Online Gambling Laws by State: Where Is Online Casino Legal in 2026?

Navigating the landscape of online gambling in the United States can feel like trying to read a map written in 50 different languages. Each state has its own rules, regulations, and restrictions when it comes to online casinos, sports betting, and poker. If you're wondering "where is online gambling legal?" or searching for "online casino legal states," you've come to the right place.

This comprehensive guide breaks down online gambling laws by state, showing you exactly where you can legally play casino games online, which states only allow sports betting, and where you're limited to sweepstakes casinos in 2026.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Online gambling laws change frequently. Always verify current regulations in your state before gambling online.

Understanding the Federal Framework

Before diving into state-by-state laws, it's important to understand the federal landscape that shapes online gambling in America.

The federal government doesn't explicitly ban online gambling, but several laws impact how states can regulate it:

• The Wire Act (1961): Originally intended to combat organized crime, this law prohibits certain types of betting across state lines. A 2011 Department of Justice opinion clarified it only applies to sports betting, opening the door for states to legalize online casinos and poker.

• UIGEA (2006): The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act doesn't make online gambling illegal for players, but it restricts financial institutions from processing transactions related to unlawful internet gambling.

• PASPA Repeal (2018): The Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, allowing states to legalize sports betting. This landmark decision triggered a wave of state-level sports betting legalization.

The key takeaway? Online gambling is primarily a state-level decision. Each state can choose to legalize online casinos, sports betting, poker, or none of the above.

The Three Tiers of Online Gambling in America

To simplify the complex patchwork of state laws, we've categorized states into three tiers:

Tier 1: Full Online Casino + Sports Betting - These states have legalized real-money online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting. You can play slots, table games, live dealer games, and more.

Tier 2: Sports Betting Only - These states allow online sports betting but haven't legalized online casino games. You can bet on sports but can't play slots or table games for real money.

Tier 3: Sweepstakes Casinos Only - These states haven't legalized online gambling, but residents can access sweepstakes casinos that operate under different legal frameworks using virtual currencies.

Let's explore each tier in detail.

Tier 1: States With Full Online Casino Gambling

These seven states offer the complete online gambling experience, including casino games, poker, and sports betting.

New Jersey: The Gold Standard

New Jersey launched online casino gambling in 2013 and has become the model for other states. Garden State players have access to dozens of licensed online casinos offering hundreds of slots, table games, and live dealer options.

Available casinos: BetMGM Casino, Borgata Online, Golden Nugget, Caesars Casino, DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, and more.

What's legal: Online slots, blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 15% for online casinos, 13% for online poker

New Jersey generates over $1 billion in annual online gambling revenue, proving the model works for both operators and the state budget.

Read our full New Jersey online casino guide →

Pennsylvania: The Keystone of Online Gambling

Pennsylvania legalized online casinos in 2017 and launched them in 2019. The Keystone State now rivals New Jersey in market size and revenue.

Available casinos: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, Borgata, and Hollywood Casino

What's legal: Online slots, table games, poker, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 54% (highest in the nation)

Despite the high tax rate, Pennsylvania's large population makes it an attractive market for operators.

Read our full Pennsylvania online casino guide →

Michigan: The Wolverine Gambling State

Michigan launched online casinos in January 2021 and quickly became one of the most lucrative markets in the country.

Available casinos: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRivers, WynnBET, Golden Nugget

What's legal: Online slots, table games, poker, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 20% for online casinos, 8.4% for online poker

Michigan's competitive market often features the best bonus offers and promotions.

Read our full Michigan online casino guide →

West Virginia: Small State, Big Opportunities

Despite its small population, West Virginia legalized online casinos in 2019 and offers a full suite of gambling options.

Available casinos: BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars

What's legal: Online slots, table games, poker, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 15%

Limited competition means fewer operator options, but the casinos available offer comprehensive game libraries.

Read our full West Virginia online casino guide →

Connecticut: The Newest Full-Service State

Connecticut launched online casinos in October 2021 through partnerships with tribal operators and the state lottery.

Available casinos: DraftKings (via Mashantucket Pequot Tribe), FanDuel (via Mohegan Tribe), Mohegan Sun Online

What's legal: Online slots, table games, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 13.75-18% (varies by operator)

Connecticut's market is more limited due to the tribal exclusivity agreements.

