It’s easy to gamble online in the United States, but getting started can be confusing. Since US gambling laws combine federal and state authorities, the USA’s online casino players deal with a patchwork of gaming laws. Having a guide to the various gambling laws helps players sign up for legal online casinos, sportsbooks, and poker sites.
In short, Americans need to know if they can gamble online legally in their home state. Our guide to US online gambling laws gives an overview of the legal situation, while our timeline lets players understand how online casino laws developed over time. Later, we give tips for finding the safest US online casinos and provide tips to sign up and find the biggest bonuses.
Table of Contents
Timeline of US Online Gambling Laws
- 1961: The Federal Wire Act: President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Wire Act, which made it illegal to make sports bets over the telephone lines if they crossed state lines. This was used to prosecute organized crime.
- 1992: Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act: President George H.W. Bush signed into law PAPSA, which banned sports betting in 46 states and single-game sports bets in 49 states. PASPA governed sports betting in America for the next 26 years.
- 2006: Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act: President George W. Bush signed into law UIGEA, which made it illegal to process payments involving online gambling. UIGEA stated that any form of online gambling was illegal, if the 1961 Wire Act made the same form of gambling illegal over the phone lines.
- 2006-2011: UIGEA Enforcement: For the next 5 years, the federal government interpreted the UIGEA as a ban on online sports betting, casinos, and poker sites.
- 2011: Black Friday: On April 15, the US Department of Justice seized the domains of top poker sites that accepted real money play from US players. They also indicted over a dozen poker site executives. Those in the poker community called the day “Black Friday”.
- 2011: Office of Legal Counsel: In December, the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel issued a new opinion on UIGEA: online casinos and online poker sites were not illegal. Under the Wire Act, the DOJ prosecuted sports bets made over phone lines. Since phone calls couldn’t transact casino games and poker hands, they were not banned by the Wire Act (or UIGEA).
- 2013: Legal Online Casinos and Poker Sites: Since US states could legalize online gambling, several states did so. After statewide votes n late 2012, Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey launched online poker betting. Delaware and New Jersey approved online casinos.
- 2014: Multi-State Internet Gaming Association: Delaware and Nevada signed a poker compact. Called the Multi-State Internet Gaming Association (MSIGA), it allowed states to share poker player pools (“poker liquidity”). Other states would join later.
- 2018: PASPA Repealed: On May 14, the US Supreme Court voted to repeal the PASPA sports betting ban. This gave US states the right to legalize land-based sports betting, along with mobile sports betting apps if they don’t cross state lines.
- 2018: Pennsylvania Online Casinos: In October, Pennsylvania became the 4th state with online gambling when it passed a gambling omnibus that included online casinos and poker sites, daily fantasy sports, and an array of land-based gaming types.
- 2020: West Virginia Online Casinos: On July 15, West Virginia launched licensed online casinos. In doing so, it became the 5th state with licensed online gambling.
- 2021: Michigan Online Casinos: In January 2021, Michigan became the 6th state with online gambling. After years of debate and final approval, it launched land-based sports betting, plus online casinos and poker sites.
- 2023: Mobile Sports Betting: As of 2023, 38 US states have regulated some form of sports betting. Most of those now have licensed mobile sports betting apps. Meanwhile, gamblers in all 50 US states can gamble online at offshore sites without legal trouble.
Online Gambling Laws Throughout the USA
Players naturally wonder about the law in their own home state. For a quick rundown of the online gambling laws in your state, take a look at our 50-state guide to US online gambling.
Alabama Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites.
- Residents gamble in offshore gambling sites.
- Land-based slots parlors, bingo halls, and race tracks are available.
Alaska Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites.
- Residents gamble in offshore gambling sites.
- Bingo halls and pull-tab games are available, but nothing else.
Arizona Gambling Laws
- Online casino betting remains unregulated.
- Sports betting in land-based casinos was legalized in 2021.
- A total of 20 sports betting licenses are allowed.
Arkansas Gambling Laws
- Online sports betting was legalized in March 2022.
- Online casino regulation is not yet in place.
- Expansion of land-based gambling in recent years.
California Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online poker or casinos due to disagreements among tribal casino authorities.
- No attempts have been made to license online casinos.
