As USA online gambling with real money continues to grow, the United States has seen a patchwork of regulations and laws surrounding the industry.
USA Online Gambling Guide: State-by-State Legal Status and Regulations
Introduction to regulated internet gambling in the United States:
Each state in the US is responsible for crafting its own rules, leading to a diverse range of Internet gambling opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the current legal situation of online gambling in the United States, focusing on sports betting, poker, and casino gaming, as well as provide an overview of states considering future legalization and regulation.
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The legality details and regulations of legal online gambling in the United States is complex, with federal laws like the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 creating a confusing environment for American gamblers.
However, the 2011 Department of Justice reinterpretation of the Wire Act paved the way for individual states to legalize and regulate online gambling in the United States of America.
The following sections of this United States internet gambling guide will break down the current status of US online gambling in each state, including US sports betting, online poker, and in some states (a handful) there’s even legal online casino gaming options for Americans to enjoy in 2025.
US Online Sports Betting
States with Legal Online Sports Betting
Currently, 30 states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have legalized and regulated online sports betting:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
This expansion reflects a growing acceptance and regulation of online sports betting across the nation.
- Read more on legalsportsreport.com
States Considering Legalization
These states have active legislation or discussions to potentially legalize online sports betting:
- Georgia
- Texas
- Minnesota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Alabama
- California
These states are evaluating the potential economic benefits and regulatory frameworks necessary to implement online sports betting.
- Read more on bookies.com
USA Online Poker
States with Legal Online Poker
Online poker is legal and regulated in the following six states:
- Delaware
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Michigan
These states offer licensed platforms for residents to participate in online poker games.
- Read more on pokernews.com
States Considering Online Poker Legalization
Discussions and legislative efforts are underway in several states to legalize online poker, including:
- California
- Connecticut
- New York
These states are exploring the regulatory frameworks and potential economic impacts of legalizing online poker.
USA Online Casino Gambling
States with Legal Online Casinos
As of January 2025, seven states have legalized and regulated online casino gaming:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
- Rhode Island
These states offer a variety of online casino games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options.
- Read more on pokernews.com
States Considering Online Casino Legalization
Several states are considering legislation to legalize online casino gaming:
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Indiana
- New York
These discussions are ongoing as states assess the potential benefits and regulatory requirements of online casino gaming.
Online Gambling Regulators by State
Each state with legal online gambling established has an online gaming regulatory body overseeing the industry:
- Colorado: Colorado Division of Gaming
- Delaware: Delaware Lottery
- Illinois: Illinois Gaming Board
- Indiana: Indiana Gaming Commission
- Iowa: Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- Michigan: Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Nevada: Nevada Gaming Control Board
- New Hampshire: New Hampshire Lottery Commission
- New Jersey: New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- Oregon: Oregon Lottery
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Rhode Island: Rhode Island Lottery
- Tennessee: Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
- Virginia Virginia Lottery
- West Virginia: West Virginia Lottery
Important Dates for US Online Gambling
- 2011: The Department of Justice reinterprets the Wire Act, paving the way for states to legalize and regulate online gambling.
- 2012: Delaware becomes the first state to legalize online casino gaming and online poker.
- 2013: Nevada launches online poker, while New Jersey legalizes online poker and casino gaming.
- 2018: The Supreme Court of the United States strikes down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), allowing states to legalize sports betting.
- 2020: Michigan becomes the latest state to launch online poker, casino gaming, and sports betting.
Legality of USA Online Gambling in 2025
The legal regulations of online gambling in the United States is constantly changing, with new states considering legislation and regulation each year.
It is essential to stay informed about the current status of gambling online in your state, as regulations and opportunities continue to evolve.
This OnlineCasino.co USA gambling guide provides an up-to-date overview of the state-by-state legal status of online sports betting, poker, and online casino gaming, as well as the regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the industry.
As virtual gambling continues to expand in popularity among every day Americans, the United States is sure to see even more developments and record growth opportunities of iGaming in the US in the years to come.