Us states with legal online casinos (and 5 that aren't)

The world wide web has transformed plenty of brick-and-mortar businesses – including casinos – by taking them online.

Gamblers can now access a mind-boggling array of Internet-based gaming sites. Yet not all are created equal. And if you’re playing real money games, it’s essential to know whether the site you’re using is legitimate – or a potential risk to your wallet.

The best way to stay safe? Stick to which are licensed by the state you live in. This system is used in many other countries – including the UK, Australia, and across western Europe. And it’s been proven to provide maximum consumer protection while eliminating most fraud and corruption.

So – which US states have legal online casinos? In this guide, I’ll show you which sites are trustworthy. Then I’ll explain how regulation works and discuss which states offer these services... And which ones ban them outright.

If you want to play at legally recognized online casinos today, here are the five states with regulated platforms.

New Jersey leads the pack in terms of both revenue and player base. The other four account for far fewer players. However, as online gaming continues to grow, I expect that to change.

The five states shown above are all that currently offer . Other states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware have regulated online gambling, but their systems are based on poker and lottery tickets. These don’t offer the same breadth of entertainment as full-service casino platforms.

If you don’t live in any of those areas, then unfortunately, you won’t find any legal online casinos. However, things could be changing soon. Several other states are considering introducing legislation to bring about . I’ll discuss some of them later in this guide.

First, let me introduce you to some trusted providers where you can today.

Are Online Casinos Illegal in the United States?

It depends on which state you’re living in.

US federal law only covers the highest levels of government. Most day-to-day affairs are run by state governments. This system results in varying local laws and regulations throughout the country. It also means that a fun activity in one state could be illegal in another – and possibly even next door.

Online casinos fall into this category. If you live in a state with legal online casinos, you will find dozens of reputable operators available. You can deposit money, enjoy hundreds of great games, and cash out your winnings without issue.

Yet move outside these states, and the picture changes dramatically.

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As I explained above, all those gray areas. Offshore operators often claim they are legal because each state’s gambling laws usually target the casino, not the player. Since the site is based overseas, they can’t be breaking your state’s gambling laws.

This leaves you, the player, in an exposed position.

Without licensing and regulation, there is no oversight over the games, software, and security systems used on the site. This opens the door to crooked practices like fixed games, fake software, and slow or nonexistent payments when you win money.

For this reason, I never recommend using offshore online casinos. Instead, I will show you how to identify regulated sites where you can play online legally.

If an operator hasn’t gone through the proper licensing processes, I can’t in good faith endorse them. Player safety and security are my top priorities, and without a regulatory body watching over the casino, those two things can’t be guaranteed.

How Can I Tell If an Online Casino Is Licensed?

Regulatory bodies ensure that online casinos operate fairly and pay out their winners. They achieve this by making casinos jump through several hoops before being granted a license. Here are some of the key requirements.

Pay special attention to the badge images you see near the bottom of this page. They link to regulators within the State of Michigan. As we’ll be focusing on that state later in this guide, I have these logos on file. If you see them during your research, it is further confirmation that you are dealing with a legitimate, legal online casino.

Application/License Fee

All operators must pay a fee to apply for a gambling license and another when that license is granted. Fees range from a few thousand dollars per year for small operators to six figures for large corporations.

These fees must be paid upfront, and the money goes to the state’s general fund. They do not contribute to the cost of regulating the industry.

Background Checks

Everyone working for the online casino must pass background checks. This includes directors, officers, major shareholders, and even anyone with a 10% or larger stake in the business.

Checks focus on a person’s criminal record and financial history. Anyone found to have a serious criminal conviction or finance issues may cause problems for the casino will be denied a license.

These background checks help prevent people with convictions for financial offenses, fraud, theft, violence, or drugs from working in the industry. Such individuals should not be allowed anywhere near gambling operations, regardless of how talented they might be at another level.

Secure Software and Games

Online casinos must ensure that their software and games are secure, fair, and work correctly. Regulators require operators to use respected, well-known companies for their platforms, random number generators (RNGs), and game math models.

They must also demonstrate that their software prevents collusion and cheating between players. Finally, the regulatory authority sets technical standards that the casino must meet regarding customer data security, payment methods, and other critical functions.

The following video offers more details on the process of obtaining a casino license in the US.

By watching this short clip, you will learn more about the rigorous process required to obtain a US gambling license.

Responsible Gambling Systems

All regulated online casinos must promote and operate responsible gambling programs. This involves self-exclusion and deposit limits, along with partnerships with organizations like Gamblers Anonymous and the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Providing options for limited or complete account exclusions is a crucial element. Such tools enable players to limit the time and money they spend gambling. This helps protect problem gamblers and addicts, who otherwise might cause significant issues in their daily lives due to compulsive behavior around betting activities.

