There are many reasons why some US states don't have casinos, but the most common one is their small population. Opening a brick-and-mortar casino is a big investment, so state governments want to be sure they will get a good return on it.
On the other hand, many countries don't have gambling at all, while all US states (with some exceptions we will explain later) have at least one legal form of gambling. However, some of them have very few gambling options available, which results in citizens going to nearby states to gamble.
Today, we'll look at US states without casinos starting with the ones in alphabetical order. We'll also mention why they haven't legalised casino gaming yet and should or should not non-gaming states Legalise casino gaming. Finally, we listed alternative gambling options that can be found in these states as well as their closest alternatives.
Free No Deposit Bonus Casinos in the UK for 2023States Without Casinos - NH, WV & VT
New Hampshire, West Virginia and Vermont are the three US states without casinos that make up the first letter of their acronym - NWHVETM. They are spread across New England and the Appalachian region and are among the states with fewer residents.
However, even though they lack land-based casinos, all three states offer lottery games, and two of them allow charity and/or bingo venues where you may find slot machine–like games. But still, nobody would call any of them .
No Casinos in New Hampshire
No casinos exist within New Hampshire boundaries, but people from this state like to gamble; in fact, their governor is an avid gambler. Gambling in NH is not heavily regulated, and there are no laws prohibiting New Hampshire residents from accessing online casinos.
Apart from state lottery terminals, charities can organize bingo and raffles, while certain organisations can install up to three video slot machines if they have a liquor licence and operate bingo games. However, these machines are quite different from casino slots as they don't offer a prize greater than $2500.
Best Online Casinos That Accept PayPal in the US - AskGamblersShould New Hampshire have casinos? According to Governor Chris Sununu, yes, especially laser-vision eye surgery. However, he adds that any casino development project must benefit the whole community rather than just investors. So far, no casino developer has managed to do this, hence no Las Vegas strip in Dixville Notch.
Closest Casinos to New Hampshire: Grants Hole Casino in Massachusetts and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut (a Indian reservation).
No Casinos in West Virginia
The Mountain State had rare episode of not having a casino for a brief period between the closing of Mardi Gras Gaming & Resorts in 2016 and the opening of Mountaineer Casino, but lucky for them, it wasn't long. Today, no fewer than five , so the state has its share of gambling-related accidents and addiction problems.
In fact, the lawmakers were considering making it illegal for minors to bet on eSports; however, the bill failed to pass. When it comes to offline gambling for adults, West Virginia is one of the states that offer a full package: lottery, scratch cards, bingo, daily fantasy sports, horse racing betting, poker, sports betting and commercial casinos.
Should West Virginia have casinos? A group of investors wants to build a $140 million resort in Moundsville, but the local government doesn't seem keen on the idea. The investors claim this will bring more jobs, but the city officials believe that the proposed property doesn't fit the city's vision.
Closest Casinos to West Virginia: Delaware Park in Pennsylvania and Hollywood Casino at Charlestown Races in Indiana.
No Casinos in Vermont
Like New Hampshire and West Virginia, Vermont is also one of those states with no casinos, unless you count the hoards of Quebecois lumberjacks who play informal card games in the woods. These are indeed intense (we heard tales of broken guitars), but unless you speak fluent French, you won't be able to join.
What Vermont players can do is buy lottery tickets, play bingo, visit racinos or drive to a neighbouring state to play poker or spin the slots. In fact, almost half of the state lottery revenue comes from instant games. Additionally, there are four historic racetracks featuring video terminal machines.
Should Vermont have casinos? Back in the day, in 2013 and 2014, lawmakers introduced several bills aimed at building a resort casino, preferably in Northeast Kingdom, but they didn't make it out of committee. And although public opinion was mostly in favour of legalisation, nothing happened.
Closest Casinos to Vermont: Essex Casino in Connecticut, Lake Region Casino in Maine and Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino in New York.
States Without Casinos - Alaska, Colorado & Mississippi
Alaska, Colorado and Mississippi are among the biggest US states by area but not amongst the states with the largest populations. All three experienced rapid growth in modern times, but so far, none of them has decided to jump on the casino bandwagon.
