New York Online Poker: Legal Status, Sweepstakes Ban, and What’s Next

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.

New York enacted S5935A on December 5, 2025, prohibiting certain dual-currency online sweepstakes casino-style games and related commercial support. The law targets a defined format, not every poker product with a prize. The distinction matters because ClubWPT Gold subsequently returned with a different model. See the coverage of the December 2025 exit for the original ban.

New Yorkers cannot access New York-licensed real-money poker rooms such as PokerStars, WSOP Online or BetMGM Poker because no such licenses have been issued. Dual-currency sweepstakes casino operators also face the 2025 ban, but ClubWPT Gold lists New York among its eligible states under its revised offering. In the broader US online poker market, several states have authorized online poker alongside online casino gaming; New York would need new legislative authorization before launching a regulated market.

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.

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.

New York would need legislation authorizing regulated online poker, whether as part of a broader interactive gaming bill or through a poker-specific measure. Senate Bill S2614, covering interactive gaming, was referred back to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on January 7, 2026 and had not advanced out of committee. No regulated real-money online poker launch date has been announced.

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.

In early 2026, ClubWPT Gold returned to New York under a revised training-oriented model rather than the former dual-currency offering. Its current support documentation lists New York as eligible, subject to location and age requirements. This is an operator availability statement, not a regulatory determination that every feature or prize mechanic is lawful.

Free-Play Poker Sites in New York

With no state-licensed real-money online poker rooms, conventional free-play social poker is the simplest no-stakes option. ClubWPT Gold also lists New York as an eligible jurisdiction under its revised model; readers should review its current terms and should not confuse it with a state-regulated poker site.

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 debated online poker and broader interactive gaming for more than a decade, but have not enacted a licensing framework for real-money online poker. The 2025-2026 proposal S2614 remained in the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee after its January 7, 2026 referral.

Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. sponsored S2614 in the 2025-2026 legislative session. The bill proposed a framework for interactive gaming, including peer-to-peer poker, but it was referred to the Senate Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee on January 7, 2026. The proposal is not law. Its current status can be checked on the New York Senate bill tracker.

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.

Any future legislation would determine licensing, eligibility and whether casino partnerships were required. The following brands operate in other regulated US markets, but none has been announced as a licensed New York online poker operator.

Potential Operators if New York Legalizes Online Poker

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 state-licensed real-money online poker rooms operate in New York. The state prohibits certain dual-currency sweepstakes casino games; ClubWPT Gold separately lists New York as eligible under its revised model.

Can I play ring games or tournaments online in New York?

Free-play social poker apps are available. ClubWPT Gold also lists New York as an eligible state under its revised offering, but it is not a New York-licensed real-money poker room. Check the current rules and eligibility before joining.

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.