Are Poker Rooms Legal In New York
While there are various poker rooms available to players in the state of New York, the New York poker sites are some of the more generous options available. While the laws regarding Internet poker are somewhat ambiguous, we can tell you that there are currently not restrictions on playing online poker. The same cannot be said for hosting an online poker room, but for now you may play comfortably knowing that there has been no law specifically banning players from joining in an online poker room.
This is the new version of “Molly’s game” — the notorious poker bashes hosted by Molly Bloom from 2008 to 2011 in high-end hotel rooms in NYC and LA, attracting the likes of Tobey Maguire. A former waitress at some of New York’s illegal poker parlors reveals all about the action in the modern gambling den. Sara Copeland Updated Jul. 13, 2017 2:17PM ET / Published Apr.
We have a brief synopsis of New York's gambling laws, so keep these in mind if and when you decide to play poker on the Internet.
Is It Legal To Play Online Poker In New York?
New York's gambling laws have made it so players can freely participate in the poker rooms. We have looked through various sections of the New York state laws, specifically Section 225 of the state statutes. Federal laws mean next to nothing when it comes to state laws, but even federal laws have not actually criminalized online poker, and have even paved the way for it's regulation in neighboring states like New Jersey.
Sadly, New York is not one of the states where there are pieces of legislation going through the motions to authorize online poker. Should this change players will actually be able to safely gamble without any trouble. We do not believe that anyone can get in trouble for playing online poker.
Where Can NY Residents Play Online Poker? - Best New York Poker Sites
New York online poker players will have many different choices to sift through in terms of finding an Internet poker room that suits them As a result, the competitiveness of the industry is certainly on the side of the account holder. There are many high-quality sites, of which we detail several below.
As a New York poker player, there is plenty to like about the room that is set up at SportsBetting.ag. One of the best features is the many deposit options that are available. One of these types of deposits is a Western Union Wire transfer. When a player doesn't want to use a credit card, the Western Union transfer might be the best thing for them.
When a player opts for a Western Union transfer, they can do so at one of the many locations around, they can be done at almost any convenience store down the street. Because it's so widely available, New York players can use this method very effectively, with no issues about the acceptance rate versus the potential for some that come along with a credit card. This is just one of the great ways to fund your SportsBetting.ag account.
Are Poker Rooms Legal In New York Times Square
The number one poker room we recommend is that of BetOnline. BetOnline's poker room provides their players some of the largest bonuses and promotions around. Should you decide to stick to BetOnline's poker room you will find that they boast some of the largest bonuses and easy games. They also have a player base that does not carry the talents and abilities as players at some of the larger poker rooms.
BetOnline has a 25% match to $900 for all players making a deposit which makes up one of the best bonuses around. BetOnline's deposit methods include American Express, VISA, cashier's checks, prepaid gift cards and cash wire transfers, which makes for one of the easiest gambling opportunities around. It's rumored that NY players can deposit using MasterCard once they've gained VIP status.
No other poker rooms are as generous as BetOnline, which is why we have come to them in order to bring our players a safe and legitimate experience as we do with all gambling sites accepting New York residents here on our site.
| Online Poker Sites | Deposit Bonuses | Average Traffic | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline Poker | Up To $900 On Each Deposit | 10,000+ Players | VISIT |
| SportsBetting Poker | Every Deposit: 25% - $900 | 10,000+ Players | VISIT |
| Bovada Poker | Every Deposit: 25% - $900 | 10,000+ Players | VISIT |
Is It Safe For New York Residents To Play Poker Online?
New York's consolidated laws may make no mention of online poker, but this has not actually helped the industry. Don't get us wrong - it hasn't harmed the industry, it has just made it somewhat complicated for players to start participating. If you decide to start taking advantage of the various poker rooms out there, just remember to stick to those that have been deemed safe.
At this time, there are not many safe online poker rooms that accept New York residents which is why we only recommend two right now. As more become available, we will test them out and add them to this list. Until then, you are stuck with a limited number of poker rooms.
New Poker Rooms In Florida
Around 2005, many of the popular rooms were raided and shut down. Now many people are wondering if there are any live poker options for New York City.
New York City Laws Pertaining to Gambling
The New York State Constitution states the following in Article 1, Section 9:
[N]o lottery or the sale of lottery tickets, pool-selling, book-making or any other kind of gambling [except state-run lotteries and state-sponsored pari-mutuel betting on horse races] shall hereafter be authorized or allowed within this state; and the legislature shall pass appropriate laws to prevent offenses against any of the provisions of this section.
Of course, many people state that poker is not gambling. They state that poker is a game of skill and therefore does not apply to this law. However, New York law has a different opinion.
New York's Definition of Gambling
The New York Penal Code under section 225.00(2) gives their own definition of gambling:
Online Poker In New York
Are Poker Rooms Legal In New York City
A person engages in gambling when he stakes or risks something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under his control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that he will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.
As you can see, poker is gambling under New York state law. You put something of value up on something that is not under your control. You cannot control the turning of the cards or the outcome of the hand. As a result, this constitutes gambling in New York.
Underground Poker Rooms
Underground poker rooms do still exist in New York City, but they are run tighter security than rooms did earlier in the decade. New players will only get in via the recommendation of another player, and then only after they have been checked out by security.
However, one must remember that these rooms are all underground rooms and still illegal. There have been instances in the last couple of years of robberies at these card rooms that have resulted in the death of players. For a while, the card rooms ceased operations, but eventually people ventured out wanting to get their poker fix.
Also, these card rooms are still subject to raids by the authorities. When these raids occur, kiss your money goodbye.
If you want to play poker and you live in New York City, the best 'legal' way to go about it is to take a ride over to Foxwoods in Connecticut or to Atlantic City. Otherwise, you are taking a risk with both your money and potentially you life.