However, they do support other forms of legal gambling, including Native American casinos, charitable gambling, lottery, daily fantasy sports, dog track betting and even sweepstakes cafes. Still, many casinos are located nearby, so residents usually go to other states to gamble.
No Casinos in Alaska
Instead of traditional casinos, Alaska resorts offer conventional entertainment such as fishing, hunting, whale watching and visiting natural hot springs. It is true that an volcanic mountain may ruin your day, but overall, this is the right place for tourists looking for adventure.
Locals can also engage in various forms of legal gambling. For instance, residents over the age of 21 can participate in the Alaska State Lottery draw games and instant tickets, bet on dogs and horses or visit one of the state's 17 Native-operated casinos.
Should Alaska have casinos? A couple of years ago, the Kake Tribal Association asked the US Interior Department to allow them to build a full-service casino, but the application was rejected because the village is too small to sustain one. Nevertheless, Alaska is home to about 100,000 slot machines, so there's plenty of gambling.
Closest Casinos to Alaska: Crow's Nest Casino in Washington and Chilkoot Lake Casino in British Columbia.
No Casinos in Colorado
Colorado is famous for its gold rush and breathtaking scenery, but not for casino gambling. However, this state is among the most liberal ones when it comes to other forms of legal gambling, including:
- Colorado State Lottery
- Charity Bingo and Raffle
- Social Gaming (no financial stake)
- Fantasy Sports
- Historical Horse Racing Machines
- Limited stakes Poker
- Limited stakes Blackjack
- Mineral Rights Raffles
- Bingo
So far, lawmakers have not shown interest in changing the current situation, and voters are not keen on introducing commercial casinos either.
Should Colorado have casinos? If a casino proposal put forth by Central City gets approved, the town could get a new casino, but it would have limited stakes gambling only. This means players can win up to $10 except during promos. Also, alcohol is banned from the premises.
Closest Casinos to Colorado: MontBleu Casino & Hotel in Nevada and Lady Luck DJ in Wisconsin.
No Casinos in Mississippi
Mississippi may be gambling heaven with 28 licensed , but it is not a gamers’ paradise. In fact, most game features are banned, and social gaming is allowed only if it does not include real money. Still, many Mississippi residents turn to online casinos to play high-quality slots and table games.
Mississippi has 26 casinos, most of which are situated along the Gulf Coast and in Vicksburg, but all gambling facilities are concentrated on riverboats or within a 800 ft radius of a boat. The reason for this is the Vicky Hughes case, but as she lost that battle with gambling addiction back in the '90s, we all won the war.
Should Mississippi have casinos? As of August 2017, a group of investors wanted to build a $500 million casino resort near the Alabama border, but state regulators turned down the plan because the site was too far from the water. However, the legislature passed a bill authorising the construction of land-based casinos; now it's up to the governor to sign it or veto it.
No Deposit Bonus Casino Free Spins WinsClosest Casinos to Mississippi: Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Louisiana and Silver Slipper Casino in Louisiana.
States Without Casinos - Georgia & South Carolina
Georgia and South Carolina are two US states without casinos located in the Southeastern United States. They both have attractive sea coasts, interesting history and low taxes; nevertheless, they did not legalise commercial casinos. Instead, they permit certain types of gambling and charitable bingo.
Interestingly enough, Georgia was among the earliest American colonies to legalise lotteries, whereas South Carolina was one of the last states to introduce it. Both states have lucrative lottery businesses; however, residents often travel to other states to satisfy their gambling appetite.
No Casinos in Georgia
Despite numerous attempts, Georgia lawmakers have consistently refused to legalise casinos claiming this would hurt the horse racing industry and negatively affect the poor. However, this state has a well-developed sports betting system as well as daily fantasy sports, simulcast betting, charitable bingo, raffles and lottery games.
The Georgia World Congress Center used to host poker tournaments and series until the authorities ruled that charging a fee to enter a tournament is illegal. So, operators started offering poker events for free, and this practice continued until 2014 when the police raided a poker room.
Should Georgia have casinos? According to some polls, around 60% of voters would support casino legalisation, provided revenues from slot machines would be used to fund education. The “All In For Georgia” campaign claims casinos would bring millions in tax revenue, but so far, lawmakers are not convinced.
