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Online Poker in New York: A Guide for Players in 2025
New York is known for its passionate and diverse poker community. From luxury resorts in the Catskills to WSOP-calibre tribal casinos upstate, live poker is thriving across the state. But what about online poker? This guide covers everything you need to know about online poker in New York, including legality, top sites, live venues, and FAQs. Let’s shuffle up and deal!
New York’s Poker Landscape and Legal Status
Live Poker – Thriving and Fully Legal:
Live poker is completely legal and widely available at both commercial and tribal casinos across New York. While downstate residents may need to travel a bit to reach venues, upstate offers a wealth of options for cash games and tournaments.
Notable cardrooms and casinos include:
Resorts World Catskills (Monticello)
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona)
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls)
✅ Home games: Social home games are legal in New York provided no rake or profit is taken by the host.
Online Poker – Not Yet State-Licensed:
As of 2025, New York has not yet introduced state-licensed online poker platforms. While legislation has been proposed in the past, no bill has passed so far. Still, that hasn’t stopped thousands of New Yorkers from enjoying real-money poker online – safely and successfully – using trusted international sites.
Player Workarounds
With no in-state operators currently available, many players in New York enjoy online poker through reputable global platforms like Americas Cardroom (ACR). While not licensed by New York itself, ACR has become a popular and well-established choice, known for reliability, security, and smooth banking. It’s been welcoming U.S. players for over a decade and continues to serve as a go-to site for serious and recreational players alike.
Playing Online Poker from New York
Americas Cardroom (ACR) is widely considered the top online poker option for New Yorkers in 2025. ACR is part of the Winning Poker Network and offers everything from huge tournaments and cash games to fast withdrawals and full mobile access.
Safety of Offshore Sites
Sites like ACR are internationally licensed (in ACR’s case, through Curaçao) and use modern security features like SSL encryption, account protection tools, and independently audited game fairness. While these platforms aren’t governed by New York regulators, they’ve built long-standing reputations for fair play, fast payouts, and excellent customer support. ACR, in particular, is trusted by a large base of U.S. players and is considered one of the most reputable options available.
Deposits and Withdrawals
Banking on ACR is fast, secure, and crypto-friendly:
Common methods:
Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, and more)
Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AMEX – success may vary)
Voucher systems and select e-wallets (e.g. Luxon Pay)
📌 Tip: Crypto is the easiest and most reliable method. ACR offers clear guides for first-time crypto users to make the process simple and safe.
Why Choose Americas Cardroom for Online Poker?
Americas Cardroom (ACR) is a favourite for many reasons:
✅ Huge Tournament Action
Home to The Venom with $10M+ prize pools, plus weekly majors, series events, Sit & Go’s, and fast-paced Jackpot Poker.
✅ High Traffic & Game Variety
Games run 24/7 with a wide range of stakes and formats: No-Limit Hold’em, PLO, Omaha Hi/Lo, Stud, and more.
✅ Excellent Software and Mobile Play
Intuitive desktop client and full-featured mobile apps (iOS and Android). Multi-table from your phone or tablet with ease.
✅ Bonuses and Rewards
100% deposit bonus up to $2,000, 27% rakeback, Elite Benefits VIP programme, and frequent leaderboard races.
✅ Trusted and Secure
In operation for over a decade, ACR has a strong reputation, proven reliability, and a large U.S. player base.
Live Poker in New York: Top Cardrooms & Casinos
New York offers some of the best live poker rooms in the country. Highlights include:
Resorts World Catskills (Monticello) – A luxury resort 90 miles from NYC with 19 tables, 24/7 games, and Vegas-style amenities.
Turning Stone Resort Casino (Verona) – 32-table tribal room with major events, mixed games, and an 18+ entry age.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino (Niagara Falls) – 23 tables, nightly tournaments, and great entertainment steps from the Falls.
Rivers Casino & Resort (Schenectady) – 16 tables serving Eastern NY with modern facilities and regular promotions.
Del Lago Resort & Casino (Waterloo) – 14 tables in a relaxed environment near wine country – ideal for casual players.
Conclusion
Poker lovers in New York enjoy a fantastic live poker scene, and online options are available too – thanks to trusted global sites like Americas Cardroom. While we await local regulation, ACR continues to offer a world-class online poker experience with big prize pools, reliable payouts, and a vibrant community. Whether you prefer the buzz of a live cardroom or the convenience of clicking “deal” from your sofa, New York players truly can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Play smart, stay secure – and good luck at the tables! ♠️♥️♣️♦️
Gambling FAQ – New York
Can I gamble online if I live in New York?
Yes, online gambling is legal in New York, but it is primarily limited to online sports betting. New York residents can place sports wagers through licensed mobile apps and websites operated by approved sportsbooks. Online casino games and online poker for money are currently not legal in New York. However, residents can participate in the New York State Lottery online through official platforms.
Is gambling legal in New York?
Yes, gambling is legal in New York, but it is regulated and limited to specific forms. Legal gambling activities include casino gaming, sports betting (both in-person and online), charitable gaming (such as bingo and raffles), and the state-operated lottery. Online casino games and online poker are not currently authorized in New York.
Is there poker in New York?
Yes, poker is available in New York, primarily in commercial and tribal casinos. These casinos offer various poker games, including Texas Hold’em and Omaha, and often host poker tournaments. However, online poker for money is not legally available in New York.
Are poker runs legal in New York?
Yes, poker runs are legal in New York if they are conducted for charitable purposes. These events involve participants traveling to different locations to collect poker cards, with the goal of assembling the best hand. Poker runs must be organized by licensed charitable organizations, and proceeds should benefit recognized charities. Proper licensing and adherence to state regulations are required.
Is casino gambling legal in New York?
Yes, casino gambling is legal in New York. The state has both commercial casinos and tribal casinos that offer a range of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Casinos are regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission to ensure compliance with state laws and standards.
Can I play online poker for money in New York?
Currently, playing online poker for money is not legal in New York. While some offshore online poker sites might be accessible, they operate in a legal gray area and are not regulated by the state. Participating in these platforms carries risks, including potential legal consequences and a lack of consumer protection.
What gambling sites are legal in New York?
Legal online gambling sites in New York include licensed sports betting platforms and the New York State Lottery website. Residents can place sports bets through authorized apps like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and others. Online casino games and online poker sites are not legal, so those forms of gambling are not regulated or authorized by the state.
What app can I gamble with in New York?
New York residents can use licensed sports betting apps such as DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and others to place sports wagers. Additionally, the New York State Lottery app allows users to purchase lottery tickets and play online lottery games. No legal apps are currently available for online casino games or poker.
When did New York legalize gambling?
New York’s modern gambling framework began taking shape with the establishment of the state lottery in 1967. Casino gambling was legalized in the early 2000s, with the opening of both commercial and tribal casinos. Sports betting was legalized in 2019, with online sports betting becoming operational in 2022. Charitable gaming has been regulated for many years, allowing nonprofits to conduct bingo, raffles, and other fundraising activities.
What is the oldest casino in New York?
The oldest casino in New York is the Turning Stone Resort Casino, operated by the Oneida Indian Nation. It opened in 1993 as one of the first tribal casinos in the state. Turning Stone continues to operate today, offering a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, table games, poker, and sports betting.
Explore More States to Play
States highlighted show where online betting is currently permitted. Discover the legal landscape across the U.S. by exploring our interactive map.