Our comprehensive NYRA Bets review

What is NYRA?

First, we’ll answer the most pressing question of them all: what is the New York Racing Association? NYRA is a non-profit organization that is in charge of operating the three biggest thoroughbred horse tracks in New York state, namely: Belmont Park, located in Elmont; Saratoga Race Course, found in Saratoga Springs; and finally, Aqueduct Race Track, located in South Ozone Park, in Queens.

NYRA has had a long and colorful history, much like the gambling and horse betting history in the United States, and it has faced plenty of opposition – but, as always, it has emerged victorious. NYRA was founded in 1955, and one of its illustrious founders was none other than Harry Guggenheim, the famous diplomat and philanthropist.

NYRA underwent a restructuring in 2008, and it launched NYRA Bets in 2016 - and it hasn’t looked back since!

When it comes to promotions and bonuses, this is where NYRA Bets does not disappoint. But keep in mind that the promotional offers and bonuses can change, so watch out for the latest developments – your best bet is to log in everyday so you will see the latest promos and bonus offers.

Welcome bonus

It offers a brilliant welcome bonus of up to 100% match on the first deposit of up to $200. But in order to get this welcome bonus offer, you have to be a first-time user in your household. This means that nobody else in your household can have an account. The offer also has a limit – you have to claim it within 30 days of signing up for your NYRA Bets account. Also, once you make your first deposit, you have to wager two times the amount in 30 days to get your bonus credits. So for example, if you will deposit $100 for your first deposit, then you will have to wager $200 on your next deposit within 30 days to acquire $100 as a non-withdrawable credit to your account.

Other promos and offers

Free $25 play on the Kentucky Derby

As of this writing, this is an ongoing offer for the Kentucky Derby, and the promo code is DERBY25. The mechanics are simple: you can receive a NYRA Bets free $25 wagering credit when you sign up/register with the promo code. Again, your first deposit can be matched up to $200, and it works just like the welcome bonus, where you will have to bet your initial deposit and get a wagering credit that matches it.

Rewards points multiplied

There are also days of the week where you might find various offers and promos for 10x rewards points. How does this work? Simply make sure that you bet and earn rewards points for that day, and it will be credited to your account in 48 hours. Take note: your account must be verified and in real-money before you are eligible for the points multiplier.

VIP rewards program

When you have created a NYRA Bets account, you will start earning points every time you place a bet with NYRA rewards. You will also be instantly enrolled in the VIP rewards program and will earn 4 points for each $1 you bet at NYRA race tracks, and 2 points for each dollar you bet at race tracks that are not NYRA race tracks. But the terms and conditions are such that all the points you have accumulated will only be valid for one year. You will, however, be able to redeem 5000 points for $5 in wagering credits.

Again, let us reiterate that NYRA Bets runs other promotional offers and bonuses throughout the year, so it’s best to log in to your account as often as possible to see what’s on offer for that day.

Funding Options

At NYRA Bets, you will have no problems depositing and withdrawing from your account. After signing up, you will have access to the cashier, where you can choose your preferred payment methods. The different payment methods include the following: Visa, Mastercard, Play+, PayNearMe, MoneyPak, and Express Funding. Express Funding is an electronic fund transfer from your bank account. Furthermore, NYRA Bets accepts Sightline and ACH funding.

All payments and withdrawals are SSL encrypted, which further ensures their safety. Take note, however, that if you use debit/credit cards for deposits, they may have a fee, and you must also deposit a minimum amount of $50 when you use your credit card.

Meanwhile, you can only withdraw using electronic fund transfer, and the process usually takes up to 5 business days. There’s some great news, though – NYRA Bets doesn’t charge withdrawal fees, but your winnings must go through clearing first.

Customer Service and Support

We all know how important it is to fully grasp horse betting – and that’s why good (even great!) customer service is vital for any horse betting site. This is another part where NYRA Bets excels, because it has proven to give great customer support, especially for new bettors. Its service is responsive, and even though we are sad to point out that its options regarding customer support aren’t complete yet, it offers the best of what it has. For example, there is a live chat option, but it is only available at certain times of the day. On the other hand, its email and messaging features are always on-hand.

But the best part about NYRA Bets’ customer service is their phone support – you can contact a representative from Thursday to Monday, and aside from this, NYRA Bets has a page dedicated to FAQs as well.

Live Chat: available from Thursday to Monday

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 1-844-697-2238