Ongoing Inspections

Licenses are typically valid for one to five years, depending on the state. During this time, regulators make unannounced inspections of the company’s offices and the data centers used to store player information and run the games.

Inspectors check for compliance with all aspects of the licensing agreement. Operators found to be noncompliant face heavy fines or the revocation of their license to operate.

Taxation

Online casinos must pay taxes on their profits. The rate varies by state but generally ranges from 10% to 50%.

This tax revenue provides a significant boost to state finances. But it also provides proof that the operator is legit and operating within the law. Criminal enterprises have nothing to pay such taxes and so provide one telltale sign of legitimacy – tax payment – that consumers can look out for.

Advantages of Using Legal Online Casinos

When you play on a legally recognized online casino site, several benefits apply. Here are some of the main ones to keep in mind.

Fair Games

All games on legally recognized casino sites must be tested for fairness. Independent test houses like eCOGRA check random number generator software to ensure that every result is produced honestly and randomly. When you play on a legal casino site, you can be confident that the games are not rigged.

Trusted Payment Methodologists

Reputable casino sites only use trusted payment methods. These have solid security protocols that minimize the risks of identity theft and credit card fraud. Additionally, licensed sites follow strict payment handling procedures to ensure that deposits reach player accounts promptly and withdrawals are processed quickly and safely.

Strong Security

Legitimate online casinos invest heavily in data security. Encryption protocols protect your personal information and transactions from prying eyes. Reputable casinos also allow you to protect your account using additional passwords or biometric identifiers. These features significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized people accessing your account.

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Good Customer Service

Any reputable online casino must offer reliable customer service support. That means providing multiple ways to get help, such as email, phone, and live chat. Response times must be reasonable, even if it is just an automated reply letting you know when a human will answer your query.

The best online casinos go further by providing an extensive FAQ section. This library of common questions and answers allows you to solve most problems without contacting customer support.

Fast Payouts

The best online casinos process withdrawal requests quickly. While processing times vary according to the payment method chosen, all legitimate sites aim to pay out players within a day or two.

Some offshore witcheroasters take weeks to pay out (if at all).

That’s why it’s imperative to play on legally recognized casino sites.

Disadvantages of Playing on Unlicensed & Unregulated Online Casinos

Playing on unlicensed and unregulated sites exposes you to higher risks. Here are the pitfalls to watch out for.

Crooked Games

Unregulated sites can change the rules of a game at will. Even worse, they can plant games that are rigged to favor the house – or certain players – and present them as legitimate options. Without regulation ensuring fairness, you cannot be sure that the games you play are honest.

Unsafe Payments

Many rogue sites use unreliable payment systems. Not only might these fail when you try to withdraw winnings, but they could also put your personal and financial information at risk.

Even if you receive your money, unlicensed sites might demand excessive fees or refuse future withdrawals to force you to use specific payment processors – and pay their extortionate charges.

Slow (or No) Payouts

Offshore gambling websites have no obligation to pay you unless state laws force them to do so. Even then, they might string you along for months with empty promises and lame excuses. Eventually, you might give up and write off your money – as has happened countless times in the past.

Here’s a tip - if a site has pay complaints, don’t play there!

No Customer Support

When things go wrong at a reputable online casino, you can contact customer support for assistance. But shady operators rarely offer any customer support at all. Those that do might ignore your emails, put you on hold forever when you call, or respond to live chat messages with terse, unhelpful replies.

Even if you do manage to get hold of someone, they might simply lie to you or promise whatever it takes to get you to go away.

Unsecured Sites

Legitimate online casinos invest significant sums of money in website security. This protects your computer from attacks like viruses and malware, which can steal your sensitive information. Many unlicensed sites have poor security, putting you and your device at risk.

US States With Legal Online Casinos

Let’s examine each state with legal online casinos more closely.

New Jersey

The Garden State got the ball rolling on US online casino gaming in November 2013. Gov. Chris Christie let a law licensing honest online casino operators stand, making New Jersey the first state to offer it.

The popularity of NJ online gambling surprises nobody. The state is packed with casino resorts that draw millions of visitors to the Atlantic City boardwalk yearly.

NJ online casinos complement the town’s brick-and-mortar places instead of competing with them, as proven by . With a diverse selection of slot machines, table games, and unique peer-vs.-peer poker action, the industry keeps growing.

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Revenue & Players

According to the , New Jersey’s iGaming industry generated $96.6 million in August 2023. That shows a 37.2% year-on-year increase.

