Is Poker legal in New York? Online & Live Poker Laws in NY

Is poker legal in New York? It's a great question and one we will answer thoroughly on this page.

In this guide, we break down the state’s current poker laws, say whether or not both live and online poker is legal and highlight where to play.

What Is the Situation with Poker in New York?

Live poker is legal in New York, while online poker is yet to be regulated and is currently illegal.

New York offers a legal and growing poker scene, primarily anchored by live poker rooms at licensed commercial and tribal casinos.

Live poker is fully regulated and a whole host of different poker rooms are operating within the state. These include well-known venues like Resorts World Catskills, Rivers Casino Schenectady, and Turning Stone, each offering legal poker cash games and tournaments.

However, real-money online poker remains illegal in New York. While lawmakers have introduced online poker bills nearly every year since 2014, no legislation has successfully passed. Players in the state must currently rely on in-person poker or enjoy the game through free-to-play online platforms like the WSOP App, Replay Poker, or GTO Wizard.

Is Live Poker Legal in New York?

Yes, live poker is legal and available at licensed casinos in New York.

Commercial and tribal casinos operate poker rooms that host a wide range of games, including No-Limit Hold’em, Pot-Limit Omaha, and more.

New York’s casino expansion law passed in 2013 paved the way for poker rooms in upstate venues. Tribal casinos like Turning Stone and commercial sites such as Resorts World Catskills operate legal poker under regulation by the New York State Gaming Commission.

Games are dealt by licensed dealers, and most venues offer tournaments, promotions, and cash game action daily. While the state doesn't have dedicated cardrooms like some other states, casino-based poker is alive and well.

Is Online Poker Legal in New York?

No, real-money online poker is not yet legal in New York. While neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania offer regulated sites, New York has not joined those states allowing legal online poker.

Since 2014, several bills have been introduced in the legislature to legalize online poker, but none have made it through both houses. Despite decent support and interest from major operators, hurdles remain—primarily due to competing priorities like sports betting and concerns over online gaming expansion.

Until regulation passes, players can legally access free poker apps and training tools, which we cover below.

Is Online Poker Likely to Become Legal in New York?

Yes, but not immediately. Online poker remains part of the conversation in Albany, and New York is often mentioned in forecasts for future iGaming expansion. Several bills continue to be proposed, showing ongoing interest, but as of yet nothing concrete has been passed to allow online poker.

That said, legalization will likely only happen as part of a broader iGaming package. Until then, players must rely on legal live venues and social platforms.

When Will Online Poker Be Legalized in New York?

There’s no confirmed timeline. Experts suggest the earliest viable path may be 2026 or later, depending on political will and negotiations between lawmakers and casino stakeholders. However, like anything in this tricky US-gambling landscape, it's difficult to predict exactly what will happen and the landscape changes almost on a monthly basis.

Live Poker Rooms in New York

New York poker is focused around its casino-based rooms, primarily located in upstate regions. These venues offer professional dealers, modern rooms, and a variety of cash games and tournament formats.

Top 5 Live Poker Rooms in New York

Major Poker Tournament Series in New York

New York venues regularly host local and regional tournament series. While there are no WSOP Circuit or WPT-branded events yet, venues like Turning Stone and Rivers Casino offer deep-structured events with solid guarantees. These are essential for the wider poker eco-system, as they generate interest and keep players engaged in the game.

How Live Poker Works in New York

Poker rooms in New York are casino-based and operate under state-regulated rules. These facilities must be licensed by the New York State Gaming Commission. All games are player-versus-player, with dealers and staff trained and certified.

Cash games typically run daily, with stakes ranging from $1/$2 to $10/$25. Tournaments are offered regularly, and rooms commonly feature bad-beat jackpots, high-hand bonuses, and satellite entries into larger events.

Situation of Online Poker in New York

Online poker remains illegal in New York, with no state-licensed or regulated real-money poker sites currently available. Although New York has legalized online sports betting and operates several live poker rooms at casinos, online poker has not yet been included in the state’s gaming laws.

Lawmakers have repeatedly introduced bills to legalize online poker, but none have passed both houses of the state legislature. The issue has taken a backseat to sports betting and broader casino expansion in recent years.

While offshore poker sites do accept players from New York, these platforms operate outside U.S. law and regulation. They lack consumer protections and come with both financial and legal risks, so we do not recommend them. This is because no regulation means your data, money and right to fair play in games might not be protected.