- Online gamblers must play at offshore online casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks.
Colorado Gambling Laws
- Online casino and online poker betting is not regulated in Colorado.
- Sports betting was legalized in May 2020 to support the land-based casino industry.
- Mobile sports betting apps are licensed.
Connecticut Gambling Laws
- Land-based sports betting, online casinos, and online poker were legalized in May 2021.
- Online gambling became available through the Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods websites in October 2021.
- Mobile sports betting apps are on the way.
Delaware Gambling Laws
- Delaware was the 1st US state to legalize online casinos and poker sites in July 2013.
- Dover Downs, Delaware Park, and Harrington Racecourse launched online gambling sites in 2014.
- Signed the Multi-State Internet Gambling Association (MSIGA) in 2014 with Nevada. Joined later by New Jersey and Michigan.
Florida Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in Florida.
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- The Seminole Tribe of Florida (Hard Rock International) controls most land-based gaming in Florida.
Georgia Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in Georgia.
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- Georgia explored the idea of 2-3 land-based casinos, but the legislation stalled in committee.
Hawaii Gambling Laws
- Hawaii has a 100% ban on gambling in the state, including online gambling and lottery betting.
- Hawaii residents play online for real money at offshore online casinos.
- The same goes for online sportsbooks and online poker sites.
Idaho Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in Idaho, so players play at offshore gambling sites.
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- Online sportsbooks work the same as online casinos and poker.
Illinois Gambling Laws
- Online casinos are not regulated in Illinois.
- Intrastate online and mobile sportsbooks were legalized in 2020.
- Ten riverboat casinos continue to operate, and video gambling terminals (VGTs) operate in many bars and restaurants.
Indiana Gambling Laws
- Indiana launched online sports betting in 2020 for single-state bettors.
- Online casinos are not regulated by the state.
- Indiana casino gamblers must play at offshore casino sites.
Iowa Gambling Laws
- Attempted online gambling legislation but never passed it
- Passed a law for online sports betting with remote registration in 2020
- Land-based casinos can now host online sportsbooks
Kansas Gambling Laws
- Has not regulated online casinos or poker sites
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- No state-licensed online gambling options are available
Kentucky Gambling Laws
- Has not regulated online casinos or poker sites
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- No state-licensed online gambling options are available
Louisiana Gambling Laws
- Does not have regulated online casinos, but licensed five online sportsbooks connected to land-based casinos
- Online sportsbooks went live in January 2022
- No state-licensed online casinos or poker sites are available
Maine Gambling Laws
- Has not regulated online casinos or poker sites
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Land-based sports betting was legalized in August 2022, but no sportsbooks have been licensed yet
Maryland Gambling Laws
- Does not have licensed online casinos and mobile casinos, but has a sports betting law in effect after a referendum passed in 2020
- Will have 60 online sports betting licenses, but no sportsbooks have gone live yet
- One license was set aside for the FedEx Field, the home stadium of the Washington Commanders
Massachusetts Gambling Laws
- Has not regulated online casinos or poker sites
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Retail land-based sports betting launched in January 2023 at Encore Boston Harbor and MGM Springfield
Michigan Gambling Laws
- Legalized online casinos, online poker, and land-based sportsbooks in December 2019
- Sportsbooks launched in March 2020 and online gambling launched in January 2021
- Joined the Multi-State Internet Gambling Association (MSIGA) in April 2022
Minnesota Gambling Laws
- Has not regulated online casinos or poker sites
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- A bill to legalize land-based sports betting fell short in 2022
Mississippi Online Gambling Laws
- Land-based sports betting is legal since 2018.
- Only one sportsbook is operational, and players must visit a brick-and-mortar casino to place wagers.
- Online casinos and poker remain unregulated.
Missouri Online Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in Missouri.
- Residents resort to offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- A proposed bill to legalize retail sports betting and video lottery games did not pass the Missouri Senate in April 2023.
Montana Online Gambling Laws
- Sports betting is allowed, but only at physical locations through licensed sales agents.
- Online casinos and poker sites are unregulated.
- There are no restrictions on playing at offshore online casinos.
Nebraska Online Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in Nebraska.