The state has consistently led the way for overall revenue, attracting thousands of players every month.

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With its exceptional crypto bonuses, Ignition Casino isn’t far behind. Their generous promotions and 150+ games make it a go-to destination for many players.

Meanwhile, smaller operators like Everygame and sloto.lv attract a loyal following with excellent game selections and promotions tailored to their audiences.

Regulator Contact Details

Division of Gaming Enforcement

PO Box 45001

New Jersey 08945-5001

Atlantic Avenue, 2nd Floor

P.O. Box 45002

Atlantic City, New Jersey 08402-5002

(609) 984-0950

Pennsylvania

PA online gambling became legal in 2017, and the industry launched the subsequent year. Unlike New Jersey, which throws no roadblocks at out-of-state travelers, Pennsylvania only lets you spin the slots if you are within the state’s borders.

To encourage growth, PA online casinos focus mainly on downloadable software rather than web apps accessible from browsers. The download approach delivers a superior desktop experience and much better mobile performance. Thanks to this strategy, Pennsylvania iGaming generated a robust ($35.8 million) in April 2023, per the .

This growth wouldn’t be possible without my favorite PA online casino—Wild Casino. Their massive welcome bonus gets new players off to a roaring start. With excellent mobile functionality, Wild Casino is the perfect choice for anyone looking for top-notch mobile casino games.

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In addition to its mobile strengths, Wild Casino offers a delightful mix of slots, live dealers, and table games. Their strong commitment to anonymous, hassle-free banking makes them a top choice among Pennsylvania players.

Bovada’s legacy speaks for itself. Their stellar reputation draws players seeking an immersive experience with tons of variety and exciting bonuses, such as their 100%, up to $3,750 welcome deal. Plus, their dedication to mobile excellence ensures Pennsylvania players never miss out on the action.

With its rigorous location checks and high-quality gaming options, PA online gambling has become a thriving industry. Its success inspires other states to consider similar opportunities.

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Michigan

It took longer than expected, but Michigan finally joined the online casino scene in 2021. It was worth the wait because the industry now generates impressive revenues despite a disappointingly high House edge of 28%.

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One of the reasons for Michigan’s slower launch was a unique tribal compact requiring physical servers within the state. That helped local businesses while slowing the industry’s rise.

Still, the market has grown to generate over ($8.2m) in July 2023. There’s plenty of action to enjoy at my second recommended site, Bovada. From classic slots to video poker, blackjack, and more, their diverse lineup keeps me coming back for more.

And if you prefer something different, the rest of the industry is constantly evolving. Big names like DraftKings and Caesars Rewards are investing seriously in the space, ensuring there’s always something fresh to explore.

Whether spinning the reels of hot drops jackpots or savoring seamless mobile gameplay, players are spoiled for choice. The future looks bright for Michigan online casinos, fueled by tech-savvy operators and engaged users passionate about hitting the jackpot.

Revenue & Players

According to the , Michigan’s igaming industry generated $8.2m in July 2023. While this reflects a 1.8% drop YoY, it remains a promising market.

Operators like BetOnline have contributed to this success with their comprehensive offerings, which include everything from live dealer games to generous weekly cashback rewards. For example, their 200% welcome bonus up to $5000 is hard to beat.

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With a player-friendly lobby and lightning-fast mobile performance, Bovada stands out in a crowded field.

Detroit’s three MGM casinos partnered with national online brands like DraftKings and Caesars, delivering popular sports betting and iGaming experiences to Michiganders. Other tribes signed on with established remote management teams like Parx and Churchill Downs.

This blend of old and new has kept the Michigan Division of Internet Wagering busy, receiving 57 internet wagering applications since 2019.

Regulator Contact Details

Division of Internet Wagering

P.O. Box 30135

Lansing, MI 48909

430 S. Osborne St., 2nd Floor

Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: 517-284-5458

Fax: 517-33 Queries: MIInternetWagering@michigan.gov

Licensing & Certificates

New York

New York online casinos started testing in 2022, with the industry going fully live in January 2023. A complex approval process requires independent testing of all games, making certification expensive.

However, the results speak for themselves. Thanks to the rigorous standards set by the , Resorts World and CA, New York players enjoy an exceptionally high standard of fairness and security.

While the industry’s revenues haven’t yet been released, experts predict steady growth. This optimism stems from my top NY online casino recommendation, Wild Casino. Their crypto bonuses are among the best available, drawing players seeking fast, hassle-free banking options.

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With an excellent mobile app and a wide variety of slots, table games, and live dealers, they offer something for everyone. Their parent company’s strong reputation for anonymous cryptocurrency transactions further enhances their appeal.

