Where Is Online Casino Gambling Legal In The US?
Where Is Online Casino Gambling Legal In The US?
Online gambling in general is still in its infancy in the US, while casino players especially only have a limited pool of states to choose from if they wish to play online. But, the landscape should be changing soon with a few examples of states thriving thanks to them allowing online casino gambling.
This has meant that a lot of people in the US have been unable to experience the online experience of promotions, amazing slots, and all of the other perks that you will be entitled to.
What this means is when online casino gambling is finally legalized in your state that you will be able to take advantage of a whole host of new customer offers, like those in the current legal states have already been able to do.
The reason legal online gaming is being held back is somewhat understandable with each state reluctant to cannibalize their land-based casinos, however with iGaming flourishing elsewhere and helping states rake in hundreds of millions in tax revenue per year it should only be a matter of time.
Try any of the new player offers currently available to oddschecker (below) in the legal online casino gambling states in the US, if you reside or currently find yourself in one.
Online Casino Gambling: Current States Where It Is Legal
As of right now, there are only 6 states that have legalized online casino gambling in the US, and those states shown in the map below are:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Check out more information about each of those states that have legalized online casinos though, because each state has different offerings and some have had it legalized for much longer than others.
If you are able to claim any of the new customer offers too, we have provided some of the best casino bonuses available in those states for you to claim some free spins, no deposit bonuses, and more.
Connecticut
Connecticut launched its online casino offering in 2021, but it only offers two online casinos currently, which are DraftKings Casino and FanDuel Casino. We don't currently have an offer for either of those online casinos in the Constitution State, but you might be able to find excellent promotions at the gaming sites themselves if you are looking to sign up in Connecticut.
Delaware
Almost 10 years ago now at the end of 2013, Delaware became the first state to launch online gambling, laying the foundations for the many states that have now followed in their footsteps. The three live gaming sites they have to offer are Bally's Dover Hotel and Casino, Delaware Park Online, and Harrington Raceway Casino Online in Delaware, with all of them provided in partnership with the Delaware State Lottery and 888 Holdings.
Michigan
There are a number of online casinos available in Michigan, with BetMGM Casino, PokerStars Casino, PointsBet Casino, and BetRivers Casino being just a few of the gaming sites that allow you to play games online in the Great Lakes State. Whether you want to play slots, blackjack, roulette, poker, or any other games there will be an online casino that suits you in Michigan, with some of those gaming sites and their amazing welcome offer suggested below.
New Jersey
New Jersey alone is a huge force in online gambling in the US, not least because they were the main reason that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) was repealed in 2018. They have the largest pool of online casinos in the US at the moment and were first launched in 2018, along with sports betting in the Garden State.
Check out the best New Jersey online casinos that we have recommended below, and the sensational bonuses they are willing to provide new players with.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is the fifth largest state in terms of population in the US, meaning it was a big day when online casinos launched in 2021. It remains the most populated state that has legalized online casino gambling, and there are over 10 gaming sites in the state where you can claim amazing new player offers and play on slots, table games, and live dealer offerings.
West Virginia
West Virginia rounds off the six states that have legalized online casino gambling, and it currently has well-known gaming sites like Caesars Palace Online Casino, BetMGM Casino, FanDuel Casino, and some others in the Mountain State. Try your luck on slots, roulette, poker, baccarat, or any other games that you like when claiming any of the offers suggested below if they are applicable to you.
States That Are Considering The Launch Of Online Casino Gambling
The global pandemic has meant the process for certain states legalizing online casino gambling has sped up in the US, with players keen to play from home or on the go as opposed to at a land-based casino.
However, although it looked as though it would almost certainly lead to certain states launching, especially those who had already launched sports betting, it has proved challenging so far.
Indiana looked set to be the next state that legalized online casino gambling in 2023 before a setback will see them now only potentially launch at some point in 2024, while other states don't even look necessarily close to launching at the moment.
Below are a few states that hope to provide online casinos to players in the next few years, but it remains speculation at the moment.
| State | Position |
|---|---|
| Indiana | New, larger gaming modernization bill set for 2024 |
| Massachusetts | Legalization of sports betting could speed up the process |
| North Carolina | Intend to include plans for online casino gambling in state’s 2023-25 budget bill |
Pros and Cons of Legalizing Online Casinos
Legalizing online casino gambling comes with pros and cons, with some people fully on board with the suggestion in states in the US, while others will be reluctant or completely against it.
Despite each bill that's put forward by states including responsible gambling protocols, there are always doubts about the fact that gambling online could lead to higher addiction rates and more problem gambling.
On the other hand, the tax revenue from launching online gambling has been proven to be extremely lucrative for states in the US, with it pulling in a larger sum in six states than sports betting in 30 states.
There are always going to be pros and cons to anything in life, and it will be up to each state on how and when they decide to provide online casino gambling for players.
Pros
Tax revenue is undoubtedly the main driver when it comes to reasoning behind launching online casino gambling. But there is more than just that, as you can see below:
- Already proven to make billions in tax revenue across six states
- Provides more tax revenue in six states than sports betting in 30 states
- Roughly $330bn of illegal igaming handle a year which is lost tax revenue for US states
- Increases safety and security of people's information thanks to legal online casinos
- Players can enjoy larger samples of games with different variety
Cons
Not everything about the launch of more states when it comes to online casino gambling is positive. There are clearly some reasons why certain governments are unwilling to pass bills or even consider the idea of launching online casino gambling.
Some cons to online casino gambling are:
- Cannibalization of land-based casinos
- Casino games at people's fingertips could lead to more problem gambling
- Potentially reduces social skills for people in general and those who are close to being allowed to legally gamble
Mason McDonagh has gained a vast amount of writing experience about casinos over the last few years and has developed an expert knowledge of online slots. Coming from a journalism background, Mason has a passion for writing about anything and everything, but especially iGaming. If Mason isn't writing about that, he's probably watching soccer and his beloved Arsenal who it's fair to say have made life an emotional rollercoaster for him at times.