New York Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Ban, and What’s Next
Last updated: February 16, 2026
New York does not currently offer regulated real-money online poker. While the state operates one of the largest mobile sports betting markets in the United States, lawmakers have not authorized online casino gaming or online poker.
In 2025, New York lawmakers passed legislation banning sweepstakes-style online casino and poker games. The bill was signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in December 2025, officially classifying sweepstakes poker as illegal gambling under state law. The measure, developed jointly by the New York Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Gaming Commission, effectively eliminated the only remaining path for New Yorkers to play online poker for real-world prizes.
As a result, players in the Empire State cannot access licensed platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker, and sweepstakes poker operators have withdrawn from the market. In the broader US online poker landscape, poker is typically regulated as part of online casino legislation. That means New York would need to legalize online casinos before a regulated online poker market could launch.
This guide explains the current legal status of online poker in New York, the impact of the 2025 sweepstakes ban, and what would need to change for regulated online poker to become available.
| Online Poker in New York: Key Facts | |
|---|---|
| 📢 What’s Available | Only social, free-to-play poker sites |
| ✨ Main Highlights | A large market with big potential for regulated online poker |
| 🔮Real Money Online Poker (Regulated) | Could launch in 2026 at the earliest |
| 🃏 Available Games | No Limit Hold’em, Pot Limit Omaha, and some mixed game variants |
| 🔞 Age Limit | Players must be at least 18 years of age |
| 👥 NY Population | 19.6 Million (ranks 4th) |
Is Online Poker Legal in New York?
Online poker is not legal or regulated in New York. The state does not license real-money online poker sites, and players cannot legally deposit and withdraw funds on platforms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online, or BetMGM Poker.
New York legalized mobile sports betting in January 2022, but online casino gaming — including online poker — has not been authorized. Although lawmakers have introduced multiple online casino and poker bills over the past decade, none have passed.
Because online poker is generally treated as part of online casino legislation in US iGaming states, New York would first need to legalize online casinos before online poker could be considered. Until that happens, regulated real-money online poker remains unavailable.
The 2025 Sweepstakes Poker Ban in New York
Before 2025, some residents accessed sweepstakes-based poker platforms that operated under a promotional model. These sites used a dual-currency system in which players purchased gold (free-play) coins and typically received sweepstakes coins as a reward. Sweepstakes coins could be used in eligible games and redeemed for prizes.
That model is no longer permitted in New York.
The 2025 legislation reclassified sweepstakes-style casino and poker games as illegal gambling. The change forced ClubWPT Gold, the last remaining sweepstakes poker operator in the state, to withdraw immediately. Other major sweepstakes poker platforms — including Global Poker, Clubs Poker, and Stake US — had already exited or followed shortly thereafter.
However, early in 2026, ClubWPT Gold returned to New York, now operating under a new training platform model. The site no longer has the dual-currency model, and they seem convinced that this allows them to operate in the state. So far, there has been no legal pushback against the operator.
Free-Play Poker Sites in New York
With both regulated real-money poker and sweepstakes poker unavailable, the only legal option left in New York is social, free-play poker.
Free-play poker platforms allow players to participate in ring games, tournaments, and sit and gos without wagering real money. Chips used on these platforms have no monetary value and cannot be exchanged for cash or physical prizes.
Some of the more popular free-play sites available in New York include:
- PlayWSOP
- PokerStars Play (free version)
- Zynga Poker
- Replay Poker
- Governor of Poker
Best Free Play Site: PlayWSOP
PlayWSOP is a free-to-play social poker app powered by the World Series of Poker.
Players from New York can register and play without restrictions. The platform offers ring games, tournaments, and jackpot sit-and-gos in a purely social format.
While players can win and purchase chips within the app, those chips do not have monetary value and cannot be redeemed for prizes. PlayWSOP is best suited for casual players or those learning the game without financial risk.
Read our full review of PlayWSOP »
Real Money Online Poker in New York
New York lawmakers have attempted to establish a regulated online poker and casino market since 2013. More than a dozen bills have been introduced during that period, but none have advanced through the State Legislature.
For the third consecutive year, Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach), a leading advocate for regulated iGaming in the state, introduced legislation to legalize online casino gaming and poker. His 2025 proposal, SB 2614, closely mirrors earlier bills and would authorize table games, slot games, peer-to-peer poker, and live dealer games under a regulated framework. The proposal included a 30.5 percent tax rate on gross gaming revenue and required live dealer studios to be located in New York.
Despite the success of mobile sports betting, opposition to expanded iGaming has remained firm. Some lawmakers argue that online casino gaming could affect future land-based casino developments in New York City. Labor unions representing casino and hotel workers have also voiced concerns about potential impacts on in-person gaming jobs.
At this time, there is no confirmed timeline for the legalization of online poker in New York.
Would New York Join a Multi-State Poker Compact?
New York is the fourth most populous state in the country, with approximately 19.6 million residents. If it were to legalize online poker, it would instantly become one of the largest regulated markets in the US.
The state could choose to operate as a segregated market due to its size. However, joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) would allow operators to combine player pools across member states, creating larger tournaments and greater liquidity.
Whether New York would join a compact would depend on future legislative language and regulatory decisions.
Poker Sites Likely to Launch in New York
If New York establishes a regulated market for online poker, operators would likely need licensure through the New York State Gaming Commission. The top US online poker brands — BetMGM Poker, PokerStars USA, and WSOP Online — would be strong candidates to enter the state.
BetMGM already operates an online sportsbook in New York. PokerStars and WSOP have existing US operations and shared liquidity networks in other states.
Under a potential framework requiring partnerships with land-based properties, the market could resemble the following structure:
| Operator | Likely Casino Partner (if required) | Potential Network Impact |
|---|---|---|
| PokerStars US | Tioga Downs Casino Resort | Could expand existing multi-state liquidity networks. |
| BetMGM Poker | Empire City Casino | May connect New York to MI and NJ player pools. |
| WSOP Online | Point Place, Turning Stone, or YBR Casino | Could expand existing MSIGA network. |
| BetRivers Poker | Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady | Likely to integrate NY into its broader US network. |
Four operators, including BetMGM, previously lobbied state lawmakers to pass online casino legislation.
New York Online Poker FAQ
Is online poker available in New York?
No. Regulated real-money online poker is not available, and sweepstakes-style poker has been banned under state law.
Can I play ring games or tournaments online in New York?
Yes, but only on free-play social poker platforms. These games do not offer real-money prizes.
Is PokerStars legal in New York?
No. PokerStars, BetMGM Poker, and WSOP Online do not operate in New York because the state has not legalized online poker.
Will New York regulate online poker?
Lawmakers have introduced several bills to legalize online casino gaming and poker, but none have passed. There is currently no confirmed launch timeline.
Can I use offshore poker sites in New York?
Offshore poker sites are not recommended. They are not regulated by US authorities, and players have no legal protections if disputes arise.
Can I play GGPoker in New York?
No. GGPoker does not operate in New York and does not offer real-money online poker to US players.
Can I play WSOP in New York?
WSOP Online is not available in New York. However, players can access PlayWSOP, the free-to-play social version.