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- Land-based sports betting was legalized in May 2021, but there is currently a lack of casino infrastructure to take bets.
Nevada Online Gambling Laws
- Online poker is legal in Nevada, and there are 108 land-based sportsbooks.
- Online casinos are unregulated, and players must use offshore casino sites.
- Only one poker website operates in Nevada, and it is part of the Interstate Poker Compact. Also, Nevada does not allow lottery betting.
New Hampshire Gambling Laws
- New Hampshire permits online lottery ticket sales and online sports betting.
- Online casinos and poker sites are unregulated.
- Residents of New Hampshire play at offshore online casinos.
New Jersey Gambling Laws
- New Jersey has the largest online gambling industry in the US, and the Division of Gaming Enforcement strictly enforces it.
- Atlantic City casinos and New Jersey horse tracks can launch online gambling portals, including online casinos, poker sites, and sportsbooks.
- New Jersey is a member of the MSIGA.
New Mexico Gambling Laws
- Online casinos and poker sites are not regulated in New Mexico.
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks.
- Five locations offer land-based sports betting Gambling Laws Buffalo Thunder Casino, Inn of the Mountain Gods, Isleta Resort & Casino, Route 66 Casino, and Santa Ana Star Casino.
New York Online Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in New York
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Retail sports betting tied to online and mobile sportsbooks legalized in January 2022
North Carolina Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in North Carolina
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Considering legalizing online sports betting involving approximately 10 companies with a 14% tax rate
North Dakota Online Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in North Dakota
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Retail sports betting through Dakota Nation Sportsbook legalized at three locations in December 2021
Ohio Online Gambling Laws
- Retail sports betting and online sportsbooks were legalized in 2021 in Ohio
- Talks of legalizing online gambling are ongoing but nothing has happened yet
- Law stipulates up to 25 online Sportsbook sites, 40 brick-and-mortar sportsbooks, and liquor license holders can have two sports betting kiosks with a legal deadline of January 1, 2023
Oklahoma Online Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in Oklahoma
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to legalize sports betting with a bill filed in 2023 by Rep. Ken Luttrell
Oregon Online Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in Oregon
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Retail sports betting was legalized in August 2019 and mobile sports betting expanded in 2022 to include large out-of-state commercial sportsbook operators
Pennsylvania Online Gambling Laws
- Licensed online casinos and poker sites in Pennsylvania since October 2018
- The same law legalized land-based sports betting, DFS, VLTs, and airport tablet betting
- Pennsylvania expected to join Interstate Poker Compact but has not done so yet
Rhode Island Online Gambling Laws
- Added retail sports betting in 2019 in Rhode Island
- Online gambling remains unregulated, so residents play at offshore online casinos
South Carolina Online Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites in South Carolina
- Residents play at offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- H.B. 3749 would legalize online sports betting apps for up to 8 companies but faces stiff opposition in the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Revenue Policy.
South Dakota Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites
- Residents use offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Legalized retail sports betting in 2020, allowing sportsbooks at commercial and tribal casinos throughout the state
Tennessee Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites
- Players use offshore gaming sites
- Online-only sports betting available since November 2020
Texas Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites
- Texans use offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- No referendum for land-based casino gaming, but individual lawmakers have sought legal online poker and casino games, though the bills have stalled
Utah Gambling Laws
- 100% ban on all gambling in the state, including online gambling and lottery betting
- Residents use offshore online casinos for real money gambling, including online sportsbooks and poker sites
Vermont Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites
- Residents use offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- No apparent interest among lawmakers in passing retail sports betting or mobile sports betting bills
Virginia Gambling Laws
- Online sports betting passed in January 2021
- Real money online casino and poker betting occurs at offshore gambling sites
Washington DC Gambling Laws
- Casino games and poker events must be played at offshore online casinos and cardrooms
- Two options for sports betting Gambling Laws use the mobile sports betting app from the DC
- Lottery or enter licensed sportsbooks and make a land-based bet
Washington State Gambling Laws
- Strict ban on online gambling, despite being a global center of the online gaming industry
- Residents should be careful when playing online casino games for real money
West Virginia Gambling Laws
- Mobile sports bets available since late summer 2019
- Five land-based casinos launched online casino games in July 2020
Wisconsin Gambling Laws
- No regulation of online casinos or poker sites
- Residents use offshore online casinos, cardrooms, and sportsbooks
- Retail sports betting is in the works, and lawmakers may feel pressure to legalize mobile sports betting apps in the future
Wyoming Gambling Laws
- Casino games must be played online at offshore gaming sites
- Online sports betting available since late 2021 at state-licensed online sportsbooks.
