When you buy through affiliate links in our content, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn Our guide to online poker in New York outlines the safest way to play games like Omaha, Seven Card Stud, and Texas Hold’em. Here, you’ll understand the legal situation with poker in the Empire State and how to join an online poker room.
But first, let’s check out the top sites for playing online poker in New York.
- All
| Best Crypto Poker Site |
CoinPoker |
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Black Chip Poker |
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BetOnline |
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- Show Full Guide
Comparing the Best NY Online Poker Sites
Here’s a comparison of the best sites for real money online poker in New York right now.
| NY Poker Site | Best For | Welcome Bonus | Promo Code | Poker Network | Poker Games |
| CoinPoker | Cryptocurrency deposits and withdrawals | 100% Up To ₮1,100 | N/A – Claim Bonus | Proprietary | Texas Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, 5-Card Pot Limit Omaha |
| BetOnline | Fast withdrawals | 100% up to $1,000 | POKER1000 | Chico | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, Tournaments,SnG |
| SportsBetting.ag | Loyalty rewards | 100% up to $1,000 | POKER1000 | Chico | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, 7 Card Stud, 7 Card Stud Hi/Lo, Tournaments, SnG |
| Juicy Stakes | Biggest signup bonus | 200% up to $1,000 | 1000JUICY | Horizon | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Omaha Hi/Lo, Tournaments, SnG |
Top Sites for Online Poker in New York Reviewed
It’s time we take a closer look at the best sites to play online poker for real money in NYC.
1. CoinPoker – New York’s Top Crypto Poker Site
- Founded: 2018
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
- License: Curaçao
- Headquarters: Curaçao
Undoubtedly, one of the best online poker sites, especially in New York, is CoinPoker. In addition to the welcome bonus, there’s a tasty 33% rakeback option, and regular prize draws and leaderboards.
It’s a completely blockchain-based operation and fast payments can be made with five different tokens.
It’s worth pointing out that there are no eWallets, bank wires or traditional banking options. Nonetheless, the tables are packed, especially when it comes to Hold’em and Omaha, and some of the tournaments feature big overlays. Plus, you can purchase your tokens via an exchange using a debit or credit card.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 8/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- User Experience: 10/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Pros 
- Generous welcome offer
- 33% rakeback promo
- Speedy crypto withdrawals
- Excellent support
Cons 
- Lacks traditional payment options
- No zoom poker
| Best Crypto Poker Site |
CoinPoker |
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2. BetOnline – Fastest Poker Withdrawals in NY
- Founded: 2004
- Payout speed: Up to 24 hours
- License: Antigua and Barbuda
- Headquarters: Panama
The next best place to play online poker in New York at the moment is BetOnline with its great selection of promotions.
This brand also comes with a healthy 4-digit welcome bonus and an unusual, but potentially lucrative, loyalty program.
Generally speaking, the games are relatively soft, perhaps due to all the sports bettors and casino players on the site.
Moveover, it’s part of the third-most popular poker network in the country. The Chico network has no problem with traffic, meaning the BetOnline tables are always busy.
Features Overview
- Poker Options: 9/10
- Promotions & Rewards: 9/10
- User Experience: 8/10
- Payment Methods: 8/10
- Customer Support: 10/10
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- Quickest internal payment processing
- Bitcoin and 15 other crypto options
- Weekly rewards program
Cons
- High fees for card payments
- Not enough non-Hold’em games
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NY Online Poker Bonuses
Let’s take a look at some of the most common poker bonuses available in the Empire State. If your chosen site isn’t offering at least some of these, it’s time to look elsewhere.
Types of Online Poker in New York
There are many different poker variants, and here, let’s take a look at some of the most common.
Texas Holdem
Although it originated in the Lone Star State, this is the most commonly-played form of poker in New York, and indeed the world.
It’s available at every single poker room, live or online, in both cash game and tournament formats.
Check out Juicy Stakes if you want to play Hold’em cash games that are relatively easy to beat.
Omaha
Although the rules are similar to Hold’em, each player starts with four cards, which greatly changes the strategy involved.
As the second most popular form of poker, you can expect to see Omaha at every site.
