The NFL season is just around the corner, and for the first time in New York, residents can bet legally on the Week 1 slate!
Big Apple denizens are already agog for sports betting, pushing over $800 million through the metaphorical windows in July. That is by far the most money wagered of any state in that span, including Nevada.
Whether you already have a wagering account or two, or are looking to sign up for a new one in the Empire State, these three New York betting sites should be in your betting arsenal for football season. They offer the best combination of competitive odds and enticing promos.
Without further ado, let’s dive into my three preferred New York sportsbooks.
FanDuel
If you don’t have a FanDuel account, you’re missing out on arguably the best user experience in the business, as it couldn’t be easier to find the games and prop wagers you’re looking for. Speaking of prop betting, FanDuel was one of the first books to offer both the Same Game Parlay and the Same Game Parlay+, the latter of which means you can package together props from different games on the same ticket.
Unlike most sportsbooks, FanDuel doesn’t limit you to simple “Over/Under” props on player milestones. They’ll allow you to pick a threshold you’re comfortable with, sometimes down to the next one yard passing, rushing, or receiving.
For example, if Patrick Mahomes’ passing yards line for a random game is 300.5 yards, with both sides priced evenly at -110, a bettor could instead choose to take Mahomes Over 290.5 yards at something like -125 instead. Such a wagering option can turn a near-miss into a big score, especially when it comes to Same Game Parlay+.
FanDuel also boasts some of the best single-game odds for traditional spread/total bettors. A quick perusal of the Week 1 board reveals that FanDuel either exclusively has the best spread odds, or is tied for the best odds for seven betting favorites and three underdogs. The same can be said regarding six Overs and three Unders on the Week 1 slate.
Throughout the NFL season, FanDuel will often run “no-risk” Same Game Parlay promotions, meaning a bettor can lose on a Same Game Parlay and get a refund in the form of a free bet. Couple that with a choice of sign-up bonus of either a $1,000 risk-free bet or “Bet $5, Get $150,” and first-time users have it made in the shade this NFL season.
Bet $5 and get $150 in free bets when you sign up to FanDuel today.
Read our FanDuel review.
DraftKings
DraftKings is often mentioned in the same breath with FanDuel, and for good reason. Their sportsbook is arguably just as good, if not better, than their fellow daily fantasy site-turned bookmaker.
New Yorkers without a DraftKings account can sign up and bet just $5 on any NFL game to get $200 in free bets. There is also an option to unlock a 20% deposit match of up to $1,000 (meaning $5,000 must be deposited), but it requires an unpalatable 25x rollover. However, DraftKings will give you a $50 free bet up front to complement that sign-up offer.
When it comes to moneyline action on NFL games, few books are better than DraftKings. They currently offer seven of the best moneylines on the Week 1 slate; five favorites, and two underdogs. Those looking to eschew the spread for a straight wager or form a moneyline parlay are best served playing with DraftKings.
If you’re looking to place a Super Bowl future wager, you could do far worse than play with DraftKings, especially if you’re thinking about backing a longshot. They have at least co-best Super Bowl odds on 19 of the 32 NFL teams.
Throw in frequent parlay insurance and odds boost promos, and DraftKings becomes an indispensable tool for New York sports bettors.
Get a deposit bonus up to $1,000 when you sign up to DraftKings today.
Read our DraftKings review.
Caesars Sportsbook
Caesars Sportsbook may not compare to the top two, but it still serves as a useful alternative for sports bettors who know the importance of line shopping.
Caesars has at least the co-best line on just five Week 1 spreads, but it often serves as a middle ground between books. For instance, in the season opener between the Cleveland Browns and the Carolina Panthers, WynnBET has the best spread odds on the home team of -1.5 (-110), while PointsBet holds the best spread odds on the visitors of +2.5 (-110). Caesars splits the difference in this game at -2/+2, with -110 vig on each side.
While a professional bettor might want to open every account he or she possibly can in order to find an edge, there are many amateur players who don’t want to complicate their lives with more than one or two sites for sports gambling. Caesars fits the bill for these customers.
Caesars Sportsbook also does Same Game Parlays, though with fewer options than FanDuel and DraftKings. However, there are typically insurance promos offered on such wagers at least once a week.
When it comes to odds boosts on certain parlays, Caesars runs laps around the competition. They’ll often lump together outcomes like “Over on Browns/Panthers, Ravens/Jets, and Patriots/Dolphins,” for example, and give out a free a boost of about 10%.
Caesars also offers perhaps the most generous introductory offer of any book, with up to a $1,250 deposit match free bet. They’ll also tack on 1,000 Tier Credits and 1,000 Reward Credits, things that can help you earn perks when you go to a Caesars property in Atlantic City or Las Vegas.
If you’re looking for live betting action, Caesars is a one-stop shop. Not only do they have a smorgasbord of wagering options, but they also offer in-game statistics, live tracking, and the ability to cash out.
Get up to a $1,250 free bet, 1,000 Caesars Rewards® Tier Credits, and 1,000 Caesars Rewards Reward Credits when you sign up to Caesars Sportsbook today.
Read our Caesars Sportsbook review.
The power of three
If you choose to limit yourself to three sportsbooks of the possible nine that are licensed to operate in New York this football season, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars should comprise that trio.
FanDuel doesn’t just have great odds for standard spreads and totals, but they’re also an industry leader when it comes to “fun” prop plays. DraftKings has terrific odds for both weekly games and future wagers, and are also at the head of the class in terms of Same Game Parlays. Caesars serves as a useful book to line shop with while offering excellent promos, odds boosts, and loyalty rewards. They also offer arguably the best live-betting experience of any sportsbook in the Empire State.