For now, New York players can legally enjoy poker online through free-to-play and training apps such as WSOP Poker App, Replay Poker, and GTO Wizard Play Mode. These offer safe and legal ways to enjoy the game until proper legislation is passed.

Legal History of Online Poker in New York

New York is one of the most iconic states in the US. Gambling has long since been a part of its history, but the road to poker legalization thus far hasn't been plain sailing. Here are all the key moments in that journey.

• Constitutional Amendment Helps Casino Progression (2013)
  New York passed a constitutional amendment allowing up to seven commercial casinos, setting the stage for legal poker rooms but not online poker. The bill did not address internet gaming.
• Game of Skill? (2014–2016)
  Online poker began gaining traction in the legislature. Senator John Bonacic introduced S6913 and similar follow-ups bills, aiming to classify poker as a game of skill and legalize intrastate online play. Bills passed the Senate multiple times, but stalled in the Assembly, but it was still symbolic of the movement towards eventually legalizing online poker.
• Continued Bill Push (2017–2019)
  Senator Bonacic’s retirement slowed momentum. Senator Joseph Addabbo and Assemblyman Gary Pretlow continued the push with S3898 and A5250, but again, no bills passed both chambers. It's significance, though? It showed conversations and lobbying around legalization were still ongoing and not fading away, despite setbacks.
• Sports Wagering Legalized (2020–2021)
  COVID-19 and budget shortfalls revived interest in iGaming. However, legislative efforts focused on online sports betting, which was legalized and launched in January 2022.
• Reitroduction of Bills (2022–2024)
  Hope that online poker might be next on the legalization agenda heightened following the success of sports betting in the state. However, no online poker bill advanced. Addabbo reintroduced poker in S9226 and iGaming proposals, but these remain in committee.
• 2025 and Beyond
  Poker remains on the legislative radar but lacks urgency. Lawmakers continue to cite it as part of potential iGaming expansion, but online casino legislation (which could include poker) has not yet reached a vote. Stakeholder alignment and revenue incentives may be needed for future progress, but things are certainly not dead in the water.

Online Poker Sites in New York

New York has no regulated online poker platforms at present. Popular brands such as PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, and WSOP.com are not licensed to offer real-money poker in the state. Read on, though, to see how likely it is that the main operators will launch in NY if and when online poker becomes legal.

Can You Play PokerStars in New York?

No, PokerStars is not available for real-money play in New York.

PokerStars is highly likely to enter New York if legislation is passed, given its partnerships and US presence. With PokerStars already launched in neighboring states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey, it's a fairly safe bet that NY will be a priority on the list if the opportunity arises.

Can You Play BetMGM Poker in New York?

No, BetMGM does not currently offer poker in New York.

As is the case with PokerStars, BetMGM is available in several states across the US, including PA and NJ. Therefore, if online poker is legalized, we'd expect BetMGM would be likely to launch in NY.

Can You Play GGPoker in New York?

No, GGPoker is not licensed in New York or any US state for direct operation. The brand’s US expansion may come through WSOP branding, but no New York platform exists yet.

How to Play Real Money Online Poker in New York Legally

Because real-money online poker isn’t legal in New York, the best alternatives are social and strategy-focused platforms. These allow players to legally enjoy poker without wagering actual cash. The gameplay and general environment still emulates real money online poker.

Best Sites to Legally Play Online Poker in New York

WSOP Poker App

The WSOP Poker App offers a premium free-to-play poker experience with licensed branding from the World Series of Poker. Players can enjoy ring games, sit & gos, and tournaments, all without risking real money. Seasonal events, chip bonuses, and challenges make this app a top choice for casual and committed players alike.

Replay Poker

Replay Poker is a browser-based site where players can enjoy poker recreationally and legally. The site offers Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, along with a loyal player community, regular tournaments, and leaderboards. There are no deposits or withdrawals, making it 100% risk-free and accessible to all New York players.

GTO Wizard Play Mode

GTO Wizard Play Mode lets players test their decision-making against Game Theory Optimal solutions in a play environment. It’s a poker training platform that simulates real hands and provides instant feedback on your strategy. So while GTO Wizard doesn't offer online poker game, the platform is ideal for those players looking to sharpen their skill and improve their overall poker game.

New York Poker Legality FAQs