshore poker sites still accept New York residents and offer real money cash games and tournaments while operating outside New York jurisdiction.
Best Real Money Poker Sites for New York Players
New York does not regulate online poker right now, so there are no state-licensed poker sites available to players. Still, many players in the state use offshore poker platforms that offer real money cash games, tournaments, sit & gos, and large guaranteed tournament series.
Unlike casino sites that only offer video poker or poker-themed table games, the platforms below run full online poker networks with active player pools and regular tournament traffic. Players in New York can still access several established poker sites that support mobile play, cryptocurrency banking, cash games, and multi-table tournaments.
All of the sites below offer real online poker games with active cash tables, tournament schedules, and real player traffic.
BetOnline: Best Poker Site for Beginners in NY
ACR Poker: Best Tournament Poker Site for NY Players
Ignition Poker: Best Anonymous Poker Site for NY Players
High traffic with active cash games and tournaments.
100% up to $1,000 bonus with tournament tickets.
Fast crypto payments with no fees.
Many tournament options, including PKOs and Sunday Majors.
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1 Day
Best Poker Site for Beginners in NY
BetOnline is one of the easier poker sites for New York players to start with if they are new to online poker. The platform has active cash games, sit & gos, Boost Poker fast-fold tables, and regular guaranteed tournaments without feeling overly difficult for lower-stakes players.
The site is especially popular with casual and beginner players because the software is simple to navigate and the player pool is softer than many larger international poker networks. New York players can also use cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals, with many crypto payouts processed within one day.
BetOnline also combines poker, casino games, and sports betting under one account, which appeals to players who want access to multiple gambling options on the same platform.
Massive daily & weekly tournament schedule with high guarantees
Daily freerolls & leaderboards for casual players
Fast Bitcoin withdrawals (1-8 hours)
Min Deposit
10
Payout Speed
1-24 hours
Best Tournament Poker Site for NY Players
ACR Poker is one of the top choices for experienced tournament players in New York. The site runs large guaranteed tournament series, daily multi-table tournaments, satellite qualifiers, and active cash games across a wide range of stakes.
The platform is part of the Winning Poker Network, which gives players access to larger player pools and stronger tournament traffic throughout the day. ACR is especially popular with regular grinders because of its high tournament volume, rakeback offers, and leaderboard promotions.
New York players can also use cryptocurrency for deposits and withdrawals, with Bitcoin payouts often processed within hours. While the competition is tougher than some beginner-focused poker sites, ACR remains one of the strongest options for players looking for consistent tournament action and higher-volume online poker play.
Ignition Poker is one of the most popular online poker sites for New York players because of its anonymous tables and recreational-friendly player pool. The platform focuses heavily on casual and mid-stakes players, which helps keep many games softer than larger international poker networks.
New York players can access real money cash games, sit & gos, Zone Poker fast-fold tables, and regular guaranteed tournaments across multiple stakes. Ignition’s anonymous seating system also limits long-term player tracking and HUD use, which many recreational players prefer.
The site supports cryptocurrency banking for deposits and withdrawals, and new players can claim a welcome bonus worth up to $1,500. Ignition remains a strong choice for New Yorkers looking for steady cash game traffic, beginner-friendly games, and a simpler overall poker experience.
Bovada Poker is a strong option for casual and recreational players in New York who want a simpler online poker experience. The site is known for its softer player pool and anonymous tables, which help reduce aggressive tracking tools often used by professional grinders on tougher poker networks.
New York players can access real money cash games, sit & gos, Zone Poker fast-fold games, and regular guaranteed tournaments across several buy-in levels. The poker software is easy to navigate, making Bovada a good fit for newer players and lower-stakes cash game players.
The site also supports cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals, including Bitcoin, alongside more traditional banking methods. While Bovada’s promotions are smaller than some competing poker sites, the softer games and recreational-focused environment continue to make it one of the more popular poker platforms available to New York players.
Black Chip Poker is part of the Winning Poker Network, giving New York players access to large tournament guarantees, active cash games, and steady player traffic throughout the day. The site shares the same player pool as Americas Cardroom, making it one of the larger online poker networks available to US players.
New York players can access real money cash games, sit & gos, jackpot tournaments, and multi-table tournament series across several stakes. Black Chip Poker is especially popular with cryptocurrency users because the platform supports multiple crypto payment methods and typically processes Bitcoin withdrawals quickly.
The site also offers regular tournament promotions, leaderboard races, and satellite qualifiers for players looking for higher-volume online poker action. While the competition can be tougher than beginner-focused poker sites, Black Chip Poker remains a solid option for experienced New York players who want larger tournament fields and strong crypto banking support.
