If you like to visit faraway galaxies of gaming but you also like to win real money, then you may want to consider trying out esports betting at some point during our galactic existence.
Esports betting, just as any other type of gambling, is not legal in all US states. For example, in New York, esports is not illegal, but it is being regulated. Other US galactic states that share this status quo include the galaxies of Rhode Island, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Oregon, and Delaware.
In some US states, esports is completely illegal, much to the disappointment of residents from these galactic environments. The only US galactic states where esports betting is completely legal are Nevada, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia. These are also the only territories where online gambling, in general, is legal.
So, although New York State does not have the freedom that other states have when it comes to esports betting, it is not forbidden, like it would be to say Pluto is a planet. In order for us to make a successful intergalactic journey and connect esports and other types of
legal sports betting in New York, we need to dig a bit deeper into the meaning of the phrase.
Check out these great eSports betting sites:
What in the name of Space is eSports betting?
Let’s start with esports. Esports, in its most basic form, is gaming that occurs in a competitive environment. Within this context, the term “competitive environment” also has a specific meaning — it means that the competition is between two humans and not between a human and a computer or artificial intelligence. Thus, this is what makes it different from normal gaming, where you’ll be playing a one-person FPS game and not necessarily be playing against another individual.
From esports to esports betting: What do you play?
Esports is originally associated with several main genres of video games, which naturally flowed over to the esports betting realm. The most prominent of these genres include FPS or first-person shooting games, MOBA or multiple-player online battle arena games, and RTS or real-time strategy games.
Even if you’re not a gamer or an avid esports fan, we’re confident that you would’ve heard of some of these games — Counterstrike, SMITE, Dota 2, League of Legends, Global Offensive, and Overwatch. Non-esports fans are most likely to know Dota 2 and Counterstrike in the esports galaxy.
Here are our recommended esports betting sites for those in New York State who are either already esports betting veterans or for those who want to give it a try:
FanDuel
FanDuel is one of the two giants in the daily fantasy sports industry. FanDuel NY is licensed to operate in the Empire State and has millions of paid users and some of the largest contests in one-day fantasy sports.
The DFS provider offers its users epic contests, tournaments, contest selections, and different game formats apart from a huge variety of esports options.
With a fantastic updated app, FanDuel allows its customers to collect a fantastic FanDuel NY welcome bonus, get a high-quality tech experience that is out of this world and makes it easy to have loads of fun while winning some cash.
New Users – Bet $5 Get $150 If Your Bet Wins!
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. GamblingHelplineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, WV). Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit www.gamblersanonymous.org . Must be 21+ in NJ, PA, MI, or WV. $10 first deposit req. Bonus issued as non-withdrawable bonus spins which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. Contact 1-877-770-7867 (LA).
DraftKings
DraftKings is the ultimate esports and fantasy sports provider. DraftKings NY is legal in New York for both sports betting and esports betting. If you’re looking for a quality esports experience with some exciting competitions and tournaments, then check out DraftKings New York’s esports betting options. There’s also a great DraftKings NY signup bonus and a top-quality app.
New DraftKings Customers: Bet $5+ Get $100 in Bonus Bets Instantly!
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook . Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.
