Yes, you can bet on horses legally in New York through licensed platforms like NYRA Bets and TVG, or at racetracks and OTB (Off-Track Betting) locations across the state.
Can you legally bet on sports in New York?
Yes, you can legally bet on sports in New York through licensed sportsbooks, both in-person and online.
Sports betting kicked off in-person back in 2019 at commercial casinos and racetracks. Then mobile betting became legal in 2021, and now—by 2026—you’ve got plenty of licensed apps to choose from, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM. Want to see who’s currently approved? Check the New York State Gaming Commission website.
Is TVG legal in NY?
Yes, TVG is legal in New York under the state’s horse racing wagering laws.
TVG is a fully licensed platform where New Yorkers can bet on horse races and watch them live. Just head to tvg.com, open a free account, and you’re set to wager on races across the country—including NYRA events.
Are OTB parlors open in New York State?
No, OTB parlors are not currently open in New York as a statewide network.
The old Off-Track Betting Corporation (NYCO) shut down back in 2010, and as of 2026, there’s still no statewide OTB network. That said, you can still place bets at racetracks like Belmont Park, Aqueduct, or Saratoga, or use online platforms like NYRA Bets.
Can you bet on horses in play?
Yes, you can bet on horses in play at licensed racetracks and online platforms in New York.
Live betting lets you jump in while a race is actually happening. To place a live bet, you’ll need to pick the racetrack, race number, bet type (Win, Place, Exacta, etc.), and horse number. Just keep in mind—not every race or bet type is available for live wagering. Check with your platform or track to see what’s on offer.
How can I watch TVG for free?
You can watch TVG for free by creating a free account at tvg.com.
Head to tvg.com/registration, sign up, and you’ll get access to live and on-demand horse racing streams without paying a dime. Want extras like multi-track viewing or replays? Those might require a paid WatchTVG subscription.
What states can you use NYRA bets?
You can use NYRA Bets in New York and Oregon as of 2026.
NYRA Bets is licensed in New York and Oregon only. Use it to bet on live and simulcast horse races, including big NYRA events like the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby online in NY?
Yes, you can bet on the Kentucky Derby online in New York through licensed platforms like NYRA Bets and TVG.
New York is one of 31 states where online wagering on the Kentucky Derby is legal. You can place bets up to and during the race, and some platforms even stream the event live.
Is there an OTB app?
Yes, there are OTB-style apps you can use in New York, including NYRA Bets and Capital OTB.
While New York doesn’t have a statewide OTB app, NYRA Bets and Capital OTB let you bet on horse races, watch live streams, and track odds right from your phone. These apps are fully licensed and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission.
When did OTB Open?
New York’s Off-Track Betting Corporation began operations in 1970, with the first OTB Teletheater opening that year.
The OTB system was designed to let people bet on horse races without ever stepping foot on a racetrack. It grew over time, but later consolidated—with many locations closing. By 2026, standalone OTB parlors are no longer open anywhere in the state.
What is the safest bet in horse racing?
The safest bet in horse racing is a Place bet, which wins if your horse finishes first or second.
A Place bet carries less risk than a Win bet but pays out less too. Say you drop $2 to Place and your horse finishes second—you still win, even if it doesn’t take first. It’s a solid choice when you’re not totally confident a horse will win.
What is the most profitable bet in horse racing?
The most profitable (and riskiest) bet in horse racing is an Accumulator or Pick 6.
These bets require you to correctly predict the winners of multiple races in a row. Hit all your picks, and the payout can be huge—sometimes into the hundreds of thousands. Miss even one leg, though, and the whole bet is wiped out.
How do I calculate my horse winnings?
Your horse racing winnings are calculated by the track’s payout formula, which is based on the win pool and the amount wagered.
Say you place a $2 Win bet. The payout is usually shown as “$X to $1,” meaning if your horse wins, you get $X for every $1 you bet. For example, a $2 Win bet on a horse with 3-1 odds pays $6 (2 x 3 + 2). Exacta and Trifecta payouts are higher but way more complicated to figure out.
How much does TVG cost per month?
A WatchTVG subscription costs $9.99 per month as of 2026.
That fee gets you live and on-demand horse racing streams, expert analysis, and replays. Betting on TVG itself is free—you only pay if you want the premium streaming service.
Where can I stream horse racing for free?
You can stream horse racing for free on BetAmerica and several other platforms.
BetAmerica streams live horse races every day at no cost. Other free options include TVG (with a free account), Racing.com, and some sports betting apps that also offer live racing streams.
How can I get a free live horse race?
You can watch a free live horse race by using platforms like BetAmerica, TVG (free account), or Racing.com.
All three let you stream races live without paying anything. Just visit their sites or download their apps, and you’re set to watch races from major tracks like Churchill Downs or Saratoga. Some may ask you to register, but signing up is free.
