Online slot gambling has been around for decades, but the idea of legalized online casinos is a relatively new phenomenon. The reason for the difference is simple: laws take a long time to catch up with technological advancements, and the internet happened to be one of those things. In fact, the first states to make it legal to gamble online were based on a 2011 Wire Act opinion, with Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey joining the fold two years later in 2013.
New York is a big market for sports betting, but its iGaming potential is limited by a state law that prohibits casino games like roulette and blackjack. However, if the state decides to loosen up on its gambling regulations in the future, expect to see NY-based online casino options like DraftKings Sportsbook, PointsBet, BetRivers, Caesars, FanDuel, and more.
If you want to play slots in the state of New York, you can do so at retail casinos like Rivers Casino & Resort, Tioga Downs & Casino, and Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway. These casinos have a wide variety of slots on offer and offer some of the most popular titles like Cash Volt, Hyper Gold, and 88 Fortunes.
In addition to its impressive collection of casino games, New York is also home to several top-notch sportsbooks. The state’s iGaming landscape was strengthened in 2022 when Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed a law that made it legal to wager on fantasy sports and other esports from the comfort of your home or mobile device. The state’s top sportsbooks include DraftKings, FanDuel, and MGM.
New Jersey is the leading iGaming market in the US, and its lawmakers were quick to make changes when they saw the revenue potential of online casinos. In fact, NJ-based operators pull in tens of millions of dollars a month from their online offerings. That is why it is no surprise that other states are looking to replicate the success of New Jersey’s iGaming industry.
Illinois is already a top iGaming destination, and its residents will likely welcome the idea of online casino games if legislators pass similar legislation in the state. The Prairie State is already home to 12 land-based casinos, including a temporary Bally’s in Waukegan and the newly opened American Place in Chicago.
If New York decides to legalize online casino gambling in the future, it will join the ranks of states with robust iGaming markets and attract millions of players. There is no reason not to believe that it can’t happen any sooner than the end of 2023, given how fast its sister state took advantage of this emerging opportunity. With that in mind, New York should take its cues from the Garden State and get on board as soon as possible. This will help to create a stable, regulated, and lucrative gambling market for the state. Ultimately, it will benefit all New Yorkers. Moreover, it will boost tourism in the state, which is a major economic driver for New York.