Is Betr Legal in New York? PrizePicks, Underdog and Pick’em Apps in NY

Last verified: October 28, 2026 against Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law Article 14, 9 NYCRR Part 5602 and the New York State Gaming Commission’s fantasy sports operator list

Is Betr legal in New York? Not as a fantasy sports operator, because Betr does not appear on the Gaming Commission’s list of permitted interactive fantasy sports (IFS) operators. The answer for PrizePicks, Underdog, Sleeper, Dabble and Chalkboard depends on the product: New York allows fantasy contests from listed operators but does not allow house-style “pick’em” over/under games.

This page is general legal information, not advice. For licensed sportsbooks, see our page on which sportsbooks are legal in New York.

Is Betr legal in New York?

Not as a fantasy operator. The Gaming Commission’s IFS page lists 13 permitted operators, and Betr is not one of them. Racing Law § 1402(1)(a) says no operator may offer a fantasy platform to people in New York unless it is registered with the Commission.

That is not a finding that Betr broke the law. It means the list shows no New York permission for its fantasy contests.

Is PrizePicks legal in New York?

Yes, in its peer-to-peer form. PrizePicks is on the Commission’s permitted list, and the company announced on October 15, 2025 that it received a New York IFS license. Its house-style pick’em game is a different story.

In a stipulation effective December 31, 2023, PrizePicks agreed to stop its New York contests by February 14, 2024 and pay $14,969,688. The Commission found it had offered contests since June 4, 2019 without a temporary permit or registration, contrary to Racing Law § 1402 and § 1412.

Is Underdog legal in New York?

Yes, for contests that fit its permission. Underdog appears on the Commission’s list as Synkt Games, Inc. d/b/a Underdog. On March 14, 2025, the Commission announced a settlement over unpermitted contests, and Underdog agreed to stop certain contest types in New York.

Are Chalkboard, Sleeper and Dabble legal in New York?

None of the three is on the Commission’s permitted list, so you cannot rely on state approval for their fantasy contests.

Why are pick’em apps banned in New York?

The Commission’s fantasy rules, in 9 NYCRR 5602.1, do not allow contests based on proposition betting or that have the effect of mimicking it. They specifically bar contests where you choose, directly or indirectly, whether an athlete or team will pass a statistical benchmark.

A second rule, 9 NYCRR 5602.1(a)(5), says a contest cannot turn solely on one athlete’s single performance in one event. Fantasy contests must reflect a roster of athletes. A standard “over 24.5 points” slip does not fit those limits.

Product	New York treatment
Season-long and draft fantasy from a permitted operator	Allowed under Racing Law Article 14
Peer-to-peer contests from a permitted operator	Allowed if the operator has registration or permission
House-style pick’em over/under entries	Barred by 9 NYCRR 5602.1(a)(4)
Any contest from an operator not on the list	No state permission shown; Racing Law § 1402 requires registration
Licensed sportsbook player props	Sports wagering for ages 21 and up, covered in our gambling overview

What is legal fantasy sports in New York?

Under Racing Law § 1401, a fantasy contest is a game of skill where players build rosters of simulated athletes whose scores track real performance.

Registered contests are not gambling under Penal Law Article 225, per Racing Law § 1402(4). That protection covers contests offered under Article 14.

Timeline of New York fantasy and pick’em rules

• 2023: the Commission updates its fantasy rules, adding the proposition-betting and single-athlete limits.
• February 14, 2024: PrizePicks’s deadline to stop New York contests under its settlement.
• March 14, 2025: the Commission announces its settlement with Underdog.
• October 15, 2025: PrizePicks announces its New York IFS license.
• January 7, 2026: A6022 is referred again to the Assembly Racing and Wagering Committee.

Can you get in trouble for playing?

The fines and enforcement target operators. In the PrizePicks case, the penalty was a payment by the company. Penal Law § 225.00 treats a player who gambles only as a contestant or bettor as a player, and Penal Law Article 225 mainly targets people who promote or profit from gambling.

Your practical risk is different: an unlisted app has no New York dispute process. The Commission urges players to use only permitted or registered operators.

Myths and facts

• Myth: If an app works on your phone in New York, it is approved. Fact: Only the Commission’s list shows permission.
• Myth: A settlement means a permanent ban. Fact: PrizePicks and Underdog both stayed eligible to apply, and both are listed now.

What should you do if an app is in question?

Check the Gaming Commission’s IFS page and withdraw your balance if the app stops serving New York. If you cannot get your money back, complain to the Attorney General’s consumer office or the Gaming Commission.

Frequently asked questions

Is Betr legal in NY?

Betr is not on the Gaming Commission’s list of permitted fantasy operators, so the state shows no permission for its fantasy contests. That is a listing fact, not a finding of wrongdoing. Check the Commission’s IFS page before you play.

Is PrizePicks legal in New York?

Yes, in peer-to-peer form. PrizePicks is on the permitted list and announced a New York IFS license on October 15, 2025. It paid $14,969,688 in 2024 over earlier unpermitted contests, and house-style pick’em remains barred by 9 NYCRR 5602.1.

Is Underdog legal in NY?

Underdog is on the Commission’s list as Synkt Games, Inc. d/b/a Underdog. The Commission announced a settlement on March 14, 2025 over unpermitted contests. Pick’em-style contests that mimic proposition betting do not fit New York’s rules.

Are Chalkboard, Sleeper and Dabble legal in NY?

None of the three is on the Commission’s list of 13 permitted operators, so the state shows no registration for them. Check the Commission’s page for the current status of any app before you play.

Could New York legalize pick’em?

Possibly. A6022 by Assembly Member Woerner, with companion S2617, would treat contests on whether athletes pass a target score as fantasy sports and raise the age to 21. It sat in committee as of January 7, 2026.

What changed on this page

• October 28, 2026: first publication, checked against Racing Law Article 14, 9 NYCRR 5602.1, the Gaming Commission’s PrizePicks settlement and operator list, and bill A6022. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections page and editorial policy.

If this affects you

To report an unlisted app or a payout problem, contact the New York State Gaming Commission or file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General. For a legal question, talk to a New York-licensed attorney, and the New York State Bar Association lawyer referral service can help you find one. For free, confidential help with problem gambling, call 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369). Browse more topics in our gambling and betting section.