Currently, the topic of online gambling in the US is generating unprecedented levels of discourse. A greater number of Americans now have the ability to engage in their preferred casino games, sports betting, or poker sessions via their mobile devices and computers, surpassing any previous period. In fact, regardless of one’s geographical location within the United States, it is highly likely that nearby online gambling options are readily available.

Read on for the most up-to-date information, news, and state launches regarding legal online gambling in the United States. This page serves as your top source for all things related to legal online gambling.

Arizona

Sports Betting

Arizona has joined the ranks of the largest states to introduce online sports betting. The licenses for Arizona sportsbooks are divided between professional sports entities and Native American tribes within the state. From the standpoint of players, the usual array of bookmakers such as BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars are available. An exciting feature is that you can wager on in-state collegiate teams. However, it’s important to note that Arizona law prohibits placing individual proposition wagers on collegiate games, regardless of the teams involved.

Arkansas

Sports Betting

In early 2022, online sports betting was introduced in The Natural State, beginning with Southland’s Betly and later expanding to include BetSaracen. Currently, these two operators are the only ones available in Arkansas, but it is anticipated that prominent industry players will also enter the market in the future.

Colorado

Sports Betting

In a short span of time, Colorado has emerged as a prominent player in the field of sports betting. Ever since its launch in 2020, over twenty online sportsbooks have started catering to the needs of both Colorado residents and visitors. While a wide range of wagering options are accessible within the state, placing individual prop bets on college games is not allowed. Although all 35 casino establishments in Colorado have the potential to offer online sports betting, it remains uncertain if every one of them will seize the opportunity or if the state’s population can sustain such a large number of betting applications.

Connecticut

Online Casinos

In late 2021, Connecticut introduced two online casino options along with online poker. The state exclusively features tribal casinos, without any commercial establishments. Consequently, two tribes have obtained exclusivity rights and have joined forces with renowned national online casino operators. Although online casinos are currently operational in Connecticut, the launch of online poker is still pending. The Mohegan Tribe owns the Mohegan Sun Online Casino, which operates with the support of FanDuel. On the other hand, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has teamed up with DraftKings Online Casino.

Discover even more comprehensive information about the most recent developments in online casinos in Connecticut.

Sports Betting

In October 2021, Connecticut introduced online sports betting to its residents. Due to the state’s compact size and unique stakeholders, only three sportsbooks are currently operating within Connecticut. The state lottery collaborates with PlaySugarHouse to offer one of these books. The other two books are exclusively managed by Connecticut’s Native American tribes: the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe partners with DraftKings, while the Mohegan Tribe has teamed up with FanDuel.

Delaware

Online Casinos

Delaware earned the nickname “First State” due to being the first to ratify the US Constitution, but this moniker also aligns with its approach to online casinos. Instead of broadening its online gambling reach, Delaware has opted to focus on internal operations, with all three of its casinos partnering with brands powered by 888. The partnership between 888 and the Delaware Lottery, the state’s gambling regulator, further strengthens this in-house strategy. Given Delaware’s small size, the possibilities for expanding its online gambling industry seem limited in the near future.

Discover all the specifics regarding online casino options in Delaware.

Online Poker

Delaware was an early adopter of online poker in the US, introducing its first site in 2013. As a result of its small size and population, the state’s three poker sites are all interconnected on the same network, all powered by 888. However, Delaware is also part of the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), allowing players from Delaware to compete with those from Nevada and New Jersey. Essentially, residents of Delaware have access to all the advantages provided by WSOP.com.

Illinois

Sports Betting

Illinois reluctantly permits online sports betting, but with certain conditions. The state initially mandated that users must register for their accounts in person when IL sportsbook apps were introduced in 2020. Fortunately, this requirement is set to expire in 2022 (hopefully). Currently, you can place bets on a wide range of sporting events within Illinois. However, the law prohibits wagering on in-state colleges and non-sports events such as elections or awards ceremonies.

Indiana

Sports Betting

Indiana was the first to introduce sports betting in the region, beating Illinois by nearly a year. Moreover, Indiana has managed its sports betting operations more efficiently than its neighboring state. The state regulations have enabled all Indiana casinos to provide online sportsbooks, and nearly all of them have already done so. In general, you have the freedom to bet on a wide range of options in Indiana. However, it is important to note that eSports betting is prohibited, and the Indiana Gaming Commission holds significant authority over live betting choices.