Overview of Online Poker in New York
Online Poker
⚠️ Offshore Only (Sweepstakes platforms restricted as of late 2025)
Commercial Poker
✅ Legal (Expansion to NYC/Downstate underway in 2026)
Legal Gambling Age
21+ for Casino & Poker; 18+ for Lottery & Horse Racing
State Gambling Regulator
New York State Gaming Commission
Is Online Poker Legal in New York State?
Online poker is not currently legal or regulated in New York. While no bills have passed into law, many New Yorkers continue to play real money online poker through offshore sites that accept players from the state.
Can You Play Online Poker for Real Money in New York State?
While New York does not regulate online poker, players in the state can still access offshore poker platforms that offer real money cash games, tournaments, sit & gos, and mobile poker play. These sites operate outside state regulation but continue to accept players from New York.
Latest New York Online Poker and Gambling Developments
New York has been exploring the legalization of online poker for nearly a decade, with repeated legislative efforts led by key state lawmakers. While bills have historically struggled to gain traction, 2025 marked a renewed push amid growing fiscal pressures and broader support for regulated iGaming.
2026
In January 2026, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Assemblywoman Woerner reintroduced SB 2614 and AB 6030 to legalize online poker and other online casino games in New York. Lawmakers are pushing the bill as a way to help address expected budget gaps in 2027.
The proposal sets a 30.5% tax rate and would allow New York to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), which would let players compete against people in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
2025
In 2025, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. reintroduced legislation (S2614) to legalize online poker and broader iGaming in New York, including table games and tournaments. Addabbo pointed to New York’s looming multi-billion-dollar deficits in 2026–27 as a key reason to act, arguing that online gambling could generate sustainable revenue. His bill allocates $11 million annually to gambling addiction services and $25 million to support casino jobs, addressing common concerns about social impact and casino cannibalization.
Though New York hasn’t yet joined the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), Addabbo expressed support for interstate poker, warning that without a competitive product, players will turn to illegal or out-of-state options. New York is now one of eight states considering online poker in 2026, alongside Virginia, Massachusetts, Indiana, Maryland, Wyoming, Hawaii, and New Hampshire.
2020
The start of 2020 brought another attempt at an online poker bill from Senator Addabbo. He reintroduced S.18 from last year, as permitted by New York’s legislative rules. Assemblyman Pretlow brought his A.4924 back as the companion bill as well. It is not likely that the bills will be pursued. The lawmakers want to keep them alive just in case.
Meanwhile, Addabbo also introduced S.17D to move sports betting into the mobile and internet realm. This is something he admitted will take precedence over online poker and any other form of internet gaming. If he finds success with his sports betting goals, he may bring online poker along with it. However, it is not a priority this year.
2019
By mid-May 2019, it became clear that neither bill would find any success. Like many other states, New York shifted its focus to mobile sports betting. He admitted as much in the summer months and said that online poker would only be addressed “once we have proven ourselves in treating all the issues for mobile sports betting.”
Sports betting is legal in New York, and the first bet was placed by Pretlow in July 2019. However, any movement toward online or mobile options remains uncertain as 2019 comes to a close.
2018
In April 2018, Assemblyman Clyde Vanel emerged as a new champion for the online poker legislation. Vanel claimed he could garner 60-70 co-sponsors for the bill and planned to put it up for a vote in June. Vanel pointed to growing legislative support for online poker. Within weeks, he secured nearly 50 co-sponsors for the Assembly bill. As the Chairman of the Internet and New Technology Subcommittee, he was in prime position to push the legislation.
In early June, Bonacic moved his Senate bill forward. S.3898 passed the Finance Committee, but the Assembly proposal needed to move quickly through several committees before the June 21 deadline. Even with Vanel’s help, however, Pretlow had not been able to advance A.5250 whatsoever.
By the end of session on June 21, both online poker bills died. Sports betting was among those that did not advance, along with online poker. Online poker appeared to face an uphill battle in 2019, as Bonacic retired. During the first week of January 2019, though, a new champion for online poker in New York emerged as Senator Joe Addabbo introduced S.00018, a bill to legalize online poker only by classifying it as a game of skill. Nearly one month later, Pretlow proposed A.04924, which was a carbon copy of Addabbo’s bill.
2017
However, the same two lawmakers introduced bills in 2017 as well. The Senate passed the bill in June by the margin of 54-8. A companion bill in the House failed to progress, again, as happened the previous year. Pretlow initially expressed optimism for widespread support of the bill that year. The bad actor clause caused division in the ranks. The bad actor clause held back the California online poker debate for years, and it seemed to have caused concern in New York this year as well.
The clause punishes online poker operators who continued to serve US customers after the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) passed and became law, and the company that will want to enter the US market under this status is PokerStars. PokerStars operates in New Jersey under full compliance and heavy scrutiny. It dominates the market, so some want to bar it from their state.