Read our full Connecticut online casino guide →

Delaware: The First Mover

Delaware was actually the first state to launch legal online gambling in 2013, even before New Jersey.

Available casinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway (state-operated through the Delaware Lottery)

What's legal: Online slots, table games, poker, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 50%

Delaware's small population limits the market size, but residents enjoy full access to legal online gambling.

Read our full Delaware online casino guide →

Rhode Island: Limited but Legal

Rhode Island legalized online casinos and sports betting through its two land-based casinos.

Available casinos: BetMGM (via Twin River)

What's legal: Online slots, table games, sports betting
Minimum age: 21
Tax rate: 51%

Rhode Island has the most limited market with essentially one online casino option.

Tier 2: Sports Betting Only States (30+ States)

The following states have legalized online sports betting but have NOT legalized online casino games. If you live in these states, you can bet on sports through licensed apps but cannot play slots, blackjack, or other casino games for real money online.

States with legal online sports betting only:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Nebraska
• Nevada (limited online casinos, primarily sports betting)
• New Hampshire
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Tennessee
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington D.C.
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Why sports betting but not casinos?

Many states view sports betting as less risky than casino gambling. Sports betting involves skill and knowledge (or so the argument goes), while casino games are pure chance. This distinction has made sports betting legislation politically easier to pass.

However, several of these states are actively considering online casino legislation. New York, Illinois, and Maryland have all seen casino bills introduced in recent legislative sessions.

What about sweepstakes casinos?

Residents in these states can still access sweepstakes casinos like Stake.us, High 5 Casino, Pulsz, and Fortune Coins. These platforms operate legally nationwide using a sweepstakes model instead of real-money gambling.

Tier 3: No Legal Online Gambling (Sweepstakes Only)

The remaining states have not legalized online casinos or sports betting. However, residents can still access sweepstakes casinos, which operate under sweepstakes law rather than gambling law.

States with no legal online gambling:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• California
• Florida (limited sports betting through tribal operators)
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington

How Sweepstakes Casinos Work

Sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency system:

• Gold Coins (play money, purchased)
• Sweeps Coins (can be redeemed for cash prizes, received free)

You never directly purchase Sweeps Coins. Instead, you buy Gold Coins and receive free Sweeps Coins as a promotional bonus. You can also receive free Sweeps Coins through mail-in requests or other promotional methods.

When you win using Sweeps Coins, you can redeem those winnings for cash prizes. This model has been successfully used for decades in sweepstakes and promotions.

Popular sweepstakes casinos available nationwide:

• Stake.us
• High 5 Casino
• Pulsz
• Fortune Coins
• Wow Vegas
• Funrize

These platforms offer hundreds of slots and casino games and operate legally in most states.

Read our guide to the best sweepstakes casinos →

State-by-State Online Gambling Legal Status Table

Here's a quick reference table showing what's legal in each state:

State	Online Casino	Online Poker	Sports Betting	Sweepstakes
Alabama	❌	❌	❌	✅
Alaska	❌	❌	❌	✅
Arizona	❌	❌	✅	✅
Arkansas	❌	❌	✅	✅
California	❌	❌	❌	✅
Colorado	❌	❌	✅	✅
Connecticut	✅	❌	✅	✅
Delaware	✅	✅	✅	✅
Florida	❌	❌	⚠️ Limited	✅
Georgia	❌	❌	❌	✅
Hawaii	❌	❌	❌	❌
Idaho	❌	❌	❌	✅
Illinois	❌	❌	✅	✅
Indiana	❌	❌	✅	✅
Iowa	❌	❌	✅	✅
Kansas	❌	❌	✅	✅
Kentucky	❌	❌	✅	✅
Louisiana	❌	❌	✅	✅
Maine	❌	❌	✅	✅
Maryland	❌	❌	✅	✅
Massachusetts	❌	❌	✅	✅
Michigan	✅	✅	✅	✅
Minnesota	❌	❌	❌	✅
Mississippi	❌	❌	❌	✅
Missouri	❌	❌	❌	✅
Montana	❌	❌	✅	✅
Nebraska	❌	❌	✅	✅
Nevada	✅	✅	✅	✅
New Hampshire	❌	❌	✅	✅
New Jersey	✅	✅	✅	✅
New Mexico	❌	❌	❌	✅
New York	❌	❌	✅	✅
North Carolina	❌	❌	✅	✅
North Dakota	❌	❌	✅	✅
Ohio	❌	❌	✅	✅
Oklahoma	❌	❌	❌	✅
Oregon	❌	❌	✅	✅
Pennsylvania	✅	✅	✅	✅
Rhode Island	✅	❌	✅	✅
South Carolina	❌	❌	❌	✅
South Dakota	❌	❌	❌	✅
Tennessee	❌	❌	✅	✅
Texas	❌	❌	❌	✅
Utah	❌	❌	❌	❌
Vermont	❌	❌	✅	✅
Virginia	❌	❌	✅	✅
Washington	❌	❌	❌	⚠️ Limited
Washington D.C.	❌	❌	✅	✅
West Virginia	✅	✅	✅	✅
Wisconsin	❌	❌	✅	✅
Wyoming	❌	❌	✅	✅

