Are Skill-Game Apps Legal in New York?
This page covers skill-game apps you play on your phone in New York. Skill machines in New York bars, gas stations and convenience stores are a separate question this page doesn't cover.
Yes, cash play is on in New York. Skillz, operated by Firy Inc. (NYSE: FIRY), runs our cash matches and has not switched it off there. 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New York; Carrom has none anywhere yet. Next door, Connecticut is on that no-cash list, so cash matches stop when you cross into it. New York taxes personal income, so prizes may also go on your state return.
That status is Skillz's platform decision for New York, not a court ruling, and states use different skill-versus-chance tests.
Which Atay games offer cash play in New York
| Game | Cash play in New York | US App Store listing, checked Sep 24, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Solitaire Real Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New York |
| Gin Rummy Cash | Available | Lists 7 states, not New York |
| Ball Pool Cash | Available | Lists 11 states, not New York |
| Sugar Cash | Available | Lists 5 states, not New York |
| Word Money | Available | Lists 5 states, not New York |
| Bingo Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Block Puzzle | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Bubble Prizes | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Crossword Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Pachinko Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Word Search Cash | Available | No state list printed; Skillz allows New York |
| Carrom | Free play only | Cash not yet enabled (open beta) |
Play in New York
Every game plays free first, so New York players can learn one before any entry fee.
Browse the gamesHow prizes are taxed in New York
New York taxes personal income, so prizes may go on your New York return. The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance decides how New York treats them. Federally, prizes are taxable income for New York players with or without a tax form; see 1099s and Skillz winnings under $2,000.
Cash play in states bordering New York
Crossing from New York into Connecticut switches cash matches off.
Questions about skill-game apps in New York
Can I play Atay games for cash in New York?
Yes, 11 of our 12 games offer cash matches in New York. Carrom has no cash play yet.
Does it matter where in New York I am?
No. Skillz sets eligibility by state from your phone's location, so New York City and Albany get the same answer.
What happens if I cross from New York into Connecticut?
Cash matches switch off once your phone is in Connecticut. Free play keeps working, and cash play returns when you are back in New York.
Does New York tax prizes from skill-game apps?
It can. Prizes are income, and New York has a state income tax; check the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance's guidance for your situation.
New York status per the Skillz help center (eligibility, cash-disabled areas, skill-game legality) and US App Store listings. General information, not legal advice; Skillz can change cash availability.