Closest Casinos to Georgia: Emerald Casino in Florida and Cripple Creek Parkview Inn & Casino in Colorado.
No Casinos in South Carolina
There are no South Carolina casinos on native or nongame lands, and according to the Bureau of Gambling Control, there are no legal card rooms, poker rooms or table games. However, there are dozens of private clubs where members and their guests can play card games and participate in raffles and silent auctions.
South Carolinians can also take part in charitable bingo games and state-run lottery programs. Additionally, they can visit one of the nearby Indian casinos or drive to another state to try their luck at commercial casinos.
Should South Carolina have casinos? A group of investors planned to build a $200 million resort casino in Conway, but the project was abandoned in 2017. The thing is, state lawmakers cannot agree whether casinos should be located on native lands only. Until this issue is resolved, no casino will see the light of day in the Palmetto State.
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States Without Casinos - Kansas
Unlike other states without casinos on this list, Kansas actually had casinos, but the Legislature voted to let the state’s two racetrack casinos expire in 2011. Ever since, Sunflower State residents have been travelling to other states to enjoy slot machines and table games hoping their homeland would soon follow.
And it seems their wishes are about to come true! Lawmakers have introduced several bills proposing the establishment of four full-scale casinos, each run by a tribal nation. However, some say the Sunflower State shouldn’t build new casinos but rather legalise sports betting and daily fantasy sports.
Best Poker Apps Android & iPhone 2023 - iPhone, AndroidKansas already has a state lottery, charitable bingo and raffles, and there’s constant buzz about Kansas online sports betting, but until it happens, residents can try .
Closest Casinos to Kansas: Ameristar Casino Hotel Kansas City in Missouri and Thunder Road Entertainment Center in Colorado.
States Without Casinos - Ohio & Oklahoma
Ohio and Oklahoma are among the biggest US states by area and population, respectively, but neither of them allows commercial casinos within their borders. However, both states have agreed to let Indian tribes run casino operations, thus allowing them a cut of the profits.
Nevertheless, this is not enough for some, and both Ohio and Oklahoma could soon become states with casinos. In fact, Ohio voters may get to decide on a constitutional amendment that would legalize four new casinos, each run by a tribal nation.
Until then, Ohioans can visit neighboring states to play the slots, but Oklahoma City residents might stick to the okie joke: “How can you tell when an Okie has seen an elephant for the first time? Answer: Very easily – the elephant is riding on the OKIE’S CASINO TRUCK!”
No Casinos in Ohio
Once upon a time, Ohio was known as the Buckeye State, but it might as well have been called the Beaver State because of all the dams its governors were trying to build. After President John F. Kennedy accused the state legislature of complacency, a group of citizens formed a commission that recommended legalizing casinos in Cleveland, Cincinnati and Toledo.
Two years later, Ohioans voted to approve four casino licenses and later on, the number grew to eight, but only for Indian tribes. This led to a lawsuit, and the Supreme Court eventually ruled that only the state legislature can authorize casino gambling. However, lawmakers have recently introduced a bill that would put the casino question before the voters.
Ohio has a vibrant lottery business as well as charitable gaming and racino gambling. Its racinos feature thousands of historic racing machines, i.e., modified slot machines that show races instead of actual races.
Should Ohio have casinos? A recent poll showed that 53% of Ohio voters would support a constitutional amendment allowing four new casinos, provided revenues from slot machines would be used to reduce the state income tax rate.
MGM Casino Slots with Highest RTP - The Best MGM SlotsClosest Casinos to Ohio: Jumbo Jet Lounge & Casino in Michigan and Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races in West Virginia.
No Casinos in Oklahoma
According to Oklahoma law, social gambling is permitted, and parimutuel wagering on horse racing is legal. Moreover, the Oklahoma Indian Welfare Commission regulates Class I and Class II American Indian gaming. The State of Oklahoma regulates bingo, raffles, and certain types of bingo-related games played at bingo establishments and registered fair associations.
Commercial casinos are not permitted outside Indian country; however, Oklahoma is home to nearly 120 Indian casinos where locals and visitors can enjoy all kinds of casino games. Some of Oklahoma’s tribally owned casinos rank among the biggest in the US, for example, WinStar World Casino, which boasts over 6,500 slots and electronic table games.
