Understanding gambling laws in the USA can be confusing, but we’re here to make it simple. Each state has its own rules when it comes to online betting, casino games, sports wagers, poker, horse racing, lotteries, and daily fantasy sports. Some states have fully embraced legal gambling, while others still have strict restrictions in place.
This page covers every state’s legal stance on gambling, from Alabama to Wyoming, so you can quickly check what’s allowed where you live or travel. You’ll also learn how state and federal laws interact, which states have legalized sports betting, horse race betting, online casinos, lotteries, and fantasy sports, and which ones may legalize online gambling soon.
If you’re in California, Texas, New York, or Florida, or anywhere else in the country, this guide helps you stay informed and play within the law.
Federal Gambling Laws in the USA
Federal laws lay the groundwork for gambling regulation, but the real power to regulate betting resides with the states. Below are the key federal statutes shaping online gambling, sports wagering, and tribal gaming—along with trending search queries and critical terms used by real users.
UIGEA and Its Impact on Online Gambling
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 does not criminalize online betting for individuals. Instead, it criminalizes financial institutions that knowingly handle payments to or from illegal online gambling sites. It targets payment processors, credit card networks, and banks—not gamblers. Regulation GG, issued by the Treasury and Federal Reserve, outlines compliance obligations for these institutions.
In practice, this law added friction for offshore platforms trying to operate in the US, pushing payment providers to block them. This gave states more leverage to decide whether to legalize or ban online casinos within their borders.
What the Wire Act Means for Online Casino Players
The Federal Wire Act of 1961 initially targeted sports betting via telephone or wire communications across state lines. Modern rulings have clarified that it does not apply to online casinos or poker, only to sports wagering activities.
In 2011, the DOJ issued an opinion limiting the Wire Act to sports wagers only, enabling states to launch legal online lotteries, poker, and casino platforms without federal interference.
A 2019 DOJ opinion attempted to expand the law’s reach back to all online gambling, but those efforts have since been challenged in Court. Most legal experts continue treating the Wire Act as applying only to interstate sports betting, not to iGaming.
PASPA Repeal and the Rise of Sports Betting
In May 2018, the Supreme Court ruling in Murphy v. NCAA struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), which had prohibited states from legalizing or regulating sports betting—except for Nevada and a handful of grandfathered states.
The decision was grounded in the Tenth Amendment; the Court found PAPASPA’s anti-commandeering clause unconstitutional, giving states full authority to decide whether to permit sports wagering within their borders.
Since the repeal, over 35 states plus DC have adopted legal sports betting—either retail, mobile, or both—and hundreds more are debating legislation.
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Tribal Casinos
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed in 1988 to govern gaming on federally recognized Indian lands. It created the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and defined three classes of gaming:
- Class I: Social or ceremonial games supervised by tribes
- Class II: Bingo, pull-tabs, certain card games (e.g., poker in some states)
- Class III: Casino-style gaming (slots, table games, sports betting)—requires tribal‑state compacts.
IGRA also mandates that tribal gaming revenues go toward tribal government operations, welfare, economic development, charitable causes, and public services local to the tribe. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1166, gaming that doesn’t comply with IGRA or is not endorsed by state law becomes a federal offense.
The COVID-era spread of sports betting raised conflicts in some states where tribal casinos had exclusive rights to offer gaming. The PASPA repeal opened state sports wagering markets, triggering renegotiation of exclusive tribal compacts and revenue-sharing agreements in places like California.
Legal Online Gambling by State in 2025
The legality of online gambling varies by state. Some have fully regulated online casinos and poker, while others only allow sports betting or lottery. A few still ban most forms of online gambling.
States with Legal Online Casinos, Poker & Lotteries
These states allow real‑money online casinos, poker, and lottery play:
Delaware
- Online casinos were legalized in June 2012 and launched in October 2013 under state lottery partnerships.
- Online poker has been part of multi‑state poker compacts with Nevada & New Jersey since 2014.
- The online lottery was available via Delaware Lottery long before casino legalization.
New Jersey
- Online poker was legalized in 2011, with expanded casino games permitted in February 2013; the first platforms launched in mid‑2013.
- Online lottery is not available. New Jersey does not operate a state-run online lottery.
Pennsylvania
- The legislature passed the online casino & poker bill in October 2017, and it launched in 2019.
- Online lottery has been legal and heavily utilized since the passage of the 2017 omnibus bill.
West Virginia
- West Virginia legalized full online casinos in early 2020, launched in July 2020, and limited poker.
- An online lottery was available earlier via the state lottery.
Michigan
- A law was passed in December 2019, allowing iGaming and sports betting. Platforms launched in January 2021, including casino & poker via MGCB licensing.
Connecticut
- Legalized online sports betting, casino, and poker via tribal compact in 2021, launching October 19.
Rhode Island
- Rhode Island issued a bill in June 2023 and launched an online casino in March 2024 as a state‑lottery monopoly operated by Bally/IGT.
