New York Online Poker

For centuries, poker has remained a beloved game in New York, with a rich history of poker clubs dating all the way back to the 19th century.

Currently, various commercial and tribal casinos in the state offer live poker rooms; however, unlike neighboring states New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the Empire State has not yet legalized online poker.

Legislators made an attempt in 2024 to legalize online casino gaming and online poker in New York, but the bills did not receive significant support. Presently, Assemb. Gary Pretlow has brought back a bill for the 2024 session, aiming to legalize online poker in NY. This proposal seeks to redefine poker as a skill-based game rather than gambling, potentially paving the way for its legalization.

Despite not being legal in New York, there are still a few alternatives available for online poker players in the Empire State. One option is to travel to neighboring states like New Jersey or Pennsylvania. Another option is to participate in social online poker platforms like Global Poker.

This presents an overview of the present condition of poker in New York, encompassing its current standing and potential future prospects.

Is online poker legal in New York?

Contrary to popular belief, online poker is not legally permitted in New York. While the absence of explicit laws against it may lead some to believe it is legal, this is a misconception.

According to Section 225.00 of the New York Penal Code, it is made explicit that gambling occurs when an individual puts something valuable at risk based on the uncertain outcome of a game of chance. This includes any form of contest, game, gaming scheme, or device where chance plays a role in determining the outcome, even if the skill of the participant is also a factor.

Both tribal and commercial casinos provide live poker rooms that cater to both cash game players and tournament enthusiasts.

Social poker in New York

Although New Yorkers are unable to participate in legal real-money online poker games, they do have the alternative of playing on social online poker platforms.

Global Poker is the most well-known and widely favored social poker site in New York, operating in states where conventional online poker is not accessible by utilizing a sweepstakes model and virtual currencies instead of cash.

Players from New York are warmly greeted at Global Poker. The platform operates with two distinct virtual currencies, namely Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. By acquiring Gold Coins, players can engage in “cash” games and tournaments, offering them the opportunity to accumulate additional Gold Coins through wins.

The Gold Coins do not hold any real monetary worth. However, players are occasionally rewarded with complimentary Sweeps Coins when they buy Gold Coins as part of a promotional offer. These Sweeps Coins can be utilized to participate in games that simulate actual cash transactions and to join tournaments where the prizes are additional Sweeps Coins. Players can also acquire Sweeps Coins through alternate means, such as participating in Facebook giveaways.

After achieving a specific number of Sweeps Coins, players are eligible to exchange them for cash prizes, which can be subsequently withdrawn.

Are offshore poker sites safe for NY players?

Yes, there are several online poker sites that accept players from NY, but they are all located offshore. It is important to note that offshore poker sites come with considerable risks for players, so it is advisable to opt for legal sites instead.

By depositing funds and participating in activities on an offshore site, you are foregoing the safeguards offered by a licensed and regulated poker site. As offshore sites function beyond the jurisdiction of New York, you will have no legal means of addressing any issues concerning the safety of your funds or the fairness of the games.

In the event that you have concerns about cheating, collusion, multi-accounting, or any other fairness-related problems on an offshore site, you can only rely on the responsiveness and appropriate actions of the site’s security team. However, there are no assurances or legal measures available to prevent the occurrence of such issues.

Instances have occurred where these websites have abruptly ceased operations, leaving players stranded and unable to retrieve their accounts. In such a scenario, the possibility of reclaiming your bankroll would be minimal to non-existent.

In conclusion, it is not safe to play on offshore sites. US players are strongly advised to opt for fully legal, licensed, and regulated sites for a much safer experience.

When will NY have legal online poker sites?

Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to garner support for legalizing online poker in New York, proponents remain undeterred.

In January 2024, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow proposed a bill to modify the state legislation, aiming to redefine online poker as a game primarily dependent on skill rather than luck. This strategy has previously facilitated the legalization of daily fantasy sports, and it holds the potential to assist New York in successfully legalizing online poker.

According to New York law, “gambling” is defined as the act of putting something valuable at risk based on the result of a contest that is primarily determined by chance, with no control or influence from an individual. A contest of chance is any event where the outcome is significantly influenced by an element of luck. Although certain games may involve a small amount of skill, the law acknowledges that this skill does not impact or determine the results of these games.