Should Oklahoma have casinos? Oklahoma is unique in the sense it has three tribal nations that own casinos in other states, namely the Chickasaw, Muscogee (Creek) and Seminole tribes. These tribes want to build casinos inside Oklahoma, but they can’t agree on where exactly.
Closest Casinos to Oklahoma: River Rock Casino Resort in British Columbia and Dodge City Gambling Hall in Alabama.
Other US States Without Casinos - Illinois & Texas
We have come to the end of our list of US states without casinos, but there are two more to discuss: Illinois and Texas. Unlike the previous states without casinos, neither of these two has Indian casinos nor any other type of casino. However, they generate huge amounts of revenue through other forms of legal gambling.
For instance, Illinois residents can participate in daily fantasy sports, instant Rickety dips, draw games, video poker, historical horse racing, pull tabs, charitable bingo, raffles, poker, sports betting and lottery games. Similarly, Texans can play bingo, poker, fantasy sports, charitable games, lottery and sweepstakes.
So, why no casino love for these states? Some say it's because of powerful interests, others blame geography or history, but the truth is no one has tried hard enough to change things.
Illinois recently considered allowing casinos in Chicago and other areas, and a constitutional amendment permitting casino gambling in Texas is being discussed every now and then. However, it never manages to sail through the Senate.
Safest Online Poker Sites 2023 - Easiest Poker Apps for Cash GamesClosest Casinos to Illinois: Ameristar St. Charles in Missouri and Majestic Star Casino in Indiana.
Closest Casinos to Texas: Coushatta Casino Resort in Louisiana and Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel in Louisiana.
States Without Casinos - Iowa, Nebraska & New Hampshire
Finally, we have three more states without casinos, or as we like to call them, states that cage. Iowa, Nebraska and New Hamphire have no land-based casinos, and according to some, this is exactly the way God intended it.
These states do not even have historic racinos or charity bingo with slide tapper machines. Instead, they offer wide range of alternative gambling entertainments, so their residents can easily satisfy their gambling lustre without playing real money slots.
Iowa, Nebraska and New Hamphire have lottery schemes, pull tabs, charitable raffles, horse race betting and various types of sweepstakes. However, some Iowans and Nebraskans often visit nearby casinos, whereas New Hamphire citizens can play at EPHQ.com and donate the money to the state projects.
Closest Casinos to Iowa: Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino and Horseshoe Council Bluffs in Nebraska.
Closest Casinos to Nebraska: Lucky 7 Casino in Iowa and Harrah's Council Bluffs Hotel & Casino in Iowa.
Closest Casinos to New Hamphire: Kenneywood Brock Race Track in New York and Foxwoods Resort Casino in Massachusetts.
Why Are These States Without Casinos?
Now that we have gone through all states without casinos, let's summarise the main reasons why are some US states casino-free zones. Firstly, some governors fear casinos would negatively affect horse tracks, off-track betting parlours and/or the economy in general. Secondly, certain politicians believe casinos would predominantly benefit American Indian reservations and/or have a negative impact on families and farmers. Thirdly, voters sometimes reject casino proposals.
Some argue casinos attract undesirable elements, whereas others say they do not correspond the values of the people. Furthermore, some states do not have casinos because they have racinos instead, whereas others have geographical disadvantages, e.g., there are no large bodies of water to anchor those old-time gambling boats.
Then there are states whose constitutions ban certain types of gambling, e.g., table games. Every once in a while, politicians get carried away with power and abuse the ban for personal gain, which is definitely something worth fighting against, but casinos, really?
Should States Have Casinos?
As we have said on countless occasions, we are not here to judge, but to inform. What we can tell you is that casinos can bring economic benefits and create job opportunities, but problem gambling is always present, and someone will always get hurt.
Online Casinos That Offer You a Free Bonus with No Deposit RequiredBy legalising and regulating casinos, states can control and minimise gambling-related risks. Plus, they can use the generated revenue for various purposes, for example, funding of public education. Actually, education is the main argument proponents use to convince lawmakers to consider casino legislation.