2016
In 2016, New York took a major step forward as by State Senator John Bonacic in the Senate and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow in the House of Representatives sponsored an online poker bill. The bill sought legal and regulated online poker only, without online casino games like in New Jersey. The bill died in the Assembly when Pretlow expressed doubts about the safety of the games due to concerns from fellow legislators.
What Would a Regulated NY Online Poker Market Look Like?
If New York legalizes online poker, it could quickly become one of the largest poker markets in the United States. Proposed bills like SB 2614 include a 30.5% tax rate and would allow New York to join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA).
Joining MSIGA would let New York share online poker player pools with states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada. Shared liquidity helps create larger tournament guarantees, more active cash games, and stronger overall player traffic across all stakes. Shared liquidity is important in online poker because larger player pools create bigger tournament guarantees and more active games. Players also get faster table selection across more stakes and formats.
If New York legalizes online poker, major operators like PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, WSOP Online, and BetRivers Poker would likely apply for licenses.
New York Gambling & Poker Laws Summarized
New York players can also face some of the highest gambling-related tax burdens in the United States. Along with the standard 24% federal withholding requirement on certain gambling winnings, players may also owe New York state taxes. NYC residents may also pay local gambling taxes. Combined state and city taxes can reach about 12.7% before federal taxes.
A person engages in gambling when they risk something of value on a game of chance or uncertain event in hopes of winning something of value.
Definition of Contest of Chance
Any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein.
Definition of Player
A player is someone who takes part in gambling only as a bettor or contestant without helping operate or profit from the gambling activity beyond personal winnings.
Online Poker/Gambling
Online poker is not currently legal or regulated in New York. Lawmakers have introduced legislation over the past decade, but no bill has passed or launched a state-regulated online poker market.
Live Poker
Poker rooms operate at licensed tribal and commercial casinos across New York. In late 2025, the state approved new downstate casino licenses for Resorts World NYC and MGM Empire City. Live table games in NYC are expected to begin in late 2026.
Casinos
New York has tribal casinos, racinos, and video lottery terminal locations across the state. The state is also expanding commercial casino gaming, including larger casino projects in the New York City area.
Sports Betting
New York voted to legalize sports betting long in 2013, and retail outlets began opening in 2019 after the US Supreme Court decision to overturn PASPA. Online sports betting sites began launching at the start of 2022.
DFS
The legislature passed a law to regulate daily fantasy sports in 2016.
Other Forms of Gambling
Horse and harness racing, off-track pari-mutuel wagering, bingo, lottery, charitable gambling, social gambling in private settings.
Making Online Poker Accounts From New York
New York does not license real-money online poker sites. Players who want to play for real money usually use offshore platforms that accept New York residents, and many of these sites use cryptocurrency for payments. New York restricted sweepstakes-style poker sites after issuing cease-and-desist actions in late 2025. Many of those platforms have since left the state or switched to free-play games that do not offer cash prizes.
Sweepstakes Poker Crackdown in New York
New York became more aggressive toward sweepstakes gambling platforms during late 2025 and early 2026 after the Attorney General issued cease-and-desist notices to several operators. Platforms including Global Poker, Clubs Poker, Stake.us, and ClubWPT Gold either restricted access for New York players, exited the state entirely, or shifted toward free-play models without cash prize redemption.
The crackdown changed the sweepstakes poker market in New York and pushed many players back toward traditional online poker platforms instead.
New York State Law and Online Poker
New York law defines gambling as risking “something of value” on a future outcome beyond one’s “control or influence” with the understanding that they might receive “something of value” if a “certain outcome” occurs (Section 225.00(2)).
The state law of New York also offers a definition of a contest of chance: “Any contest, game, gaming scheme or gaming device in which the outcome depends in a material degree upon an element of chance, notwithstanding that skill of the contestants may also be a factor therein” (Section 225.00(1)).
There are no criminal penalties for persons who act only as players in illegal gambling activities. There may be other crimes stemming from the activity (tax avoidance, for example). But, the criminal penalties in New York state gambling law are directed squarely at those who run and profit from the business of illegal gambling.
Regulated Gambling Activity in New York
When other states moved to expand regulated gambling in the mid twentieth century with pari-mutuel betting and lotteries, New York followed suit. The lottery opened in 1967, horse racing got underway in 1970, and tribal casinos opened in the 1990s. Race tracks then blossomed into racinos by adding some casino games in the early 2000s.
In 2013, voters of New York approved an amendment to the state’s constitution so non-tribal casinos could be built and operate all casino games. From there, four casinos were granted licenses to operate around the state.