Stud
If some cards in your hand are hidden while others are revealed, and no community cards are involved, you’re playing stud.
The most common variation found at online poker rooms in New York is Seven Card Stud. This is because learning how to play Seven Card Stud is easy to pick up and comprehend.
It’s not as popular as it used to be, though, and is usually confined to mixed games tournaments.
Draw
Any type of poker where you’re allowed to swap cards in your hand for new ones from the deck is a form of draw.
You don’t really see games like this at online poker sites in New York any more. But 2-7 Triple Draw still draw crowds at the World Series of Poker.
Pai Gow
This is actually a table game played against the casino, rather than other players.
There are many Pai Gow poker online sites, where you can play this game and it is easy to pick up.
You will receive seven cards; five of these are used like a traditional poker game, with the other two forming a mini “hand”. Hands worse than one pair are referred to as “Pai Gow”.
Razz
Another game that’s all but died out at modern online poker sites in New York, Razz is a lowball variant of Seven Card Stud.
Straights and flushes are ignored, meaning the best hand is five high, or 5-4-3-2-A.
Video Poker
This is not strictly a poker game, as you play solo against the computer.
However, video poker definitely shares a connection with Five Card Draw.
Although there are slight variations, the most common to play is Jacks or Better, because the basic premise is simple.
Make as strong a hand as you can, and receive the corresponding payout.
Sweepstakes
Since it’s not technically legal to play online poker with real money in New York, several sweepstakes casinos have emerged.
At sites like Global Poker, you can play games with a unique on-site currency that is useless away from the site.
However, these Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for prizes, including US dollars.
Other Poker Games
Games which are based on poker can be found at most online casinos.
Look out for the likes of Mississippi Stud, Ultimate Texas Hold’em and Four Card Poker, all of which can be played at the country’s leading casinos.
As we alluded to earlier, sweepstakes gambling is a growing trend in states where casinos and poker sites are illegal.
They’re often called “social gaming” sites, since the emphasis is on entertainment and making friends, rather than winning money.
Several such sites are accessible in the Empire State. However, you can’t play for cash like you would at offshore poker sites which offer a more realistic experience, as real money is on the line.
Online poker in New York may be technically illegal, but countless people visit sites which are based overseas and welcome US-based players.
Supported Payment Methods at NY Online Poker Sites
You’ve already seen where to play real money online poker in New York. But how can you fund your account?
Well, there are plenty of secure, reliable and convenient options to choose from, as you’re about to discover.
How to Play Online Poker in New York
Playing online poker in New York is easy. Still, in case you’re unsure of how to get started, allow us to run you through the process of joining BetOnline.
Visit the Website
First of all, you’ll need to load up the BetOnline website. Tap the three lines at the bottom of your screen to open the menu, then select “Poker”.
Download the Client
Next, hit “Download & Play” and install the BetOnline poker software. If you’d prefer to play in your browser, that’s also an option. Click “Play Online” instead.
Create an Account
Look for the big green button marked “Join” at the top of your page. Tap this to open the signup form, fill in your personal details and accept the terms and conditions.
Verify Your Email
Several online poker sites in New York, including BetOnline, ask that you confirm your email address before playing. You won’t be able to log in until you’ve clicked the verification link in your email.Deposit Some Funds
Once inside your new account, it’s time to make a deposit. Load up the cashier, choose a payment option and follow the simple on-screen instructions.Start Playing Poker
You’re all set to start playing, so browse the lobby, choose a game and take a seat. It’s that easy, and all of our other top-rated online poker sites in New York are just as straightforward.
New York Poker Legislation Timeline
It’s currently against the law to take rake from a poker game in the state of New York. While it is, therefore, legal to play a friendly home game, you won’t find any casinos or cardrooms spreading a game.
However, there is a clear demand for legal poker in the Empire State. Several bills have been drafted since the 2013 New York Casino Gambling Amendment expanded the state’s gambling scene.
None have been successful, but lawmakers are continuing to push for the legalization of New York online poker sites.
New legislation is currently being discussed that could amend the current gambling laws. Here’s the lowdown on the legal situation in recent years.
