Are NY Online Casinos Included in the 2021 Gambling Bill?

When New York sports betting apps launched on Saturday, that didn't make online casinos legal.

The history of gambling laws in the Empire State do reveal a precedent for such things, as we’ll discuss in the moment. However, as it relates to online gambling, casino regulations aren’t tied to the launch of online sports betting apps.

OK, so what’s the precedent we mentioned? In 2013, New York voters approved four commercial casinos. Before this, the only live gaming venues in the state were owned by Native American tribes.

This vote not only legalized commercial casinos but sports betting. Therefore, we know that the two parts of the gambling industry often come as a package deal. But, in this instance, things are different.

Real Money Casinos Have Potential

We know that New York’s current laws don’t contain provisions for real money casinos. Therefore, when the apps launch in the early part of 2022, locals 21 years and older won’t be able to spin slots or play blackjack et al while they bet on sport.

The question, therefore, is will it ever be possible to play online casinos games in New York?

That’s a one to answer without a crystal ball, but it wouldn’t be a bad bet to say you will be able to in the future.

Betting is set to be big business in New York. With a population of more than 19 million and the median household income in some counties topping $105,000, the local economy is strong. This economic strength could translate into a thriving sports betting market.

State officials won’t be able to ignore the financial impact New York online gambling could have, which is why there could be calls for regulation of the industry at some point in 2022.

This doesn’t mean real money online casinos will be legalized in New York. However, given that sports betting is now legal and online casinos could generate even more income for the state, there’s a strong possibility things could change.

The Current State of Play

That’s what could happen, but let’s finish with what is going to take place in 2022. Based on what we know for certain, the local sports betting scene will look like this:

• The legal gambling age will be 21 or older.
• Operators will be able to offer online and mobile betting casino apps.
• The following companies have been licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission: BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBet, PointsBet, BallyBet, and Resorts World.
• Betting will be allowed on all sports, except college games involving local teams/athletes. Betting on eSports events also won’t be possible.

New Yorks laws are fairly liberal with regards to sports betting. What’s more, we also know this sector has a synergistic relationship with casino gaming in the physical world.

Therefore, linking the two online seems a natural fit. For now, New Yorkers can spend their time betting on football, basketball, and more via their computers and mobiles.