After years of legal hurdles, online betting is finally legal in New York. You can bet in person at a local casino or through a mobile app.
You can also play online casino games like slots and blackjack. But you will need to overcome a few hurdles. How do New Yorkers access online casinos? Why is this sector growing so fast?
The State of Online Casinos in New York
Although New York is home to a handful of brick-and-mortar casinos, it does not feature any online casinos. That’s not because the state prohibits these businesses. Current laws don’t allow or restrict the sector.
This means online casinos are a legal grey area. Foreign casinos can offer slots and card games to New Yorkers. But they can’t open an office in the state. Some locals prefer to drive to New Jersey to play online casino games.
However, ever since the Empire State legalized online sports betting, fewer people have been crossing the George Washington Bridge to visit New Jersey.
Offshore Casinos in NY: Are They Safe?
Offshore casinos located in Curacao, Panama and Costa Rica are responsible for the growing trend of online gambling in New York. These sites offer safe casino gaming conveniently through mobile apps.
You don’t need to risk being trapped in New York’s traffic while visiting a tribal casino. With offshore online casino New York sites, you only need to have a smartphone with fast Internet and a reliable payment app.
Online casinos come in different types. But they all feature slot machines, virtual jackpots and table games. The best operators offer a wide variety of games from top-tier software providers.
Choose licensed casinos with secure websites, transparent terms and nice bonuses. Read reviews to ensure you choose a reputable operator.
Reasons for the Popularity of Online Casinos in New York
Offshore casinos operate throughout the US. But why are they so popular in New York? The first reason is that they provide the most convenient way to access online slots and table games in the Empire State.
Beyond access, these are the reasons fueling the rise of online casinos in New York:
Fair Bonuses and Promotions
Perhaps the biggest reason online casinos are trending in New York is that they give out freebies to play real money games. Think about it. You can receive a $100 free bonus to try your luck at a jackpot machine.
Now, you must meet certain criteria to earn a casino bonus. For example, you need to complete your first deposit. This way, the operator matches your deposit amount 100%.
Some sites give you a bonus immediately after you create an account. But this is usually a small amount. The first deposit bonus is usually the biggest offer you can receive at most casinos.
That’s alright. But don’t get too excited at the amount offered. Most promotions have terms like the maximum you can withdraw, wager requirements, games you can play and the validity time.
If you love bonuses, choose a casino with lots of welcome and loyalty promotions. Look out for cashback deals, reload bonuses, VIP free games and cash prizes. Also, ensure the bonuses have fair terms and conditions.
A Wide Range of Games
In New York, you can play virtually any type of casino game online—jackpots, classic slots, craps, poker, blackjack, roulette or bingo. The explanation is that offshore casinos work with hundreds of software providers.
We’re talking about excellent developers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Betsoft, Evolution Gaming, iSoftBet, Big Time Gaming, IGT, Pragmatic Play and Scientific Games.
These companies create games catered to every kind of player. So, you love jackpots? Online casinos have progressive slots like Mega Bucks and Mega Moolah capable of paying out millions of dollars to lucky winners.
If you’re a history buff, casinos have lots of slots inspired by historical figures, places and events. For example, Thunderstruck II by Microgaming is a slot about Norse gods.
Choose slots with high payout rates and sweet bonus features. High payouts increase your chances of winning. Bonus features like free spins, wilds and scatters make a game enjoyable.
Live Casino Games
In this era of video content, every online business wants to capitalize on streaming. In the casino space, streaming is known as live gaming. It involves playing poker, blackjack and other table games in real-time using video technology.
The best casinos offer live casino games from Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, Ezugi Studios and NetEnt. They also welcome new customers with a special bonus you can play in the live dealer section.
Most operators feature a variety of games you can play in the live dealer section. You can choose poker and all its popular variations—Texas Hold’em, Omaha, 7-Card Stud or Caribbean poker.
You can also play a range of blackjack, roulette, baccarat or craps games. Or you can choose uncommon titles like Football Dream Catcher, Keno or Monopoly live.
Mobile Gaming
In New York, more than 90% of all adults own smartphones. The majority of people own iPhones and Samsung models. That’s alright. If you own a smartphone, you can use it to play casino games online.
Today’s online casinos offer games through mobile web apps. Mobile web apps don’t require you to download an app on your phone. They work through mobile-friendly websites.
When you think about it, web apps make more sense than native apps for online casinos. Most people use multiple casino sites. With web apps, you can join as many casinos as you want without filling your storage space with apps.
That said, one great casino site might be all you need. Choose a safe mobile casino with sweet bonuses, fast payouts and top-tier games. And you’ll never need to join a different site.
In Conclusion
Easy access is the main reason for the growth of online casinos in New York. Gamblers in the state access online slots and table games using offshore casinos. Operators make it easy for New Yorkers to have fun by providing bonuses, fast payments and a wide range of quality games.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