- January 2024: Joseph Addabbo Jr. tried again, with the new Senate Bill S8185. It remains to be seen whether or not he’ll be successful.
- January 2023: State senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. introduces Senate Bill S4856, attempting to regulate online gambling, including poker. It failed to pass.
- January 2022: Legislation is passed approving mobile sports betting, sparking hope that online poker could soon become legal in NY.
Is Online Poker Legal in New York?
For the time being, it’s not legal to play land-based or online poker in NY if anyone is making a profit from the enterprise. That means you can’t open a poker room, either as part of a casino, or a private business.
You can, of course, run a game with your buddies at home. But, if you started taking a rake, you’d be breaking the law.
When Will Online Poker be Legal in New York?
It’s really hard to say if poker will ever be legal in the Empire State. Although lawmakers are pushing for it, there’s never been a specific New York online poker bill.
Instead, politicians are seeking to expand the wider gambling laws that already exist and build a regulatory framework.
This proposed legislation is mostly focused on casino and sports betting.
According to the latest NY online poker news, though, State Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr’s most recent bill does reference poker specifically.
Historically, there have been many attempts to legalize poker in the last ten years. None have come close thus far, so don’t get your hopes up just yet.
New York Poker Laws
There are no laws specifically governing the NY poker scene. Instead, gambling activities are broadly banned, with the exception of certain casinos and sportsbooks, as outlined in the 2013 New York Casino Gambling Amendment.
However, many people are still playing online poker in New York through offshore gambling companies. This is something of a gray area, since local laws don’t expressly prohibit players from registering at such sites.
Since they’re based outside of the country, law enforcement can do very little about it.
We’ve never heard of anyone getting into trouble for playing at offshore poker sites and, quite frankly, a lot of people are doing it.
Are Winnings Taxed in NY?
Technically, all gambling winnings are taxable. Of course, there’s no legal land-based or online poker in New York, unlike casinos and sportsbooks.
However, if you had a big win offshore or in a home game, you’re still supposed to report it to the IRS.
How NY Online Poker Compares to Other Legal States
The Empire State is a little behind the times compared to many of its neighbors. It’s not currently legal to play online poker for real money in New York. But take a short trip to New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Connecticut, and you’re good to go.
In fact, there are only eight states in the country where it’s legal to play poker on the internet. And, with the obvious exception of Nevada, they’re all bunched together in the Northeast of the country. There’s a legal framework permitting online poker in Delaware, Michigan, Rhode Island and West Virginia, all of which are close by.
New York Online Poker vs Live Poker
Although they follow the same rules, there’s a world of difference between playing live and online. Both can be fun, but each has its own unique strengths and weaknesses.
For instance, playing in live games is almost always a more sociable affair, as players have to make an effort to be there. They want to make the most of the experience, chatting, eating and drinking.
As a result, games can be easier to beat. However, due to the cost of running a poker room, plus the limited pool of players, the spread of games won’t be as varied.
NY Poker Online: Pros and Cons
Let’s look at the key pros and cons of playing online poker in New York for real money, as opposed to live games.
Pros
- Online games are much quicker than live, meaning you’ll get to play a lot more hands.
- You’ll find more tables and a wider range of games at online poker sites, as you don’t need to pay humans to deal.
- Online poker is always on. A physical poker room might close during the day, but the internet never sleeps.
- Micro stakes tables exist online that a land-based venue could never afford to spread. This is a great training ground.
Cons
- An increased rate of hands per hour does mean you’ll pay more in rake. You’ll also experience more bad beats
- Online poker can be stuffy, as few players want to chat and people take things more seriously.
- It’s usually harder to play online, as there’s a high proportion of good players.
New York Poker Rooms
Since it’s not currently legal to play poker in New York, there are no legit land-based cardrooms.
If you look hard enough, you can certainly find underground games, though that’s not something I’d personally recommend getting involved with. It’s never a good idea to play in unsafe games.
Instead, you can cross the state line into New Jersey and visit Atlantic City, which famously has many legal casinos. Alternatively, there are several options in Philadelphia, such as Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh.