But it’s not just Wild Casino shaking up NY iGaming. Caesars online casino brings the prestige of a renowned hospitality brand to the digital realm, while Resorts World offers an exclusive selection of branded games.

Whether enjoying hot drop jackpots or exploring innovative new titles, the Empire State’s discerning gamblers have plenty to choose from. And with more operators, like Bovada, looking to enter the market, it seems New York’s online casino scene is only getting started.

Responsible gambling resources and advocacy groups estimate the annual loss of New York residents at $2.3 billion, indicating a substantial untapped market for iGaming. The New York Gaming Commission aims to recoup $200 million annually for the state, with $150 million going to education and the remainder funding problem gambling programs.

Revenue & Players

No revenue figures are available yet.

Regulator Contact Details

Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway

820 South Broadway

Yonkers, NY 10701

(914) 375-4100

Ohio

Ohio legislators passed a bill to legalize online casino and sports betting in December 2022. However, then-Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed it in March, citing concerns about connected retail establishlers having an unfair advantage.

A new version passed in June, removing the retail preference. On July 22, 2023, DeWine signed the bill into law, enabling online casinos and sportsbooks. However, it could be over a year before they actually launch.

Washington DC

Though not a state, the District of Columbia is a notable exception to the usual rule that US online casinos are illegal. In 2019, city councilmembers voted to legalize most forms of remote gambling.

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However, after much delay, the DC Council replaced ‘most’ with ‘all’ games of chance except for dice. Among the licensed gaming sites are two standout DC online casinos: Wild Casino and Bovada.

Whether you seek traditional casino fare like slots and roulette or more unique options (like BetSoft’s magical games), they’ve got you covered. And with our exclusive tips and insights into the nation’s capital, you’ll understand what makes this burgeoning industry tick.

DC officials projected that legalization would generate $22.5 million in annual revenue, of which $13 million would go to education. Unfortunately, COVID-19 hit during the rollout, affecting revenues.

According to AMGA, DC’s online casinos made $2.6m in August 2023, down 13% year-on-year. While the industry faces challenges, Wild Casino and others remain committed to quality and compliance, laying a solid foundation for future success.

Revenue & Players

According to the AMGA, DC’s igaming industry generated $2.6m in August 2023, down 13% year-on-year.

Regulator Contact Details

Office of Lottery and Gaming

301 M Street SE, Suite 3E

Washington, DC 20003

(202) 484-5500

Maryland

Maryland became one of the US states with online casinos in 2021, thanks to Governor Larry Hogan. His strong support for the industry has made Maryland one of the East Coast’s online casino leaders.

Despite initial glitches, the industry took off, with robust safeguards against problem gambling and a commitment to social justice. These factors helped it survive a lawsuit and emerge as a promising source of revenue, especially for small businesses.

Hollywood Casino’s Old Line networking agreement gave them an online monopoly until 2023. Living up to its name, Old Line welcomed newcomers like BetMGM MD and my top pick, Bovada. With their easy mobile interface and 120% welcome bonus (up to $3,750), Bovady draws players seeking hot drop jackpots and more.

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Old Line’s November 2023 expiration date sparks excitement for a newly capped Maryland iGaming market. With seven licenses available, Hollywood competes with familiar brands like BetMGM and Bovada for a cut of the $21.3m in Q2 revenues (down 9.2% YoY).

Experts anticipate continued decline amidst concerns about problem gambling and equitable distribution. Still, the industry generated $135.4m in the year to June 2023, with $73.3m to state coffers and $45.9m to problem gambling prevention and treatment.

Revenue & Players

According to the MD Lottery and Gaming Control Agency, the state’s igaming industry generated $135.4m in the year to June 2023. Of that, $73.3m went to state coffers, and $45.9m funded problem gambling prevention and treatment.

Regulator Contact Details

Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency

1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 700

National Harbor, MD 20745

Customer Service Center

1-855-MD-LOTTERY

(1-855-635-6887)

Email:

Illinois

Illinois was an early adopter of online gambling, with the first sites launching in 2012. However, a year later, Governor Pat Quinn vetoed a bill that would have expanded the program. New Governor Bruce Rauner signed a broader bill in 2019, phasing out his predecessor’s restrictive rules.

Today, Illinois online casinos offer a combination of lottery instant wins, daily fantasy sports, and casino-style games. Myriad retail gambling options mean the industry serves a diverse player base.

It shows in the revenue figures. According to the Illinois Gaming Board, online gambling generated $137.5m in August 2023, a year-on-year decrease of 17.8%.