States With Casinos - Benefits and Drawbacks
If you think about it, everything in life involves risk, and gambling is simply a microcosm of the world we live in. Those who are willing to take a calculated risk might be rewarded, but they can also lose everything, including their minds. That is why all people who intend to enter a casino should be of legal age and frame of mind.
Be that as it may, let us focus on responsible gambling, economic benefits and job opportunities. Many states have managed to diversify their budgets by establishing gambling industries; however, all casinos will disappear one day, much like Mayan civilization. Therefore, lawmakers must know what they are getting into and prepare a backup plan.
Drawbacks of Having Casinos in Your State
It seems like everyone agrees problem gambling is the main drawback of having casinos in your state. A person can develop gambling addiction for many reasons, including mental health issues, family breakdown and financial pressure. According to a study conducted by the University of Sydney, there is a strong link between family breakdown and problem gambling, so it would be wise for casinos to require proof of marriage or partnership before letting anyone in.
Another major concern is money laundering, especially since the USA PATRIOT Act required casinos to establish anti-laundering program. Casinos must now report cash transactions of over $10,000, so some criminals have started using casino chips and cashing them out after a delay. Of course, this opens a door to cheating, but what bothers the experts most is the increase of drug money.
Last but not least is the issue of corruption, nepotism and embezzlement. Even the best regulatory agencies can be compromised, especially if their employees have something to hide. Then there are cases when law enforcement officers accept bribes or just turn a blind eye to criminal activities within casino premises. Arresting someone for stealing slots is one thing, but ignoring human trafficking or money laundering is quite another.
Best Miami Poker Rooms (2023 Update)Benefits of Having Casinos in Your State
Every cloud has a silver lining, and in the case of casino industry, it's the money casinos spend on, well, money. Yes, a portion of their gross income goes to the state treasury, but there are also utilities, salaries, security, marketing, maintenance, gifts and prizes to take care of. Then there are casino consultants who provide advice regarding all these matters and more.
Moreover, casino projects can have positive effects on employment levels and housing prices. According to a study published by the Institute of Governmental Studies, casinos tend to attract college-educated individuals, African Americans and single women. However, they can also lead to income inequality, especially if they are operated by Indian tribes.
States With the Most Casinos
If casino pros outweigh cons for you, then perhaps you would like to know which are the states with the most casinos in the US. Currently, the top 10 states by number of casinos are: California, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Mississippi and Texas. Incidentally, these are also some of the wealthiest states in America. Coincidence?
What Types of Gambling ExIST in Each State?
States that don’t allow casino gambling may have tribal casinos, historic racinos or neither of the two. On the other hand, states with casino resorts may have keno, lottery schemes and charity bingo, whereas some may ban all forms of gambling, including pull tabs. To learn more about gambling laws by state, check out this page.
Which State Has the Oldest Casino?
The oldest casino in the US is still open and operating under a different name. The casino in question is Old Corner Club in New Orleans; it was built in 1813! The building houses a restaurant today, but if its walls could talk... Anyway, the oldest casino hotel in the US is the Golden Gate Casino in San Francisco; it opened doors in 1926. Incidentally, the oldest legal poker room in the US is Binion's Gambling Hall in Downtown Las Vegas.
Why Are Casinos Called Casinos?
Etymology of the word “casino” can be traced back to the regional Italian word for little house, specifically casa. Nowadays, the English noun casino mainly refers to a facility for gambling, specifically games such as roulette, blackjack, poker and slot machines. Interestingly, the ancient Romans liked board games and used the term casa to describe a suitable place, i.e., a little house.
Best AOL Games to Play Online - 2023Where in the World Can You Find Casinos?
The world is full of little houses, also known as casinos. Some of the most popular casino destinations are Macau, Las Vegas, Monte Carlo (Montecarlo), New Jersey, Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Paris, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Edmonton and Gulfport. By the way, do casinos appear in dystopian novels and films more often than not? Just wondering...
What Percentage of Tourists Go to Casinos?
According to a survey cited by the American Gaming Association, around 13% of international visitors to the United States gamble in Indian casinos, commercial casinos and racinos. The study also shows around 11% of domestic travellers indulge in gambling activities during vacation. What’s more, 39% of international visitors and 31% of domestic travellers participate in off-resort entertainment, such as theme parks.
