Online Poker Sites For NY Residents
Playing poker games for real money is legal in New York but only if done in gambling facilities licensed by the state. Since the state has not regulated online poker, those looking to play a few hands online will not find any legal poker sites operating in New York. In the absence of proper laws to regulate online poker, residents can legally register at online poker sites.
This page discusses the legalities of playing land-based and online poker in New York. Besides citing reasons why playing poker, both on land and at online poker rooms, is legal in New York, we have listed several legal online poker rooms for New York players.
None of New York’s laws specifically state that playing poker at offshore poker sites is illegal. Since the state cannot prosecute residents for breaking laws that do not exist, one can safely state that it is safe and legal for residents to play poker online at New York friendly online poker rooms.
Residents will not find any legal poker sites licensed and regulated by New York because the state does not issue online poker licenses. It is illegal for operators to run online poker businesses within the state’s jurisdiction.
Learn More: Gambling Laws + Statutes In New York
Best Online Poker Rooms That Take New York Residents
We have listed the best online poker sites that accept New York players on this page. We have carefully researched these online poker rooms and found them all to be licensed and regulated. The highlights of these online poker rooms include excellent customer service, 100 percent security, fair gaming, generous bonuses, and lucrative promotions.
| Rank | Legal Poker Sites | Bonus Rewards | Find Out More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BetOnline Poker | Up To $1,000 Free / 200% Match | Visit BetOnline |
| 2 | SportsBetting Poker | Triple Up On First Deposit To $1,000 | Visit SportsBetting |
Where Can I Play Poker In-Person In New York?
New York offers some legal ways to play real money poker. New York poker players can legally play online poker for cash at licensed Indian casinos. Since social gambling in New York is not outlawed, residents can organize and participate in home poker games as long as they make sure that nobody profits from those games. Currently, there are no charity poker tournaments in the state of New York.
Poker Laws In New York
New York poker laws are quite simple. Playing poker for real money is legal only in state-licensed gambling facilities, not under any other circumstances. Since the law permits home poker games, players can legally take part in such private games. The law is quite lenient toward players, and so far, the state has not prosecuted any resident for playing poker illegally. However, operators of illegal poker outfits will have to face several charges, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
New York is interested in online poker legalization since it sought clarification regarding the Wire Act of 1961 from the Department of Justice (DoJ), shortly after which the DoJ clarified that the Wire Act does not apply to online poker and online casino gaming. Governor Cuomo is very eager to expand the state’s casino gaming options. Since the state is densely populated and gambling friendly, LegalGamblingNewYork thinks it is likely to legalize online poker in the near future.