Iowa

Sports Betting

Iowa’s unexpected venture into sports betting has resulted in the establishment of over a dozen online sportsbook apps in the state. Fortunately, most sporting events, including those featuring the University of Iowa and Iowa State, are open for wagering. However, if you were hoping to bet on eSports or the Oscars, you’ll be disappointed. Additionally, if you intend to place bets on the Hawkeyes or Cyclones, you must do so before the game begins as live betting on in-state collegiate teams is not allowed.

Kansas

Sports Betting

Residents and visitors of Kansas were filled with joy as legal online sports betting made its debut on September 1, perfectly timed with the start of the new NFL season. Although there was a delay between Gov. Laura Kelly signing the legislation into law in May and the legalization of online sports gambling in July, operators have finally arrived, allowing the people of the Sunflower State to conveniently place bets with just a few taps on their fingertips.

Louisiana

Sports Betting

On January 28, 2022, six mobile betting apps were launched in Louisiana, marking the official commencement of mobile sports betting. The state law grants sports betting licenses to all 20 major gambling establishments, opening up a plethora of options and opportunities for residents of the Pelican State to place bets on their beloved teams such as the Saints or the LSU Tigers. It is worth noting that sports betting is accessible in 55 out of the 64 parishes, as these regions did not approve the corresponding ballot measure in November 2020.

Maryland

Sports Betting

Maryland’s online sports betting scene has finally taken off, marking the end of the industry’s longest delay. Following extensive discussions and urging from legislators and potential bettors, operators successfully debuted in the state on November 23, right before the NFL games during Thanksgiving. With this launch, online sports betting in Maryland has been officially given the green light.

Michigan

Online Casinos

Since its launch in 2021, Michigan has quickly become an influential player in the online casino industry. Despite being a newer member, the Great Lakes State offers an impressive selection of over a dozen online casino apps. Whether you prefer renowned companies such as Caesars and WynnBet or local Michigan-based brands like Firekeepers and Four Winds, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from. All of these diverse choices are regulated and overseen by the Michigan Gaming Control Board.

Learn more about online casinos available in Michigan.

Sports Betting

In January 2021, Michigan made a grand entrance into the world of online sports betting, as 10 sportsbooks were launched simultaneously. Since then, it has emerged as a leading state in this field, boasting over a dozen sports betting apps catering to Michigan residents and visitors. With few exceptions, Michigan legislation allows for a wide range of sports wagers, except for high school sporting events. However, it is important to note that making prop bets on individual players in collegiate sports is not permitted.

Online Poker

In 2021, Michigan fully embraced the world of online gambling by introducing online casinos, sports betting, and poker. This momentous occasion occurred in January, marking a significant milestone for the state. Since then, three prominent poker sites, namely PokerStars, BetMGM, and WSOP, have successfully launched their operations within Michigan’s borders. These platforms provide an impressive range of poker games to cater to diverse preferences. Moreover, a notable achievement for Michigan is its membership in the MSIGA (Michigan Shared-Interest Gaming Agreement), further contributing to its thriving online gambling industry.

This is the place to find comprehensive information on online poker in Michigan.

Mississippi

Sports Betting

In Mississippi, it is possible to engage in online sports betting, but the options available are severely restricted and not particularly desirable. The state only allows a single sports betting app, BetMGM, to function within its borders, and even then, it can only be utilized when you are physically present at one of the state’s retail sports betting establishments.

Montana

Sports Betting

Similar to Mississippi, online sports betting is allowed in Montana. However, there is a restriction that limits users to only one sports betting app, namely Sports Bet Montana. Moreover, this app can only be used within the state’s borders and specifically when physically present at a retail sports betting outlet. It is worth noting that the website is a collaboration between the state lottery and its provider, Intralot. Unfortunately, Sports Bet Montana is known for offering odds that are considerably less favorable compared to the industry norm. Opening payout ratios often exceed -118, which is a significant deviation from the standard -110.

Nevada

Sports Betting

Nevada holds the distinction of being the pioneer in sports betting, being the first state to introduce online sports betting in any form. The Silver State offers a vast array of sports wagering options to cater to almost every bettor’s preferences. However, despite its prestigious status, Nevada can be a source of frustration for online sports bettors due to its registration regulations. According to state law, individuals must physically register and make their initial deposit at the brick-and-mortar casino(s) affiliated with their chosen Nevada betting app. This requirement can be quite inconvenient for those who do not reside in or have plans to visit the limited population centers in Nevada.

Online Poker

Given its long history as the epicenter of the poker world, it’s no surprise that Nevada is a popular location for online poker. However, what is surprising is the limited options available to Nevadans. The only active poker site in the state is WSOP.com, which is the online extension of the renowned tournament series. Despite being a large site that offers various types of poker games such as cash games, tournaments, sit-n-go’s, and fast fold games, it is the sole option for online poker in Nevada. Additionally, due to Nevada’s membership in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA), players can also engage in games with participants from New Jersey and Delaware.

New Hampshire

Sports Betting

New Hampshire stands out among a few smaller states by adopting a monopoly-like approach to its sports betting industry. Currently, the sole app available in the state is DraftKings, which operates in close collaboration with the state lottery. However, in the near future, the lottery itself will offer a few limited alternatives. While most types of wagers are allowed in New Hampshire, betting on in-state collegiate games is prohibited.

New Jersey

Online Casinos

The state of New Jersey takes pride in being a frontrunner in legalizing online casino gaming back in 2013. It boasts a wide range of choices with almost 20 different apps, featuring renowned brands such as DraftKings, FanDuel, MGM, and Golden Nugget. These online casino options are easily accessible to almost anyone in New Jersey with an internet connection. Furthermore, to ensure fair and secure gambling experiences, all these sites are closely monitored by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

To find out more, please visit our webpage dedicated to online casinos in New Jersey.

Sports Betting

New Jersey has emerged as the leading state in sports betting since 2018, both in terms of benefits gained and pushing the boundaries. The state’s significant win in the Supreme Court paved the way for sports betting outside of Nevada, and New Jersey’s lawmakers wasted no time in capitalizing on this newfound freedom. Today, the state boasts nearly twenty sportsbooks, with several mobile apps serving as a popular platform for sports bettors from New York City. The only limitation in New Jersey is that you cannot place bets on in-state college teams or collegiate events within state boundaries.

Online Poker

New Jersey has the most expertise in online poker compared to any other state, particularly when compared to Nevada. With a total of seven poker sites across four different networks, the Garden State offers a wide range of options. While each site provides the usual games and formats, for a more unique and thrilling experience, PokerStars is the go-to destination. Additionally, on WSOP.com and 888, players have the exciting opportunity to compete against participants from Nevada and Delaware.

Discover all there is to know about NJ online poker right here.

New York

Sports Betting

In January 2022, the introduction of online sports betting marked the beginning of a new era. State regulators granted approval to four prominent sportsbooks – Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetRivers – allowing them to swiftly launch their apps. Furthermore, five additional apps have obtained their licenses and are awaiting final clearance from the New York State Gaming Commission, ensuring a total of nine sportsbook apps will soon be available in the state of New York.

Ohio

Sports Betting

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Day 2025, Ohio embraced online sports betting, granting millions of fans the convenience of placing bets on their beloved teams from the comfort of their homes. Prior to its launch, numerous sports franchises in Ohio (a total of 16) had already formed partnerships with operators. Regardless of your chosen betting platform or team preference, Ohio is prepared to partake in the excitement.

Oregon

Sports Betting

Oregon is one of the states that decided to introduce online sports betting as an extension of its state-run lottery. The Oregon Lottery claimed that it had the right to offer sports betting through grandfathering under PASPA, allowing them to launch their first bets in 2019. Consequently, residents of Oregon can freely place sports bets using the DraftKings app, but they are prohibited from betting on college sports.

Pennsylvania

Online Casinos

Pennsylvania finally entered the online casino scene in 2019, although they initially had only two options to offer. However, in a surprisingly short period of time, the Keystone State saw a significant increase in the number of online casino apps available, with over a dozen options to choose from. It’s important to note that all online casinos in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Discover additional information about online casinos in Pennsylvania.

Sports Betting

In 2019, Pennsylvania became the pioneering large state to introduce online sports betting. Since then, the Keystone State has maintained its momentum with a growing number of nearly a dozen sportsbook apps available. It’s important to note that while there are no limitations on wagering on collegiate events or other sports in Pennsylvania, non-sporting events such as elections or award ceremonies are not allowed.

Online Poker

Pennsylvania entered the legal online poker scene relatively recently, starting in 2019. Despite its newcomer status, the state’s population has provided crucial support to the budding industry, leading to the establishment of five distinct poker sites, including prominent names like PokerStars and WSOP.com. However, Pennsylvania has yet to progress towards participating in interstate player pools, which means that residents of the state are currently restricted to playing exclusively with each other.

Rhode Island

Sports Betting

Since its inception, Rhode Island has made significant improvements to its sports betting offerings. While initially limited to in-person betting, the state has since modified its laws to include online wagering and remote registration. Similar to other smaller states, Rhode Island relies on a state-run sportsbook app as its sole betting platform. Sportsbook Rhode Island offers a diverse selection of options for users, but it is important to note that betting on collegiate events within the state or on Rhode Island universities is prohibited.

Tennessee

Sports Betting

The entrance of Tennessee into the sports betting industry was unexpected, considering the state’s past relationship with gambling. What is even more surprising is that Tennessee became the first state to exclusively offer online sports betting. Presently, Tennessee bettors have over six options to select from, including a local sportsbook called Action 24/7. While in-play bets on college events are prohibited, residents can place wagers on various other sports in Tennessee.

Virginia

Sports Betting

In 2021, Virginia joined the ranks of states that legalized sports betting, following Tennessee as the second state to primarily focus on online platforms. However, Virginia’s current status as a hub for mobile betting will likely be temporary, as plans are underway to introduce physical casinos and sportsbooks in the state. At present, there are eight prominent sportsbooks operating in Virginia, including well-known brands such as BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Barstool. While betting on Virginia universities is mostly prohibited, exceptions are made for tournaments involving these teams, such as March Madness.

Washington DC

Sports Betting

In our nation’s capital, sports betting can be quite complex. The primary app for betting, GambetDC, is exclusively operated by the DC Lottery in collaboration with Intralot. However, the Caesars Sportsbook app is limited to the vicinity of Capital One Arena, while BetMGM operates solely around Nationals Park. Additionally, it’s important to note that betting on DC universities or college games within the district is not permitted.

West Virginia

Online Casinos

At present, West Virginia stands out as an early adopter in legalizing online sports betting, and it remains among the limited number of states offering online casinos. The state currently provides four online casino options, with an expectation of additional platforms joining in the near future. The West Virginia Lottery Commission takes charge as the regulatory authority for gambling activities and ensures oversight of all online casino sites within the state.

Please take a look at our data sheet regarding online casinos in West Virginia.

Sports Betting

West Virginia stands as a respected and experienced player in the American sports betting industry, having been among the pioneering states to venture into sports betting beyond Nevada. Despite its small size, the Mountain State boasts an impressive count of six WV sportsbook apps operating within its borders. Each of these apps is in collaboration with one of the five local casinos. While the range of available bets is extensive, it is interesting to note that eSports cannot be wagered on unless all participants are over the age of 18.

Wyoming

Sports Betting

In 2021, Wyoming became the second state to introduce sports betting exclusively online, excluding any plans for retail versions. The state’s unique combination of factors such as low population density, vast land area, challenging weather conditions, and limited presence of casinos outside tribal areas in the western part of the state made an online approach more imperative compared to other states. Notably, Wyoming stands out as one of the few states where the legal gambling age for sports betting is set at 18. Moreover, apart from the customary prohibition on high school sports, there are no significant restrictions on the types of sports available for wagering in Wyoming.

States with online sports betting coming soon

Maine Sports Betting

After the approval of LD 585 in April and its subsequent signing into law by Gov. Janet Mills in May, Maine achieved a significant milestone by becoming the pioneer state to legalize sports betting in 2022. Nonetheless, residents and enthusiasts in the Pine Tree State will need to exercise patience as it is expected to take approximately a year or more before operators are able to commence their betting services in the New England region.

Massachusetts Sports Betting

In August 2022, Governor Charlie Baker enacted legislation permitting sports betting, initiating the process for operators to seek licenses in Massachusetts. However, as is typical with other states, the period from the law’s enactment to the actual commencement of online sports betting can be quite lengthy. It is anticipated that legal online sports betting will be available in Massachusetts by early 2025.

How US online gambling came to be

Legal online gambling in the US has a relatively short history compared to the existence of online gambling itself, which has been around for decades. This delay can be attributed to the slow pace at which laws adapt to new technology. In many cases, government agencies tend to prohibit activities before eventually legalizing them, and this pattern is largely evident in the case of online gambling.

In order to grasp the situation, it is crucial to comprehend the legal landscape surrounding online gambling during the 2010s. Over the course of the previous decade (the 2000s), online gambling platforms and casinos had rapidly multiplied, leading to a daily influx of millions of dollars being wagered in an uncontrolled setting. Simultaneously, this era witnessed the remarkable resurgence of poker’s popularity in mainstream culture, commonly referred to as the “poker boom.”

UIGEA leads to online poker?s Black Friday

The federal government took action against this proliferation and passed the Unlawful Internet Gaming Enforcement Act in 2006. This act made it illegal for gambling companies to accept bets from the internet. As a result, Partypoker, the largest active site, immediately stopped accepting US customers. However, other sites such as PokerStars and Full Tilt quickly emerged to take its place. Initially, it appeared that the act was more symbolic than effective, but it served as a warning sign for the future of online gambling in the US.

Amidst the chaos, Nevada discreetly emerged as the pioneer in online sports betting, being the first state to introduce an app for this purpose in 2010. However, since all betting activities were confined within state borders, and with Nevada monopolizing sports betting in the nation, this development received minimal scrutiny from federal authorities.

The UIGEA was only a topic of discussion until 2011, when on April 15, the Department of Justice charged PokerStars, Full Tilt Poker, and Absolute Poker ? the top three online poker sites ? for breaking the law. This incident is now referred to as Black Friday. Its impact was sudden and significant: the unregulated gaming industry abruptly ceased its rapid growth.

However, simultaneously, some states chose to challenge the idea that the federal government had the authority to prohibit them from providing online gambling games that were limited to their own state boundaries. Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey were the pioneers in legalizing online poker in 2013, following a 2011 Wire Act opinion. Furthermore, New Jersey also introduced online casinos during the same year.

The fall of PASPA

During a certain period, the launches in these three states stood as the sole significant advancements in online gambling within the country. Merely slight gaming activities such as daily fantasy sports and iLottery experienced any progress. However, unbeknownst to most people, New Jersey had already initiated the court case that would revolutionize online gambling throughout the US. Ultimately, everything reached a climax in May 2018.

The law in question was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, also known as PASPA. PASPA prohibited sports betting in most states, except for those that already had existing sportsbooks or betting games. Essentially, this law gave Nevada a near-monopoly on sports betting. However, New Jersey legalized sports betting within its borders in 2012, despite facing legal battles ever since. Despite losing in lower courts, New Jersey managed to present its case to the US Supreme Court. After hearing arguments in late 2017, the Court ruled 6-3 in favor of New Jersey, declaring PASPA as a violation of the Tenth Amendment.

Online sports betting and the future

The initiation of sports betting in the US took place when New Jersey and Delaware, without any intended pun, became the first states, other than Nevada, to legalize sports bets approximately a month later. Additionally, technological advancements had reached a level where online sports betting became a viable option to complement retail sports betting. As a result, numerous states that legalized sports betting decided to offer it in both online and retail formats. Interestingly, three states, namely Tennessee, Virginia, and Wyoming, took a step further and exclusively launched online platforms for sports betting. Currently, online sports betting can be found in approximately half of the states across the country.

Furthermore, due to the significant financial benefits that online sports betting has brought to state revenues, legislators are now considering expanding their scope to include online casinos and poker. Presently, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Connecticut have legalized online casinos, while online poker options are either available or expected to be in these regions. Moreover, there are plans to combine player pools among some states to enhance user activity in the coming times.

Despite the recent PASPA defeat, it is important to recognize that the federal government still holds a negative stance towards internet gaming and is prepared to engage in legal battles regarding any new developments. In light of this, the Department of Justice made an unsuccessful attempt to interpret the Interstate Wire Act, a law from the Kennedy era that prohibits interstate sports betting, as applicable to all forms of gambling. Although this endeavor did not succeed in court, it is evident that opponents of gambling at the federal level have not given up in the face of changing public opinion. In simpler terms, it can be concluded that the likelihood of a national law permitting online gambling is currently low.