Which States Are Next to Legalize Online Casinos?

Several large states are actively considering online casino legislation. Based on legislative activity and political momentum, here are the most likely candidates:

New York

With the largest population of any sports-betting-only state, New York represents a massive potential market. Online casino bills have been introduced multiple times, and industry observers believe legalization is a matter of "when" not "if."

The main obstacle is disagreement over tax rates and how revenue should be distributed among tribes, commercial operators, and the state budget.

Illinois

Illinois has one of the most robust land-based casino markets in the country. Online casino bills have been filed, and there's growing recognition that legal online casinos would generate substantial tax revenue.

Maryland

Maryland's sports betting launch was rocky but successful. Lawmakers are now exploring online casinos as an additional revenue source, particularly given neighboring Pennsylvania's success.

Indiana

As a smaller state surrounded by larger markets, Indiana may feel pressure to legalize online casinos to keep gambling revenue within state borders. Hoosiers can easily cross into Michigan for online casino access.

Ohio

The Buckeye State's massive sports betting launch in 2023 proved the appetite for online gambling. Industry experts expect online casino legislation to follow within the next few years.

How to Choose a Legal Online Casino

If you live in a Tier 1 state with legal online casinos, here's how to choose the right platform:

1. Verify Licensing

Always check that the casino is licensed by your state's gambling regulatory authority:

• New Jersey: NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement
• Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
• Michigan: Michigan Gaming Control Board
• West Virginia: West Virginia Lottery Commission
• Connecticut: Department of Consumer Protection Gaming Division
• Delaware: Delaware Lottery
• Rhode Island: Department of Business Regulation

Licensed casinos display their license number prominently on their website, usually in the footer.

2. Compare Welcome Bonuses

Legal online casinos compete aggressively for new players with deposit match bonuses, free spins, and no-deposit offers. Compare:

• Match percentage (100%, 200%, etc.)
• Maximum bonus amount
• Wagering requirements (how many times you must bet the bonus)
• Game restrictions (which games count toward requirements)
• Time limits (how long you have to use the bonus)

See our list of the best online casino bonuses →

3. Check Game Selection

Different casinos partner with different game providers. If you have favorite games or developers, verify they're available:

• Slots: NetEnt, IGT, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, Play'n GO
• Table games: Evolution Gaming (live dealer), Ezugi, Playtech
• Progressive jackpots: Mega Moolah, Divine Fortune, Wheel of Fortune

4. Review Payment Options

Legal casinos offer multiple banking methods:

• Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Online banking (PayPal, Venmo, PayNearMe)
• Casino cage/cashier (deposit/withdraw at partner casino)
• Wire transfer (for large amounts)

Check withdrawal times—legal casinos typically process payouts within 24-72 hours.

5. Test Customer Support

Before depositing significant amounts, test customer support:

• Live chat availability (24/7 or limited hours?)
• Response time (instant or delayed?)
• Knowledge level (can they answer specific questions?)
• Phone support (available as backup?)

FAQ: Online Gambling Laws by State

Is online gambling legal in the United States?

Yes, but only in certain states. Seven states (NJ, PA, MI, WV, CT, DE, RI) have legalized online casinos. Over 30 states allow online sports betting. The remaining states have not legalized online gambling, though residents can access sweepstakes casinos.

Can I play online casinos if I live in a state where they're illegal?

No. Licensed online casinos use geolocation technology to verify you're physically located in a legal state before allowing real-money play. If you try to access a casino from an illegal state, you'll be blocked.

Sweepstakes casinos, however, are available in most states regardless of gambling laws.

