What States Allow Online Gambling – Where to Gamble Legally

The question "Is online gambling legal?" has become increasingly complex as individual states determine their own gambling regulations after the 2018 Supreme Court case eliminated the nationwide prohibition on sports wagering. Understanding which states online gambling is legal in requires examining different categories of online gambling, as states vary significantly in which forms they permit.

The landscape of states where online gambling is legal continues evolving rapidly, with new legislation introduced regularly. This comprehensive examination details what states can you gamble online, separating online casino gambling from sports betting and poker to provide clarity on where is online gambling legal across the United States.

Federal law technically prohibits most forms of online gambling under the Wire Act, originally passed in 1961. However, a 2011 Department of Justice memorandum reinterpreted the Wire Act as applying exclusively to sports wagering, opening pathways for states to legalize other forms of online gambling within their borders.

The 2018 Murphy v. NCAA Supreme Court ruling eliminated the federal sports betting prohibition, empowering individual states to determine their gambling policies. This ruling created the current state-by-state system where gambling legality depends entirely on state jurisdiction.

Only five states currently allow all three forms of online gambling (casinos, sports betting, and poker):

These five states represent the most comprehensive online gambling markets in the United States, offering residents access to the full spectrum of regulated online gaming options.

When examining what states are online casinos legal, only seven states currently permit full online casino gambling, including table games, slots, and live dealer experiences. These states that allow online gambling for casino games represent early adopters who have established regulated markets featuring the best online casinos available to residents.

New Jersey and Pennsylvania dominate the online casino market, accounting for the majority of nationwide revenue. These mature markets demonstrate how regulated online gambling generates substantial state tax revenue while providing comprehensive player protections.

When specifically asking how many states allow online gambling for sports betting, the number increases dramatically. Currently, 30 states, plus Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, have legalized online sports betting through licensed operators.

Notable leaders in sports betting revenue include New York, which generates over $2.1 billion annually, and Illinois, with $1.2 billion. Nevada, despite being first to launch online sports betting in 2010, restricts online casinos to protect brick-and-mortar establishments.

Major platforms like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and Caesars dominate the sports betting landscape through mobile casinos, offering a variety of wager types, including parlays, in-game betting, and fantasy sports contests.

Online poker is the most restricted category among states that allow online gambling. Currently, only six states permit regulated online poker. This limited availability reflects political challenges surrounding poker's classification and concerns about player pool fragmentation.

Nevada pioneered online poker in 2013, but prohibits online casino games. New Jersey and Delaware quickly followed, with Pennsylvania, Michigan, and West Virginia joining more recently through dedicated gambling apps. Interstate poker compacts between Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey allow shared player pools, though Michigan and Pennsylvania remain isolated.

Seventeen states currently prohibit all forms of online gambling, including sports betting, online casinos, and online poker. These states have not passed legislation permitting any regulated online gambling activities.

Note: While these states prohibit online gambling, many have retail casinos, tribal gaming, and state lotteries. Hawaii and Utah represent the strictest gambling restrictions, prohibiting nearly all forms of gambling.

Several states are actively considering online casino legislation in 2025, potentially expanding the list of states where online gambling is legal.

Maryland lawmakers introduced legislation in 2025 to place an online casino referendum on the November ballot. Senate Bill 340, if approved by voters, would authorize online casino operators under state regulation.

Senator Mamie Locke pre-filed legislation before 2025 that would have permitted Virginia's four existing casino license holders to offer online gambling. The proposal includes a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue and allows each casino to partner with up to three distinct online platforms.

Illinois lawmakers have introduced multiple online casino bills since 2023, though none have gained sufficient traction. House Bill 2239 proposed a 15% tax rate, while House Bill 2320 proposed a 12% tax rate.

Louisiana faces significant illegal gambling activity, with an estimated $4.6 billion wagered annually through unlicensed offshore platforms. Supporters argue that legalization would redirect this revenue to regulated operators while addressing concerns about organized crime.

Ohio lawmakers debated Senate Bill 197 in mid-2025, which would legalize online casino gambling and internet lottery gaming. The proposal allocates 99% of tax revenue to the state's general fund and 1% to problem gambling programs.

Understanding what states is gambling legal requires examining why others prohibit it. Several factors influence state decisions:

States like Nevada protect brick-and-mortar establishments by limiting online options. Tribal gaming compacts in states such as California, Oklahoma, and Washington add additional complexity.

Opposition frequently cites gambling addiction risks, underage access concerns, and moral objections. States without established casino industries often face greater resistance to online gambling legalization.

Legislative gridlock, competing priorities, and lobbying from various interest groups can stall online gambling bills indefinitely. States like Georgia, Texas, and Alabama have shown minimal progress despite periodic proposals.

Determining appropriate tax rates and regulatory frameworks requires substantial legislative effort. Some states hesitate to commit resources toward establishing gambling oversight agencies.

For residents in states where online gambling is legal, selecting safe online casinos and licensed operators remains crucial. Legitimate platforms display state regulatory agency approval, implement robust age verification systems, and provide responsible gambling tools.

Licensed operators in legal states include BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, Borgata, and Bally Casino. These platforms must maintain substantial financial reserves, undergo regular audits, and comply with consumer protection regulations.

Residents should avoid offshore gambling sites operating outside state regulatory frameworks. These unlicensed platforms lack consumer protections and may pose financial risks.

States where gambling is legal typically mandate responsible gambling features, including deposit limits, self-exclusion programs, reality checks, and session time limits.

Resources for problem gambling include:

The question of how many states allow online gambling will likely continue to increase as states recognize the revenue potential and regulatory benefits. Industry analysts project that 15-20 states may offer online casinos within five years.

Sports betting expansion appears nearly complete, with most remaining non-legal states facing either tribal negotiation complexities or strong political opposition. States like California, Texas, and Georgia represent significant untapped markets that could dramatically alter the national landscape if legalization were to occur.

Understanding what states allow online gambling requires recognizing the distinction between casino games, sports betting, and poker. While seven states permit comprehensive online casino gambling, 30 states have legalized online sports betting, reflecting different legislative priorities.

For players wondering what states can you gamble online, the answer depends on their specific location and preferred gambling type. Residents should verify their state's current legal status before accessing any platform. States where online gambling is legal provide regulated environments with substantial player protections.

The ongoing expansion of legal online gambling demonstrates state recognition of both revenue potential and the importance of channeling gambling activity into regulated frameworks. As additional states consider legislation, online gambling will potentially become accessible to significantly more Americans in the coming years.