New York City is by far the largest city in the United States with an estimated population of nearly 10 million people. That’s more than double the population of Los Angeles, the second most populated city in the country. With that population, New York has the ability to support a wide variety of professional sports teams, with all five of the major American sports leagues having two teams in or around New York City. The Yankees, Knicks, Jets and Rangers are just a few of the storied franchises that call New York City home.
Everywhere you turn in New York you will see a sports fan, whether they are wearing a Yankees hat, a Knicks jersey, a Rangers coat, or one of the other countless teams that call New York City home. This sports fandom also results in sports betting being a big part of the culture in New York City. On this page I will dive into the sports betting questions around residing in the city, including the legality of sports betting in New York, the best sportsbooks for New York City residents and where you can place wagers within the city limits.
Is Sports Betting Legal in New York City?
Yes, sports betting is legal in New York City. Regulated in-person betting has been allowed in New York State since 2019, and regulated online sports betting also launched in January of 2022. There are now nine regulated online sportsbooks available for New York residents.
New York City residents do also have the option to place bets through offshore betting sites that are licensed outside of the USA, while accepting New York bettors. BetOnline.ag falls into this category.
Best Sportsbooks for New York City Residents
- Accepts players worldwide
- Competitive betting lines
- Fast & easy deposits and withdrawals (including Bitcoin)
BetOnline.ag is our recommended sportsbook for New York residents. BetOnline is very popular across the United States and they have catered their bet offerings and deposit/withdrawal methods to cater to the needs of Americans.
Offline Sports Betting in NYC
Unfortunately, there are no in-person sportsbooks in New York City. Resort World Casino and Empire Casino are two large casinos in the heart of the city, but neither has opened a sportsbook.
New York does allow you to wager on horses at the track, and New York City happens to have two of the best racetracks in the country located in the heart of the city.
Aqueduct Racetrack
Aqueduct Racetrack is a popular racetrack located in South Ozone Park, Queens in New York City, which is just east of Brooklyn. This is one of the most prestigious racetracks in the entire USA, with a rich history dating back to its opening in 1894. There are many notable races that take place at Aqueduct Racetrack each year including the Cigar Mile Handicap and Carter Handicap, both of which are Grade I races.
You are able to wager on live races almost daily at Aqueduct Racetrack and they also allow you to bet on races from around the world at their dedicated website.
If you are unable to head to the track you can also place your bets through both of the sportsbooks I mentioned above.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a racetrack that is very popular among Americans because it is the home of the Belmont Stakes race, which is the final leg of the Triple Crown. Belmont Park is located in Elmont, New York, which is just outside of New York City limits. In addition to the Belmont Stakes, Belmont Park is host to many other notable races throughout the racing season including the Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Woodward Stakes.
You can wager on live races at Belmont Park, or place simulcast wagers through their dedicated website.
You can also wager on all Belmont Park races through either of our recommended sportsbooks outlined above.
Major Sports Teams in New York City Metropolitan Area
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Red Bulls (MLS)
- New York Mets (MLB)
- New York Yankees (MLB)
- Brooklyn Nets (NBA)
- New York Knicks (NBA)
- New Jersey Devils (NHL)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
- New York Rangers (NHL)