How We Rate the Best Online Casinos for US Players
Wherever you reside in the USA, selecting an online casino provider in the United States can prove daunting, particularly for newcomers. For the sake of transparency, here is how we rate online casinos. It’s a complicated process, which is why players have such differing tastes in casino sites.
- Convenient Deposits: Players prefer to use their preferred payment method when making deposits. Banking methods vary from credit and debit cards to web wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies. We provide comprehensive information on deposit and withdrawal options, and we evaluate sites according to these options.
- Welcome Bonus: Online casinos often offer promotional cash bonuses to welcome new players. We evaluate sites not only based on the size of the bonus but also the wagering requirement, game contribution rate, and other terms of use associated with the bonus.
- Game Selection: We analyze the quantity and quality of games on offer. Top online casinos in the USA provide various slots and table games from multiple software providers. Before reading our reviews, create a checklist of your favorite games to compare against a site’s game selection.
- Mobile Casino Apps: More than 50% of online players now use mobile devices, so we recommend sites that support Android and iOS devices. Online casinos offer either downloadable apps for Android and iPhone or mobile casino games playable in a web browser. Some sites do not convert all games to mobile, so we rate them based on mobile games.
- Live Dealer Games: Our game selection rating includes live casino games. Like mobile games, a site’s live dealer game selection is important enough to warrant its own category. Some players choose a casino based on its Live Blackjack, Live Roulette, and Live Baccarat gaming.
- Safety and Security: We rate online casinos based on their reputation for keeping transactions safe and secure using 128-bit or 256-bit encryption technology. We advise against sites with a reputation for slow or non-existent payment, no licensing, or lax security standards.
- Customer Service: Finally, we consider casinos’ customer service representatives and look for those who are available 24/7, knowledgeable, helpful, fluent, and polite. If customer representatives know the business but do not assist you when you call, we deduct points from our rating. The best online casinos in the USA offer toll-free phone numbers, email addresses, and live chat features to resolve any issues players may encounter.
- Fast Withdrawals: When withdrawing cash, fast and reliable payouts are critical. We rate withdrawal methods based on reliability and speed, with reliability being the most important factor. Payouts for a credit card, PayPal, or bank wire transfer users typically take several days. Crypto withdrawals occur within minutes or hours, earning bonus points for crypto banking methods.
How to Gamble Online at Real Money Casino Sites in the USA
Now that you know the legality of online gambling throughout the United States, players in different states know where they can sign up and play for real money. Keep in mind: playing real money casino games online in the USA is a simple process. Simply follow our beginner’s guide below to get started.
- Choose a Safe USA Online Casino: Begin by researching and reading reviews to choose a US-friendly online casino. Creating a player account should take less than five minutes. Some states have licensed online casinos, while others require players to use offshore casino sites.
- Make a Deposit: Once you’ve chosen a casino, you’ll need to make a deposit using one of the available methods, such as credit or debit card, Bitcoin, altcoins, web wallet, or bank wire transfer.
- Accept a Welcome Bonus: When you go to the cashier page, you’ll be offered a welcome bonus package that includes bonus money and/or free spins. Decide whether to accept the offer, but be aware that you’ll need to clear a wagering requirement.
- Read the Terms of Use: The wagering requirement means you must wager the bonus cash a specific number of times before you can withdraw it. Certain casino games may have a lower contribution rate or may not be eligible. Keep in mind that not everyone wins enough to withdraw free cash, but if you’re lucky, you can.
- Play for Real Money: Once your account is funded, you can select a casino game and start playing with real money. If you accepted a bonus, make sure to clear the wagering requirement before withdrawing any winnings.
- Withdraw Your Winnings: After clearing the wagering requirement, visit the cashier page and select your preferred payout method. Submit a withdrawal request and wait a few hours to a few days for the payout to arrive.