New York Sports Betting Handle Rises in July Despite Seasonal Slump

Gross revenue reached $155.6 million, a 10.5% year-over-year increase but down 24.9% from June.

Ziv Chen

Last Updated: August 11, 2025 3:53 PM EDT • 3 minute read

New York Sports Betting Handle Rises in July Despite Seasonal Slump — Pictured: New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe attempts to throw a runner. Photo by Wendell Cruz via Imagn Images.

A good month for the best sports betting sites operating in the Empire State.

According to figures published by the New York Gaming Commission, New York sports betting recorded a $1.4 billion handle in July, up 10.7% from the same month in 2024. The figure marked the first time since last August that the monthly handle fell below $1.5 billion. Gross revenue reached $155.6 million, a 10.5% year-over-year increase but down 24.9% from June, representing the lowest monthly total since December 2024.

The statewide hold was 11.1%, equal to July 2024 and the third highest of 2025. FanDuel's handle first dropped below $500 million this year, but the operator took a 12.8% hold. State tax collections reached $79.3 million, and year-to-date revenue exceeded $700 million.

Seasonal influences played a role in the decline. Coming on the NBA off-season and just one NFL preseason game, operators experienced the summer slump. DraftKings CEO Jason Robins saw a 10% year-over-year spike in MLB action in July despite the All-Star break contributing to the weakest week of action in almost a year.

The results followed an intense May and June in which New York sportsbooks generated back-to-back $200 million revenue months for the first time since the market launch in January 2022.

Efforts for more regulation of sports betting stalled

Although the July numbers showed a robust market, legislation seeking tighter restrictions on New York sports betting apps in New York State did not pass. Assembly Bill A7962, filed in April by Assemblyman Robert C. Carroll, got stuck in the Racing and Wagering Committee.

The bill aimed to limit bettors to five 24-hour deposits per licensee, impose $5,000 per event or per day per single operator wager limits, and disallow credit card deposits. It also contained broad advertising prohibitions, including disallowing ads for promotions that included "bonus," "no sweat," or related words and ads between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. or during live sports play. It would have changed how New York sportsbook promos would be advertised.

Carroll defended the proposal on X as designed to protect residents in a lightly regulated industry. Critics believed restrictions could drive players into offshore sportsbooks that don't follow the same rules.

Online sweepstakes casino ban

Another gaming bill in New York is one step closer to being signed into law. Bill No. SB5935A, banning cash-out-featured online sweepstakes casinos, has been voted through the Senate and Assembly and is awaiting Gov. Kathy Hochul's signature.

The bill, which was approved 57-2 in the Senate and unanimously in the Assembly, prohibits operating or promoting sweepstakes that simulate casino games, bingo, lottery, or sports betting using a dual-currency system that allows players to exchange virtual currency for cash prizes or equivalents. There is no legal NY online casino market.

Sweepstakes offering only non-cash rewards remain legal.

The legislation also bars suppliers, payment processors, geolocation providers, media affiliates, and certain investors from supporting prohibited sweepstakes operations. Enforcement powers are granted to the State Gaming Commission, state police, and the Attorney General, who can impose fines of $10,000 or more or revoke gaming licenses.

The proposal has been on the desk of Gov. Hochul since June.

Written by:
Ziv Chen

Ziv has over two decades of experience in the igaming and sports betting industry, having served in senior marketing and business development positions with both B2C and B2B companies, including Playtech and Microgaming. In 2019, Ziv decided to pursue his passion for writing and became a fulltime industry journalist, covering casino, sports, and gambling business news. He’s specialties include casino games and technology, US state gambling regulation, company performance, as well as gambling affiliates and marketing. As a Pitt graduate, Ziv is a diehard fan of all Pittsburgh sports teams, with the Steelers at the top of the list. In his free time, he enjoys reading crime fiction, biographies (mainly of sports personalities, but not only) and American history. Ziv’s Favorite quote: “We're going to pursue perfection, knowing full well we won't catch it, but we're going to relentlessly chase it," Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach.