Legal online casino play is in a developing stage throughout the United States. It’s a common question as to where is online gambling legal. Currently, there are only seven legal online casino states, so this market is trailing the availability of sports betting.
Online Casino States in 2024
Betting Sites USA
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US States
Online Casino Legality in the United States
The list of legal online casinos expanded to its seventh state in 2024 when Rhode Island joined the party by passing legislation. However, the total number of online casino legal states is minuscule compared to the sports betting industry. States have had more struggles with the dynamics of online casinos due to the sensitivity of working out agreements with tribal nations.
On the chart below, you’ll see a comprehensive list of legal online betting states. Some brick-and-mortar casinos are on reservations or limited by the state’s regulations, but this is a high overview so you’re aware of what’s legal in every state.
State | Casino Gambling | Sports Betting | Brick-and-mortar Casinos | Legalization in Progress |
Alabama | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Alaska | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Arizona | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Arkansas | NO | NO | YES | N/A |
California | NO | NO | YES | N/A |
Colorado | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Connecticut | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
Delaware | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
Florida | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Georgia | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Hawaii | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Idaho | NO | NO | YES | N/A |
Illinois | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Indiana | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Iowa | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Kansas | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Kentucky | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Lousiana | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Maine | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Maryland | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Massachusetts | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Michigan | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
Minnesota | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Misssippi | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Missouri | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Montana | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Nebraska | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Nevada | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
New Hampshire | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
New Jersey | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
New Mexico | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
New York | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
North Carolina | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
North Dakota | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Ohio | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Oklahoma | NO | NO | YES | YES |
Oregon | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Pennsylvania | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
Rhode Island | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
South Carolina | NO | NO | NO | YES |
South Dakota | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Tennessee | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Texas | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Utah | NO | NO | NO | NO |
Vermont | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Virginia | NO | YES | NO | N/A |
Washington | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
West Virginia | YES | YES | YES | N/A |
Wisconsin | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Wyoming | NO | YES | YES | N/A |
Legal Casino States Breakdown
If you’re asking where are casinos legal, then you’re likely ready to jump into a casino online in the United States. You can participate in casino gambling whether you reside in or visit each of these states. After you read about each state, we’ll direct you to our favorite online casino apps.
Connecticut: Reliable, Established Online Casino Scene
Connecticut is one of the states where online casinos are legal and currently offers two online casinos, Mohegan Sun and DraftKings, since online gambling went live in October 2021. Sports betting is also legal in Connecticut, meaning customers can enjoy online casinos and sports wagering.
To experience the best online casino gaming, you can check out Mohegan Sun and DraftKings in Connecticut, two of the country’s best online casinos, offering several attractive promotions.
Delaware: Play the Best Available Apps on the Market
Delaware is a pioneer in the United States online casino industry, allowing online sites to operate as early as 2012. Although only three online casinos are available in Delaware, the state remains ahead of the curve in the online gambling space, alongside New Jersey and Nevada.
However, unlike these states, Delaware does not currently allow legal online sports betting. The three online casinos available in Delaware are run by horse racing operators, commonly called ‘racinos’. These racinos are raceways and casinos with larger ownership groups, such as 888.
Despite being limited in number, the three online casinos in Delaware offer great promotions, including some generous deposit matches.
Michigan: The Onling Gaming is Greater Than the Lakes
Michigan is among the legal online casino states in the country, offering one of the widest selections of online casinos. Sports betting is also legal in Michigan, making it a popular destination for online betting enthusiasts.
Michigan legalized online gambling and sports betting in January 2021, opening the state to various online casino gaming, fantasy sports, poker, and sports betting.
New Jersey: Huge Variety in the Garden State
New Jersey boasts some of the most permissive gambling laws in the United States, allowing for legal casino online betting since 2013. With a wide range of options to choose from, New Jersey is at the top of the list in terms of the variety of legal casino online sites available.
As of February 2023, customers can access 30 different legal casino online sites in New Jersey. In addition to online gaming, the state is also a top destination for online sports betting, offering countless sites for your first wager, whether you prefer casino table games or betting on your favorite teams.
Most legal casino online sites will offer the same range of popular table games, slots, and poker as their physical counterparts, providing you with an authentic casino experience.
Pennsylvania: A Trusted Experience
Pennsylvania is among the states that allow online gambling and was an early adopter of this trend. In October 2017, the governor of Pennsylvania signed a bill into law that legalized online gambling within the state. As a result, Pennsylvania now boasts over 12 licensed gambling sites providing online slots, poker, and top-rated table games.
But the fun doesn’t stop there, as Pennsylvania is one of the best states for sports betting. Some of the country’s most popular sports betting operators, such as BetMGM, FanDuel Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook, are available in Pennsylvania. So, whether you’re interested in online gambling or sports betting, you’re bound to find a site that suits your needs.
Rhode Island: The Ocean State Joins the Fun
In March 2024, Rhode Island joined the limited number of states that have legalized online gambling for casino brands. Bally’s Casino is the only app available early on, but social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are options for users here. More options are coming, though.
West Virginia: Great Options in the Mountaineer State
West Virginia was an early adopter on the list of states where online casino gaming is legal. This includes online casino games and other forms of online gambling. The state legalized online casinos in March 2019, and the official launch occurred in July 2020. Fortunately, West Virginia was also one of the first states to legalize online sports betting.
This means you can find online casinos and sportsbooks to place your wagers. Only a few popular operators, including DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, FanDuel, and Golden Nugget, are available in West Virginia.
Legal Casino Sites vs Offshore Casinos
Offshore sportsbooks, which operate outside the US jurisdiction, claim to be in a legal gray area, but this is far from reality. In fact, they are not licensed to do business in any US state, which means they offer no protections for consumers who choose to play there.
Legal online gambling in casino states, such as DraftKings, BetMGM, and FanDuel, adheres strictly to state rules and has gone through an extensive application and vetting process to offer consumers protections, including the safeguarding of funds and data through payment methods.
Real Money Casino Sites We Champion
Our team of experts thoroughly examines each online casino available through a lens of what’s safe, secure, enjoyable, and potentially profitable. The online real money casino USA market is flooded with great options and promotions, but not every provider is the same as another. Being in a state where an online casino is legal also allows you to try new experiences.
Our table below looks at the premier casinos in what states allow online gaming and highlights our favorite bonuses and features.
Casino | Why We Love It | Available States |
FanDuel | Great welcome offers in the industry and an elite app experience. | CT, NJ, MI, PA, WV |
DraftKings | Terrific live dealer interface and an excellent rewards program. | CT, NJ, MI, PA, WV |
Caesars | Huge welcome bonus and the best overall betting experience in the industry. | MI, NJ, PA, WV |
BetMGM | Top-tier VIP and rewards treatment, plus a smooth app. | CT, DE, MI, NJ, PA, WV |
BetRivers | Strong offering of games and slot options in the app and desktop. | NJ, MI, PA, WV |
Bet365 | A deep variety of slot games and providers, plus one of the more favorable welcome offers. | NJ |
Tipico | A top-tier app design and a diverse range of table games. | NJ |
Golden Nugget | Huge gaming catalog and a demo mode so you can try games. | NJ, MI, WV & PA |
Borgata | Shared rewards program with BetMGM opens huge potential for VIP perks. | NJ, PA |
SugarHouse | Extensive range of gaming options, plus fast, reliable payouts. | NJ, PA |
PokerStars | Attractive, low-point-of-entry welcome offer and a bigger variety of games than most would expect. | NJ, MI, PA |
Bally | High payout rates and no-frills gaming library. | NJ, PA, RI |
Betway | Generous bonus and a terrific app. | NJ, PA |
Stardust | Authentic games, no deposit bonus option, and continued daily bonuses after signing up. | NJ, PA |
PlayStar | 24-hour live dealer tables and a welcome offer that features a deposit match plus free spins. | NJ, PA |
All In: Keeping it Legal in 7 States (For Now)
The future will eventually bring more available casino-legal states in time, but the legislative process may take years. Some states, like Utah, will likely never have the option. But, there’s some momentum in Missouri, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Alabama, South Carolina, Maryland, and Maine have seen movement.
When these states launch, they’ll surely have a slew of top betting apps available shortly after going legal.
Real Money Casino States Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how online casinos in the United States work? We have built a set of quick-hitting, helpful FAQs for you to use.
What States Allow Online Casinos?
Only seven states in the US offer online casino games. These states are Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia.
Are Online Casinos Legal in the United States?
Yes, even if the number of states with legal online United States casino legislation is small, there are regulated and sanctioned online casinos throughout the US.
Can You Gamble With Real Money in Legal Online Casino States?
Yes, real money options at United States casinos are available in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Other states have social casinos available.