Overview of the US Online Gambling Laws by State

The US online gambling market offers many appealing options. From casino games to sports betting and DFS, players can find a suitable fit for their taste. However, the situation can become confusing when it comes to online gambling laws by state. Let me help you better understand where and what is allowed, state by state.

What You’ll Find in This Article

• Legal Online Gambling States
• States Where Online Gambling Is Illegal
• Upcoming Online Gambling Legislation
• Legal Gambling Age in the US
• References

States with Full Legal Online Gambling in the US

Online gambling in the US is strictly regulated on federal and state levels. Each jurisdiction has the right to decide whether to allow Internet gaming or prohibit it completely. While progress is stepping forward, only several states allow online gambling in all forms, including casino sites, betting platforms, DFS, and online poker. These are as follows:

1. New Jersey
2. Pennsylvania
3. Michigan
4. West Virginia
5. Delaware
6. Connecticut
7. Rhode Island

At the moment of writing, these are the US states with legal online gambling. Some other jurisdictions allow sports betting and DFS sites, poker platforms, or online lottery. Now, let’s overview the states’ gaming regulations individually.

New Jersey

New Jersey gave the green light to casino sites and online poker in 2013. The Garden State legalized daily fantasy sports in 2017, allowing its residents to join contests and try their skills. One year later, in June 2018, Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 4111, which authorized retail and online sports betting.

Ten years after the legalization of online casinos, in July 2023, NJ reported one of its highest revenues in over a decade – $506.2 million^[1]. The official regulatory body is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, responsible for issuing licenses and monitoring the local market.

Pennsylvania

Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill on October 30, 2017, allowing online casino games and fantasy sports. When the Supreme Court declared the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act unconstitutional, PA legalized sports wagering, launching its first betting platforms in November 2018. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is the official regulatory body in the state and monitors all gaming activities.

Michigan

Online gambling laws in the US may be confusing, but Michigan’s legislation is straightforward. In 2019, the Great Lakes State legalized all types of gaming platforms, including sites offering casino, poker, DFS, and betting products. If you happen to gamble online there, ensure the chosen operator is licensed by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

West Virginia

Daily fantasy sports were legalized back in 2016. As noted by the AGA^[2], in 2019, the WV legislation permitted licensed casinos in the state to offer online gambling games, including poker. The operators must apply for an interactive wagering license from the West Virginia Lottery Commission. Casino and racetrack licensees are also allowed to offer online sports betting.

Delaware

Delaware has been a pioneer, allowing online casinos since 2012. It was the first state to legalize gambling platforms at the time, followed by New Jersey and Nevada. On July 26, 2017, the Delaware Interactive Fantasy Contest Act was signed, allowing residents and visitors of the state to participate in DFS contests. Online sports betting is also permitted, while the Delaware Gaming Enforcement regulates the market.

Connecticut

The online gambling laws by state are constantly changing, and CT is a great example. The state joined the legal online gambling market in 2021. The Connecticut Online Poker, Casino, Sports Bill (HB 6451) came into force, allowing tribal casinos to offer remote gambling products.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island is the latest state to change its approach towards online gambling. In June 2023, Governor Dan McKee signed Senate Bill 948^[3] into law. By April 2024, the state should legally offer online slots and table games, while mobile sports betting will be available for residents over 21 years old.

Illegal Online Casino Gambling in the USA

As of today, US online gambling laws allow casino sites in only seven states, meaning the other 43 jurisdictions didn’t legalize them. The rules might shift towards a positive change because the iGaming sector brings serious profits to every state that allows it. Nonetheless, this is the complete list of states prohibiting online casino gambling in the US.

I always found it curious to observe the online gambling laws by state because they are sometimes contradictory. For example, many prohibit online casinos but allow online sports betting or lotteries. An example is Nevada, with its numerous online poker and sports wagering platforms. Others, such as Hawaii and Utah, completely ignore the idea of making changes and remain restrictive.

Upcoming Changes of the Online Gambling Regulations in the US

Online gambling regulations in the US cause numerous disputes between lawmakers. This is the case with Florida, where the changes have been dynamic for the last two years. In 2021, the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe signed a compact allowing the tribe to offer online sports betting in the state.

The event caused chaos in the sector, ending in other brick-and-mortar operators filing a suit against the Seminoles. The issue has yet to be sorted by Florida’s Supreme Court. If lawmakers confirm the tribe’s right to offer remote sports wagering, residents of the Sunshine State could soon benefit from betting online.

No matter the efforts of the Missouri lawmakers to legalize online sports betting in 2023, they didn’t succeed. There has been progress – a proposed bill passed the House’s approval but failed in the Senate. The legalization tentative will have to wait until the 2024 legislative session begins.

Legal Gambling Age in the US

According to the US online gambling laws, most states allow 18-year-olds to participate in DFS contests. Without any exception, the states allowing online casinos require their customers to be 21 years old. The same goes for online sports betting and e-sports.

I discourage you from trying your luck playing if you’re underage. First, online gambling operators have strict age verification policies, requiring you to provide an ID card or another document to confirm your identity. Second, you don’t want to risk receiving a fine – gaming control commissions will charge between $500 and $1,000.

References

1. Gambling Insider, (August 17, 2023), New Jersey reports highest July revenue in over a decade, Retrieved December 21, 2023
2. American Gaming Association, West Virginia – Gaming Regulations and Statutoryre Requirements (PDF), Retrieved December 21, 2023
3. Zak Thomas-Akoo, iGaming Business, (June 22, 2023), Rhode Island becomes seventh state to legalize igaming, Retrieved December 21, 2023