How to Bet on UFC in New York: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

New York is one of the top states for legal online sports betting — and UFC fans across the Empire State can now bet on every punch, kick, takedown, and knockout legally and securely.

Whether you’re watching a stacked pay-per-view card or betting on a UFC Fight Night, placing bets on UFC fights in New York is fast, legal, and packed with opportunities — if you know where to start.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to bet on UFC in New York, which sportsbooks are legal and trusted, and how to get the best odds and bonuses as an NY-based bettor.

️ Is UFC Betting Legal in New York?

Yes — UFC betting is 100% legal in New York through licensed online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. The state legalized online sports betting in January 2022, and since then, major operators like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars have gone live.

You must meet these criteria to legally bet on UFC in NY:

• Be 21 years or older

• Physically located in New York at the time of placing your bet

• Use a licensed sportsbook approved by the New York State Gaming Commission

Note: You don’t need to be a New York resident — you just have to be physically in the state when betting. Geo-location software in sportsbook apps will verify your location.

Best Legal Sportsbooks for UFC Betting in New York

New York offers access to several top-tier sportsbooks — all of which carry full UFC markets, including moneylines, method of victory, round props, and live betting.

Here are the most popular options:

✅ DraftKings Sportsbook NY

• One of the most UFC-friendly platforms

• Tons of prop bets (rounds, takedowns, etc.)

• Clean, fast mobile app

• Regular UFC promotions for NY users

✅ FanDuel Sportsbook NY

• Great for casual bettors and same-game parlays

• Slick interface with live betting

• Often runs UFC-specific promos for main events

✅ BetMGM NY

• Known for sharp lines and method of victory bets

• Good for larger bet sizes and serious bettors

• Offers frequent reload bonuses

✅ Caesars Sportsbook NY

• Generous sign-up offers

• Reliable for big fight night coverage

• Occasional odds boosts on UFC underdogs

How to Register and Bet on UFC in New York (Step-by-Step)

Getting started is easy. Whether you’re using a phone or laptop, New York’s licensed sportsbooks make it simple to bet on UFC legally. Just follow these steps:

✅ Step 1: Choose a Licensed Sportsbook

Pick one of the approved sportsbooks in New York — like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, or Caesars. Each offers UFC markets, but check which platform gives the best welcome bonus or UFC-specific odds boost before signing up.

Tip: You can sign up with multiple sportsbooks to shop for the best UFC odds and promotions.

✅ Step 2: Create Your Account

Click “Join” or “Register” and provide the required information:

• Full name

• Date of birth (must be 21+)

• Address

• Last four digits of your SSN (for ID verification)

The sportsbook will also use geo-location to confirm that you’re physically in New York when placing bets.

✅ Step 3: Deposit Funds

Once your account is verified, you’ll need to fund it. Most sportsbooks offer these deposit options:

• Debit card or credit card

• Online banking

• PayPal or Venmo

• Play+ prepaid cards

• Apple Pay (on some platforms)

Pro Tip: Many sportsbooks offer deposit-match bonuses or first-bet insurance when you make your first deposit — so don’t skip the promo code section.

✅ Step 4: Navigate to the UFC Betting Section

Inside the app or website, go to:

• “MMA” or “UFC” under the sports menu

• You’ll see upcoming events like UFC 306, UFC Fight Night cards, or pay-per-view main events

Each fight will have multiple betting options including:

• Moneyline (who wins)

• Method of Victory

• Over/Under Rounds

• Round Betting

• Same Fight Parlays

• Live Bets (during the fight)

Example: Placing a Basic UFC Bet in NY

Let’s say you’re betting on a title fight — Aljamain Sterling vs. Merab Dvalishvili.

• You believe Merab will win by decision.

• On DraftKings NY, you find “Merab by Decision” at +250.

• You bet $50.

• If he wins exactly as predicted, you win $125 profit, plus your $50 back.

✅ Fast. Legal. And potentially very profitable.

Choose a method that suits you best and deposit the amount you’re comfortable betting with.

Popular UFC Bet Types in New York Sportsbooks

Once you’re inside a legal NY sportsbook, you’ll see a variety of UFC bet types — far beyond just “who will win.” Understanding these options helps you find better value and boost your profits.

1. Moneyline (Outright Winner)

The most basic bet — you pick who wins the fight. Odds are set based on who the sportsbook believes is more likely to win.

• Example:

  • Aljamain Sterling -135 (favorite)

  • Merab Dvalishvili +115 (underdog)

If you bet $100 on Merab at +115 and he wins, you get $115 in profit.

2. Method of Victory

You predict how the fighter will win: KO/TKO, submission, or decision. Payouts are higher because you’re being more specific.

• Example:

  • Dvalishvili by decision: +250

  • Sterling by submission: +400

These bets are great for fans who understand fighter styles and strategies.

3. Round Betting

You pick the exact round the fight will end and possibly the winner.

• Example:

  • Merab wins in Round 3: +1000

  • Fight ends in Round 2 (any winner): +500

Riskier but very rewarding if you get it right — ideal for explosive fighters who tend to finish early.

4. Over/Under Rounds

Instead of picking the winner, you bet on how long the fight will last.

• Example:

  • Over 2.5 rounds: -110

  • Under 1.5 rounds: +200

Great for fights where you expect an early finish or a full-distance war.

5. Live UFC Betting (In-Play)

Available on most NY sportsbooks, this lets you bet during the fight as it happens. Odds adjust in real-time based on momentum, knockdowns, and control time.

Pro Tip: Live betting is ideal if you spot an underdog starting to take over mid-fight — the odds may still offer value.

New York-Exclusive UFC Promos to Look For

Most NY sportsbooks offer UFC-specific bonuses, especially for high-profile fights or pay-per-view cards.

Popular promo types:

• Bet $5, Win $150 for new users (DraftKings, FanDuel)

• First Bet Insurance (up to $1,000 refunded if you lose)

• UFC Odds Boosts (better payout on featured fights)

• Parlay Profit Boosts for multi-leg UFC bets

• Risk-Free Same Game Parlay (try combos like winner + method + round)

Many of these offers are only available to bettors in New York — so make sure to check the “Promotions” tab of your sportsbook before betting.

Staying Safe and Responsible When Betting on UFC in New York

Legal sportsbooks in New York are regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission, which means your money and personal data are protected. But it’s still important to gamble responsibly and know how to stay in control.

✅ Use Responsible Gambling Tools

Most NY sportsbooks offer features like:

• Deposit limits

• Loss limits

• Time-outs or self-exclusion

• Reality checks reminding you how long you’ve been betting

Use these to keep your betting fun and sustainable.

✅ Verify Geo-Location and Account Security

The sportsbook apps use geo-location software to confirm you’re physically in New York before accepting bets. Make sure:

• You have location services enabled

• Your account info is accurate and updated

✅ Avoid Illegal or Offshore Sites

Betting on unlicensed sportsbooks risks your funds and personal data. Stick to licensed NY sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars to ensure a safe experience.

✔️ Quick Checklist for UFC Betting in New York

Final Thoughts: Bet Smarter on UFC in New York

New York’s fully legal and regulated sports betting landscape gives UFC fans a fantastic chance to enjoy fight nights on a whole new level. With trusted sportsbooks, generous bonuses, and a wide range of UFC bet types — including live betting — NY bettors have everything needed to turn fight knowledge into real winnings.

Just remember:

• Bet within your limits

• Do your homework on fights

• Shop around for the best odds and promos

• Keep it fun and responsible

The Octagon is ready — and so is your next winning bet.