New York’s online sports betting market saw a notable surge during the week ending June 28, 2026, largely driven by the FIFA World Cup, according to data from the New York Gaming Commission.
Gross gaming revenue (GGR) for online sports betting in New York increased by 86% year-over-year, while the total amount wagered, or handle, rose 47% compared to the same week in 2025. This sharp rise in betting activity coincided with the World Cup, which did not take place during the comparable week last year.
The hold rate, which indicates the percentage of wagers retained by operators after payouts, reached 12.1% during this period. This figure represents an increase of 255 basis points from the previous year’s comparable week. A higher hold rate means operators retained a larger share of the wagers, which can influence bettors’ potential returns.
However, when examining the second quarter to date through June 28, 2026, the data presents a more mixed picture. The GGR is tracking 12% lower year-over-year, while the handle is up 8%. The hold rate for this period stands at 8.7%, down 200 basis points from the previous year. This suggests that outside of the World Cup week, betting volumes and revenues have softened somewhat.
For players, these figures highlight how major sporting events can temporarily increase betting activity and cause fluctuations in hold rates. During events like the World Cup, bettors may find more promotional offers and a wider range of betting options. However, the varying hold percentages mean players should remain aware of how these changes can impact their potential returns.
Meanwhile, land-based gaming sectors face challenges. Analyst David Katz of Jefferies noted on July 2 that land-based gaming remains the most out-of-favor subsector due to medium-term growth headwinds across the Las Vegas Strip and Macau. Despite this, some operators such as Red Rock Resorts show resilience, while others like Penn Entertainment and Monarch Casino & Resorts may face pullbacks.
On the Las Vegas Strip, May 2026 gross gaming revenue rose 13% year-over-year, driven by strong baccarat play and slot volumes. Normalized metrics excluding baccarat also showed growth, with total normalized GGR up 8%. This marks the third consecutive month of solid gaming revenue and coincides with strong visitation numbers, indicating steady player interest in physical casinos.
Regional operators reported modest growth through May 2026, with gross gaming revenue up 1.8% year-over-year and same-store sales increasing by 0.3%. For the second quarter to date, regional gaming revenue rose 3.3% year-over-year, supported by stable core customer trends and continued visitation, particularly among core and drive-in segments.
Players should note that while online sports betting can spike during major events, overall market conditions vary by region and platform. Understanding these trends can help bettors make informed decisions. Responsible gambling practices remain essential, especially during periods of heightened betting activity.
For further information on New York sports betting and casino trends, visit our USA section and Betting category.
Additional context on New York’s gaming community is available in CDC Gaming’s report on Resorts World’s $250,000 distribution to 25 nonprofits across the state, highlighting the industry’s community engagement efforts (CDC Gaming).
Source: CDC Gaming.
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