According to Pretlow’s bill, any competition that evaluates the players’ skill levels is categorized as a game of skill, as confirmed by the courts in New York. The bill specifically acknowledges that poker has been recognized as a game of skill, even by a federal court in New York.

For several years, lawmakers in New York have been engaged in serious discussions regarding the legalization of online poker, garnering a substantial number of supporters.

Since 2014, New York has consistently proposed legislation for online poker every year. In 2017, the Senate went a step further by voting in favor of a bill with an impressive margin of 54-8, but unfortunately, it ultimately failed to progress in a House committee.

In 2020, Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a key advocate, made another attempt to revive the online poker bill. However, like before, the bill was unable to gain traction. If passed, the bill would have granted 11 licenses for online poker, valid for a decade each. Similar to the taxation rates in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, the state would have imposed a 15% tax on the generated revenue.

Although the bill has not made progress in the legislative process, the matter is still under consideration. Every year, new legislative suggestions to legalize online poker have emerged. Although these proposals have faced obstacles, a number of lawmakers maintain their optimism that online poker in NY will be legalized by 2024.

Be on the lookout for news as online sports betting is now a reality in New York and there are plans for gaming expansion in 2024, including the addition of three new casinos. These developments may create a favorable environment for the future introduction of legal online poker.

Online poker options in New Jersey and Pennsylvania

New York players have the opportunity to join legal online poker sites in neighboring states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania for real money gaming. They can conveniently deposit funds from the comfort of their homes in New York. However, it is important to note that players must be physically present within the respective states in order to participate in online poker games.

There is a wide selection of cash games, sit and go’s, and multitable tournaments available on online poker rooms in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania. While most sites primarily feature No Limit Texas Hold’em and Pot Limit Omaha, WSOP.com also offers seven-card stud, and PokerStars provides a range of mixed games.

A large number of poker players from New York frequently journey to either New Jersey or Pennsylvania to take part in the highly anticipated online tournament series organized by WSOP.com and PokerStars. WSOP.com extends invitations to New Jersey players, allowing them to compete for the prestigious WSOP Online Circuit rings and even the coveted WSOP bracelets.

Furthermore, PokerStars offers the opportunity for players located in the Garden State to participate in the New Jersey Spring Championship of Online Poker (NJSCOOP) and New Jersey Championship of Online Poker (NJCOOP) series. Similarly, players in Pennsylvania can engage in the PASCOOP and PACOOP events on the platform.

Live poker in New York

In New York, several live poker rooms can be found within the state’s casinos. The tribal casinos have been hosting poker rooms since the 1990s and 2000s, while commercial casino poker emerged more recently, opening in the latter half of the 2010s.

Take a glimpse at the poker rooms in the four tribal casinos and four commercial casinos.

Casino	Commercial/Tribal	Number of Tables
del Lago Resort & Casino	Commercial	14 tables
Resorts World Catskills	Commercial	19 tables
Rivers Casino & Resort	Commercial	16 tables
Tioga Downs Casino and Resort	Commercial	12 tables
Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort	Tribal	5 tables
Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel	Tribal	23 tables
Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino	Tribal	8 tables
Turning Stone Resort Casino	Tribal	32 tables

It is important to mention the presence of two commercial poker rooms in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. These are located at Casino Niagara, offering 26 tables, and Fallsview Casino Resort, providing 16 tables.

Commercial vs. tribal casino poker rooms

The age requirement to play games at New York’s commercial casinos, including poker, is 21 or older. However, tribal casinos operate under their own jurisdictions, which may result in different age requirements in certain cases.

At the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Turning Stone Resort Casino, the minimum age for playing poker is 18 years old. Nevertheless, at Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel, players must be at least 21 years old to participate.

Brief history of New York poker

New York is renowned for hosting numerous prestigious underground poker clubs in America.

The Thompson Street Poker Club and Queer Luck, published during the late 19th century, depict these clubs and their vibrant characters, albeit with some embellishments.

From 1919 to the early 1930s, an esteemed poker club convened at the Algonquin Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Comprising actors, writers, poets, columnists, and critics, this renowned group dubbed themselves the Thanatopsis Pleasure and Inside Straight Club. With the participation of Algonquin Round Table members, it comes as no shock that numerous tales were penned about these spirited games.

Although not officially sanctioned, illegal poker games flourished in New York City. Over time, the state of New York legalized various forms of gambling, such as horse race betting (reinstated in 1940) and the state lottery (in 1967). Despite this, underground poker clubs continued to operate illicitly throughout the five boroughs.

Several clubs gathered in residential properties or apartments, while others established themselves in restaurants, bars, office buildings, and occasionally even churches. Numerous clubs held their meetings at Hungarian restaurants, popularly referred to as “goulash joints” or “ghoulies.”

The Mayfair Club, initially a bridge club, gained significant renown as it expanded its offerings to include backgammon, gin rummy, and poker. Esteemed players like Stu Ungar, Erik Seidel, and Dan Harrington frequented the Mayfair for poker games. In a later period, the writers of the 1998 film “Rounders” found inspiration in the Mayfair Club, using it as a basis to create the fictional Chesterfield Club.

Legal authorities, notably under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s leadership, started opposing these clubs, leading to substantial challenges for them. Consequently, The Mayfair and other similar clubs were forced to close their doors in 2000. However, over time, different establishments emerged to fill the void left by their absence.

Over the years, New York poker players have witnessed the emergence of various legal alternatives. Back in 1993, Turning Stone, the state’s inaugural tribal casino, made its grand debut in Verona. Subsequently, more tribal casinos were established, and in 2013, voters granted permission for commercial casinos to operate beyond the limits of New York City. Consequently, the first of these commercial casinos opened its doors a few years after the amendment was authorized.

NY’s path to legalizing online poker

Since 2014, online poker legislation has been a subject of legislative discussions in New York. Initially, there were only a few lackluster bill submissions and discussions.

Nevertheless, in 2016, the Senate Racing, Gaming, and Wagering Committee successfully passed a bill, signifying a significant milestone as it became the first instance where online poker legislation advanced beyond the introductory phase.

Despite the promising passage of the bill by a vote of 53-5 in the NY Senate, the State Assembly failed to take any action before the conclusion of the 2016 legislative session in June.

In June 2017, the Senate approved comparable legislation with a vote of 54-8. This development raised hopes for the advancement of online poker legislation, surpassing the progress made the previous year. Regrettably, similar to its forerunner, the bill failed to progress beyond the Assembly’s Standing Committee on Racing and Wagering.

Fans of online poker games found the years 2018 and 2019 to be incredibly frustrating. While the repeal of PASPA in 2018 brought joy to state legislatures and sports betting enthusiasts, it unfortunately had detrimental consequences for the future of online poker in New York. The significant profitability and tax opportunities associated with sports betting overshadowed those of online poker, leading numerous lawmakers to prioritize the legalization of online sports betting over online poker.

Online poker in New York suffered another blow with a recent court ruling. State Senators John Bonacic and Joe Addabbo had put forth bills asserting that poker was primarily a game of skill. However, the court invalidated the skill argument for daily fantasy sports, setting a precedent that would also impact online poker. In 2020, an appellate court upheld the lower court’s decision.

The 2018 online poker bills in New York quietly met their demise due to the rise of sports betting and legal obstacles, as they never made it to the floor for voting. The subsequent attempts to reintroduce these bills in 2019 and 2020 lacked the same level of enthusiasm, largely overshadowed by the popularity surrounding sports betting.

Nevertheless, New Yorkers seeking online poker can find comfort knowing that there are a few unwavering advocates in the legislature. State Assemblymen Gary Pretlow and Clyde Vanel, alongside Addabbo who assumed the cause after Bonacic’s retirement in 2019, have all demonstrated favorable support for online poker legislation.

That being said, the spotlight shifted to online sports betting towards the end of 2020 when Gov. Andrew Cuomo changed his position and supported the practice. Now, fans of online poker should be optimistic that the legalization of online sports betting will demonstrate to lawmakers the potential of allowing online poker games to commence.