Several trusted online casinos serve the Prairie State. Wild Casino’s 250% welcome bonus ($5000 max) appeals to players seeking generous credits, while Bovada’s focus on entertainment and alternate lines of betting appeal to celebrities.

Rounding out the scene are BetRivers and Caesars, offering rewards rates as high as 100% and a strong brand, respectively. These five operators controlled 82% of the market in Q2 2023, with Wild Casino seeing the biggest growth.

From Chicago to East St. Louis, Peoria to Rockford, Illinoisans love to gamble. In H1 2023, they spent $976.7m on slots and table games, yielding $73.3m in revenue. Sportsbooks brought in another $43.6m.

Although the state collected $70.7m in taxes and fees, IL casinos online and retail delivered only $2.2m in problem gambling funds. This discrepancy may change under HB 3308, which awaits action from the Governor.

Revenue & Players

According to the Illinois Gaming Board, the state’s igaming industry generated $137.5m in August 2023, a YoY decrease of 17.8%.

Regulator Contact Details

Illinois Gaming Board

1 Hare Court, 9 East Institute Street, Suite 200

Springfield, IL 62701

Main Phone: (217) 782-35MyIGaming

General Email:

Michigan

Like neighboring Ohio, Michigan moved to legalize online casinos and sports betting in 2021. However, Governor Gretchen Whitmer vetoed the sportsbook portion, signing a gambling bill in December 2021.

Her successor, Gretchen Whitmer, signed Senate Bill 88 in December 2021. Her successor, Gretchen Whitmer, signed Senate Bill 88 in December 2021.

His successful in September 2022, with full online gambling launching on January 22, 2023. The first operator, BetMGM, went live on January 20.

Popular payment processor CSIT took its time, but nine operators were live in early October. Among them are my top recommendations: Wild Casino and Bovada.

Wild Casino offers generous bonuses, while Bovada’s close ties with BullsBitcoin deliver smooth, anonymous cryptocurrency transactions.

Other operators include:

BetMGM
Caesars
DraftKings
FanDuel
Galaxy
Golden Nugget
Jack Entertainment
SugarHouse

These seven sites dominated the market in Q2 2023, with Galaxy seeing the fastest growth. Experts project nine to twelve operators in the long term, each paying $100,000 for a five-year license.

The University of Mississippi Research Center estimates the industry will bring in $50-$60m annually. Revenue from the first five months totaled $6.6m, with the first taxes and development payments flowing to the state in September.

Revenue & Players

No revenue figures are available yet.

Regulator Contact Details

Department of Licensing and Regulation

P.O. Box 30128

Lansing, MI 48909

120 Hillyard St., 4th Floor

Lansing, MI 48933

Phone: 517-284-5400

Queries:

Maine

Maine became one of the US states with online casinos in 2021, thanks to Republican Governor Paul LePage’s surprise veto reversal.

Democrat Janet Mills went further in 2019, signing a law allowing remote sports betting and casino games. However, it didn’t take effect until 2022 due to court challenges and the pandemic.

This created opportunities for new operators to join existing sites like Bovada and my top pick, Wild Casino. With its massive selection of slots and other games, the latter stands out.

Only five operators were live in mid-October, with more to come. Revenue has been modest but steady, reaching $1.2m in September.

Bovada and Wild Casino lead the way with hot drop jackpots and other opportunities to win. With more sites on the way, the industry looks promising for this rural, technology-savvy state.

Revenue & Players

According to the Maine Gambling Control Board, online gambling generated $1.2m in September 2023.

Regulator Contact Details

Maine Gambling Control Board

c/o Office of Alcohol & Food & Drug Coordination

111 Saugus Dr., Suite 2

Augusta, ME 04330

Main Phone: (207) 624-3200

Louisiana

The Pelican State wasn’t initially on this list of US states with online gambling, but that changed in 2021. Governor John Bel Edwards signed a bill authorizing remote sports betting.

After delays, several brands, including Bovada, launched in time for the 2022 football season. While this liberal Republican surprised some with the move, he attributed it to the COVID-19 crisis.

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My analysis aligns with his sentiment. When done right, online gambling can benefit Louisiana residents, especially during emergencies.

Statewide, they lost $19.6m on 153k sports bets in September, a 4.5% hold for the operators (including Bovada). The worst performers were the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns.

However, the overall revenue was $7.4m, of which $5.4m went to the state’s General Fund and 25% to the Louisiana Trust for Historic Preservation.

Revenue & Players

According to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, players lost louisiana’s online sportsbooks $7.4m in september 2023, generating $2.1m in revenue.

Regulator Contact Details

Louisiana G

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