States Most Likely to Legalize Online Gambling Soon
These states have legal sports betting, ongoing discussions, or bills for online casino poker:
New York
- Sports betting has been live since January 2022.
- Multiple bills, including online casino/poker proposals like SB 2614 (filed 2024).
- Casino licensing delays pushed the timeline for a possible launch in late 2025 or 2026, but this is not guaranteed.
Maryland
- Wildly debated in 2024, with HB 17 introduced, no vote yet.
- Voter referendum required; earliest possible legalization seems 2027 or later.
Virginia
- Sports betting & online lottery are legal.
- A bill for online casino and poker licensing was pre-filed for the January–February 2025 session, with a 15% tax, a limited operator model, and mandated responsible gaming controls.
Illinois
- Sports betting has been live since 2020.
- HB 2239 (and others) was introduced in 2023 to legalize online casino poker; it stalled in committee but is still under consideration.
Iowa
- Sports betting has been active since 2019.
- 2023 iGaming bill failed due to deadlines; strong operator support suggests likely progress in the 2025 session.
Indiana
- Retail/mobile sports betting has been legal since 2019.
- Senate Bill 417 proposed for iGaming; likely to return in revised form in 2025.
Colorado
- Legal sports betting since 2019.
- Online casino/poker bills proposed previously; legislative interest persists for potential iGaming votes in 2025.
Ohio
- Sports betting was legalized in March 2022 and launched in January 2023.
- Online casino legislation (SB 197) is under consideration, targeting a March 2026 launch.
Sports Betting Laws by State
Since the repeal of PASPA, sports betting has rapidly expanded in the US. Here’s where things stand:
States with Legal Online Sportsbooks
Over 25 states now allow online sports betting, including:
- New Jersey (2018)
- Pennsylvania (2019)
- Michigan (2021)
- Arizona (2021)
- Colorado (2020)
- Illinois (2020)
- Virginia (2021)
- New York (2022)
These platforms let users bet on major US leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, as well as international sports.
Retail-Only Sports Betting States
Some states offer sports betting on physical sportsbooks but not online:
- Mississippi (2018, retail only)
- Delaware (2018)
- Montana (limited online via in-store kiosks)
- North Carolina (retail-only before launching online in 2024)
States Working on Sports Betting Legislation
Several states are considering sports betting bills:
- Texas: A significant market, but legalization efforts stalled in 2023.
- California: Two failed ballot measures in 2022. Further legislation is unlikely before 2026.
- Missouri: Multiple bills introduced. Stakeholders remain optimistic.
- Georgia: Some legislative support, but no bills passed yet.
Horse Racing, Fantasy Sports, and Lottery Laws
Different types of gambling, like horse racing, DFS, and lotteries, are also regulated at the state level.
Legal Horse Racing Betting States
Most states allow some form of parimutuel horse race betting, both at tracks and online via platforms like TVG and TwinSpires. Key states include:
- California
- Kentucky
- New York
- Florida
Daily Fantasy Sports Legal States
DFS is considered a skill game in many states. It is currently legal in over 40 states, including:
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Texas
- Ohio
- Illinois
States like Hawaii, Idaho, and Nevada restrict or ban DFS.
States with Legal Online Lotteries
Online lottery sales are legal in:
- Illinois
- Michigan
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
Some states also offer lottery subscriptions and second-chance games online.
Minimum Legal Gambling Age by State
The minimum gambling age varies by state and activity. Most states require players to be at least:
- 21 for casino gambling
- 18 or 21 for sports betting
- 18 for lotteries and horse betting
Some tribal casinos may have different age restrictions based on their compacts.
Responsible Gambling Laws and Consumer Protection
Each legal gambling state has responsible gambling laws in place to protect players:
- Self-exclusion programs let users ban themselves from gambling apps.
- Deposit and loss limits are available on regulated platforms.
- States mandate resources like helplines and counseling (e.g., 1-800-GAMBLER).
Licensing authorities like the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement or the Michigan Gaming Control Board enforce these rules.
Online Gambling Legality in the US FAQs
As of 2025, legal online casinos operate in a small number of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Delaware, West Virginia, and Connecticut. These states have fully licensed platforms offering real money slots, table games, and live dealer options.
Yes, you can bet on sports online legally if it is in states where online sports betting is legal. Over 30 states have legalized some form of online sports wagering, with platforms regulated by state authorities. You must be within the state’s borders and meet the legal betting age to place a bet.
Only a few states have fully legalized real money online poker, including Nevada, New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. These states regulate licensed poker platforms where players can compete in cash games and tournaments legally.
Online gambling is legal in some states and restricted in others. While federal law doesn’t directly ban individuals from gambling online, you could face legal issues if you place bets in a state where online gambling is illegal.
Using a VPN to access restricted online gambling sites is discouraged and may violate both state laws and casino terms. Even if you win, the platform might block your account or withhold payouts if it detects VPN use.
Using offshore casino sites is a legal gray area. While some players access them from states without regulated online gambling, these sites are not licensed in the US, which means no consumer protections. It’s safer to stick to legal, state-regulated online casinos.