Rivers Casino Pittsburgh Poker Room (PA)
Address: 777 Casino Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Opening Hours: 24 hours Friday to Sunday; 10am to 6am Monday to Thursday
Although not strictly a poker room in New York, Rivers Casino is located in nearby Pennsylvania.
With capacity for around 30 tables, there’s a regular Friday night No Limit Hold’em tournament, with deepstack events every Sunday.
The bad beat jackpot is good for a six-figure score and you’ll find the staff to be extremely friendly.
Borgata Hotel Poker Room (NJ)
Address: Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa, 1 Borgata Way, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Opening Hours: 24/7
There may not be as much live poker being played in New Jersey as in its heyday, but you still have a number of options.
The Borgata poker room is the absolute standout choice, with over 50 tables available.
What’s more, it’s the only cardroom in the state that’s legally allowed to open 24/7. There are some pretty big events here, too, with multi-million dollar guarantees.
Famous New Yorker Poker Players
Many top-class players have emerged from New York over the years. Here are some of the biggest names.
- Erik Seidel: Now living in Las Vegas, this 10-times World Series of Poker bracelet winner was born in New York City. A true legend of the game, Seidel also boasts a WPT and EPT title, with over $46 million in tournament earnings.
- Vanessa Selbst: Originally from Brooklyn, Selbst became the first female player to win three WSOP bracelets in 2014. She recently returned from five years of semi-retirement and has more than $11 million in career earnings to her name.
- Bryn Kenney: A fearsome high stakes player, Kenney has made in excess of $65 million from live poker tournaments. The Long Beach native started out playing Magic: The Gathering, before switching to poker in the mid-2000s.
Responsible Gambling in New York
Poker is one of the most fun ways to gamble, pitting your wits against other players in a game that blends skill and luck. However, for some people, gambling stops becoming fun and things get out of hand.
Unfortunately, you won’t know if you’re vulnerable to problem gambling until it happens. It is important, therefore, to play responsibly at all times.
All good New York online poker sites offer tools to help you play more sensibly. These include loss limits, reality checks, temporary timeouts and ultimately, self-exclusion.
Don’t be afraid to discuss limiting your account with the support team of your chosen poker site.
New York Problem Gambling Resources
If you’re affected by problem gambling, there’s always someone to reach out to. Try the following resources for expert assistance.
- NY State Office of Addiction Services and Supports – 1-877-8-HOPENY
- New York Council on Problem Gambling – 1-877-846-7369
- National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
Tips Playing Online Poker for Real Money in New York
As we near the end of our guide to online poker in New York, it’s almost time to choose a site and start playing. Before you do, however, we’d like to share some top tips for success.
Online Poker in New York – Our Verdict
Having learned about the legal situation, as well as the best sites to play online poker in New York, it’s time to join in the fun.
If you’re resident in the Empire State, give one of our top-rated poker sites a try.
As you’ve already seen, our favorite is CoinPoker, which is packed with cash games, MTTs and Sit & Gos. Register today and collect your welcome bonus.
| Best Crypto Poker Site |
CoinPoker |
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How We Test and Review Poker Websites
150+ Gambling Platforms Reviewed
1,100+ Games Software Tested
200+ Monthly Hours of Research
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Playing online poker is becoming more popular by the day and you need to choose a reputable site that best matches your needs.
We here at Techopedia have an in-house review process that’s analyzed by our poker experts that covers each and every aspect of the most popular online poker sites in the world.
In particular we look at:
- Rakeback and other bonuses
- Game selection
- Player pool size
- Reputation and safety
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To find out more, take a look at our detailed guide on how we test gambling platforms and poker sites featured on Techopedia.
FAQs
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Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.
References
- https://oasas.ny.gov/gambling (NY State Office of Addiction Services and Supports)
- https://nyproblemgambling.org/ (New York Council on Problem Gambling)
- https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/about-the-national-problem-gambling-helpline/ (National Council on Problem Gambling)
- https://home.paynearme.com/platform/payment-types/cash-payments/ (Accept Cash Payments at Retail Stores)
- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S8185/amendment/A (Senate Bill S8185)
- https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2023/S4856 (Senate Bill S4856)