Sports betting was actually legalized in 2013 as well. Although, it wasn’t allowed in casinos until the 2018 US Supreme Court decision. This overturned PASPA and allowed each state in America to legalize sports betting. At that point, the New York legislature updated that law and implemented it. The first sports wagers at New York casinos were placed in 2019.
NYC Casino Expansion & Future Poker Rooms
New York’s gambling market is expected to expand significantly in late 2026 as the state moves forward with new downstate casino licenses. Resorts World NYC and MGM Empire City are both preparing to transition into full commercial casino properties with expanded gaming options.
Many poker players are watching the expansion closely because both venues are expected to introduce live dealer table games and potentially major poker room operations in the New York City area. If that happens, NYC could eventually become one of the largest live poker markets on the East Coast outside of Atlantic City.
Famous New York Poker Players
New York card clubs, mostly operating underground, are responsible for many of today’s most successful poker players. Many of them, like Erik Seidel, started playing backgammon at clubs like the Mayfair Club, but they soon found that poker also employed skill and poker hand analysis. Players began to emerge from the Mayfair in droves in the 1980s and 1990s, as names like Dan Harrington, Howard Lederer, Steve Zolotow, Stu Ungar, Jason Lester, Paul Magriel, and Mickey Appleman were forever tied to the Mayfair.
Many players from New York also got their start in the game via online poker. Players like Isaac Haxton, Scott Seiver, and Andrew Lichtenberger began playing during the poker boom of the early 2000s and became big stars in the game.
Bryn Kenney leads all New York players, and the world, with over $75 million in live tournament earnings. Erik Seidel, one of the original Mayfair legends, remains at the top tier with nearly $48 million, behind Isaac Haxton, whose blend of online and live prowess has earned him over $51 million. Rounding out the state’s top ten are William Alex Foxen, Scott Seiver, Nick Schulman, Andrew Lichtenberger, Jesse Lonis, Dan Shak, and Shaun Deeb—a diverse group representing both the old-school grind and the modern high-roller circuit.
As of 2026, these are the top ten live tournament poker pros from New York:
1. Bryn Kenney ($75,778,350) 2. Isaac Haxton ($51,624,776) 3. Erik Seidel ($47,928,322) 4. William Alex Foxen ($45,721,004) 5. Scott Seiver ($27,077,061) 6. Nick Schulman ($23,085,497) 7. Andrew Lichtenberger ($21,454,853) 8. Jesse Lonis ($15,805,808) 9. Dan Shak ($14,143,374) 10. Shaun Deeb ($12,996,242)
Play Online Poker Responsibly in New York
In order for online poker to remain a fun and healthy pastime, it’s important to stay in control, set limits, and know when to take a break. Learn how to keep your play responsible or where to find help if you start feeling overwhelmed through the resources below:
While online poker in NY is not yet regulated at the state level, New Yorkers can still access trusted offshore sites that offer secure, real-money games. New York players still have access to several established poker platforms that offer real money cash games, tournament series, cryptocurrency banking, and active player pools.
Choosing the right site depends on the type of games you play, your preferred stakes, and whether you focus more on tournaments, cash games, or recreational poker. Explore our recommended New York online poker sites, pick the one that suits you best, and enjoy playing from the comfort of your own home.
Jennifer Newell is a freelance writer at LegalUsPokerSites. She has two decades of experience in the iGaming industry. She is a respected poker media member, contributing to publications and websites like USA Today, PokerStars, and PokerScout. Her knowledge spans gambling legislation and the broader online gaming world. She has spent years advocating for diversity, most notably gender equity in the traditionally male-dominated poker sphere.
FAQs
Is online poker legal in New York in 2026?
No, online poker is not legal or regulated in New York in 2026. Although legislation such as SB 2614 is active during the 2026 session, the state has not issued licenses to operators like PokerStars or BetMGM, and no regulated market is live.
Can I play on Global Poker or other sweepstakes sites from NY?
No, most major sweepstakes poker platforms no longer operate in New York. Following cease-and-desist actions issued in late 2025, many sites withdrew from the state or shifted to free-play models without cash prizes.
What is the legal age to play poker in New York?
You must be at least 21 years old to play poker at licensed casinos in New York. Some other forms of gambling, such as the lottery and horse racing, permit participation at age 18.
Will New York join the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA)?
Not at this time. Proposed 2026 legislation includes provisions that would allow New York to join MSIGA and share player pools with states like New Jersey and Michigan, but this would only happen if online poker legislation passes.
Where can I play live poker in New York?
You can play live poker at licensed tribal and commercial casinos in New York. Current venues include Turning Stone Resort and Resorts World Catskills, with expanded live gaming expected in the New York City metro area beginning in late 2026 following new downstate casino licenses.
Sources & Citations For This Article on New York Online Poker
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