What's the difference between sweepstakes casinos and real-money casinos?

Real-money casinos operate under gambling licenses and allow you to deposit and withdraw cash directly. Sweepstakes casinos use a dual-currency system where you purchase virtual currency and receive free sweepstakes entries. You can redeem sweepstakes winnings for cash prizes.

Sweepstakes casinos are legal in more states because they operate under sweepstakes law, not gambling law.

Can I be prosecuted for gambling online in a state where it's illegal?

Highly unlikely. No individual player has ever been federally prosecuted for online gambling. States focus enforcement efforts on operators, not players. That said, using unlicensed offshore casinos carries risks including lack of consumer protections, unfair games, and payment difficulties.

Which state has the best online casinos?

New Jersey and Michigan are generally considered the best markets due to:

• Large number of licensed operators (high competition = better bonuses)
• Extensive game libraries
• Fast payouts
• Player-friendly regulations
• Established infrastructure and support

Pennsylvania has similar offerings but with higher tax rates that sometimes result in less generous promotions.

Are offshore online casinos legal?

Offshore casinos that accept US players without proper licensing operate in a legal gray area. They're not explicitly legal, but federal law doesn't clearly make it illegal for individuals to use them. However, we strongly recommend sticking to licensed casinos in legal states for:

• Fair games (regulated and tested)
• Safe banking (secure deposits and guaranteed withdrawals)
• Consumer protections (regulatory oversight and dispute resolution)
• Responsible gambling tools (deposit limits, self-exclusion)

Will more states legalize online casinos in 2026?

Possibly. New York, Illinois, Maryland, and Indiana have all seen casino bills introduced. However, legalization is a slow political process that often takes multiple legislative sessions. Monitor your state's gambling news for updates.

Can I gamble online if I'm visiting a legal state?

Yes! You don't need to be a resident of a legal state—you just need to be physically located there. If you're visiting New Jersey or Michigan, you can legally gamble online while you're there. The casino will use geolocation to verify your location.

You'll need to create an account and verify your identity (to ensure you're 21+), but temporary visitors can absolutely use legal online casinos.

What's the legal gambling age for online casinos?

21 years old in all states with legal online casinos. Some land-based casinos in certain states allow 18+, but online gambling is 21+ everywhere.

The Future of Online Gambling in America

The trend is clear: online gambling is expanding across the United States. Since PASPA was repealed in 2018, we've seen explosive growth in sports betting, with over 30 states now offering legal online sportsbooks.

Online casino expansion has been slower but steady. The seven states with legal online casinos generate billions in annual revenue and hundreds of millions in tax income. This success story is compelling to budget-conscious lawmakers.

Factors driving expansion:

• Tax revenue: States need funding, and gambling taxes are politically easier than raising income or sales taxes
• Border bleeding: States lose residents to neighboring legal markets
• Proven safety: Years of legal operation have shown that regulated online gambling doesn't cause social harm spikes
• Consumer demand: Millions of Americans already gamble online—legalization brings it into the light

Obstacles to expansion:

• Tribal gaming agreements: Many states have exclusive compacts with tribes that complicate commercial casino legalization
• Religious opposition: Some states have strong religious constituencies that oppose gambling expansion
• Cannibalization fears: Land-based casinos sometimes oppose online gambling, fearing it will reduce foot traffic
• Tax rate disputes: States and operators often deadlock over appropriate tax rates

Despite obstacles, the momentum favors expansion. Industry analysts predict 10-15 states could legalize online casinos by 2030.

Conclusion: Know Your State's Laws

Online gambling laws vary dramatically by state. If you live in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, or Rhode Island, you have access to fully licensed online casinos with hundreds of games and strong consumer protections.

If you're in one of the 30+ sports betting states, you can bet on sports but must use sweepstakes casinos for casino games. And if you're in a state with no legal gambling, sweepstakes casinos remain your best (and legal) option.

The landscape is constantly evolving. Check back regularly for updates, and always verify you're using a licensed, legal platform in your state.

Ready to play? Browse our reviews of the top online casinos in each legal state:

• Best New Jersey Online Casinos
• Best Pennsylvania Online Casinos
• Best Michigan Online Casinos
• Best West Virginia Online Casinos
• Best Connecticut Online Casinos
• Best Sweepstakes Casinos (All States)

Stay informed, gamble responsibly, and only play where it's legal. Good luck!