Gambling in America is a mish-mash of statutes because there are only a couple of federal gambling laws in the US, leaving most of the power in the states’ hands.
Some states prohibit all forms of wagering, while others allow all types of betting, and certain states have mixed regulations.
This comprehensive guide covers what’s available in each US state and what to look for in an ever-changing betting landscape.
USA Gambling Guide
Go to specific sections of the page using the following links:
Map of States Where Gambling Is Legal
The map below illustrates how diverse US states are regarding gambling. We have included any form of lottery, social gaming, charitable games, and casinos.
Here is a brief summary.
- 49 states out of 50 offer at least one form of legal wagering. (Hawaii was added because you can still play cards at home for little money.)
- Forty-two states host some sort of land-based casino, either commercial or owned by Native American tribes.
- Seven states have online casinos based in their states.
- People in WA, UT, TN, KY, GA, SC, and VT have no access to any form of casinos other than sites based abroad.
Note: The map is a source of information for educational purposes. It does not serve as a legal guide or an opinion. Gambling laws in states change frequently.
US Gambling Guides
The links below take you to detailed descriptions of what types of gambling are available, the laws that apply to each of the 50 US states, and their approaches to gambling.
What States Allow Online Gambling?
Remember that if your state is not on this list, you can still play casino games online for real money.
Gambling sites based offshore are available to gamblers in any state. They are regulated in foreign jurisdictions.
All of the following states have licensed and regulated online casinos inside their borders.
Connecticut
CT It is one of the few states allowing online casinos within its borders.
Only two state-regulated sites are in operation.
Delaware
DE broke the ice in the US on hosting online casinos with a historic law in 2012.
Three gambling sites operate inside its borders.
New Jersey
NJ was the second US state to legalize online casinos inside its borders.
There are 30 sites operating, and the gambling age is 21.
Pennsylvania
PA also allows online casinos to be set up.
There are 20 state-regulated online casinos.
Rhode Island
RI just launched online casinos within its borders in March, 2024.
It became the seventh US state to legalize iGaming.
West Virginia
WV legalized online casinos in 2019 under the Lottery Interactive Wagering Act.
Nine casinos offer online games in the Mountain State.
Michigan
Michigan also allows online casino operations in the state.
There are more than ten sites based within its borders.
Best US States for Online Casinos
Online casinos based offshore are available anywhere in the US, offering competitive bonuses and fair deals that are tested and rated.
But, if you are playing in a state and want to make sure the casino profits go to that state, New Jersey is the place to be.
New Jersey has been in the online casino business for ten years, so they have built a solid reputation. The state offers 30 sites to choose from, and some of them provide live dealer games.
Michigan, having online casinos for five years, also ranks highly. They have nine in-state regulated options.
In Which States Is Online Poker Legal?
Connecticut, Delaware, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan have legalized online poker rooms within their limits.
States Where Land-Based Casinos Are Legal
The following is a detailed breakdown of the states that offer some type of tribal and commercial land-based casinos in the US.
Alabama
Three tribal casinos host Class II games in Alabama.
These are limited to bingo games of all sorts, including slot-type electronic machines and other instant bingo games.
Alaska
You can find Class II electronic bingo and pull-tab games.
These are often called casinos in Alaska.
Arizona
The Copper State has opened up its 26 tribal casinos to slots, blackjack, and other Vegas-style table games.
There are poker rooms at six of the state’s casinos.
Arkansas
The Razorback State has three commercial casinos, with a fourth seeking licensing in 2024.
There are also two poker rooms in the state.
California
California is home to 76 tribal casinos, most with Vegas-type casino games such as slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette.
Most of the casinos also have poker rooms.
Colorado
Casinos are approved in three historic towns.
The state now has 32 commercial casinos and two tribal operations.
Connecticut
Connecticut is a small state that is big on gambling.
There are two tribal casinos based in Connecticut that also offer poker tables.
Delaware
The Blue Hen State is home to three land-based casinos regulated by the lottery full of slots and table games.
Florida
The Sunshine State has 21 land-based casinos, 26 poker rooms, and three thoroughbred horse racing tracks that host major stakes races.
Idaho
Idaho is pretty strict on gambling. The seven tribal casinos in the state offer only Class II bingo-style slots.
Illinois
Illinois is considered a gambling state with plenty of poker rooms, and ten commercial casinos operating.
Indiana
The Hoosier State is open to gambling with 13 land-based casinos and six poker rooms.
Iowa
Hawkeyes are full-fledged gamblers with 23 land-based casinos, a dozen poker rooms.
Kansas
The sunflower state has 12 commercial and tribal casinos.
The Hollywood Casino has over 2,000 slot machines and 40 table games.
Louisiana
There are conventional land-based casinos, racinos, and tribal casinos in LA.- 23 in all.
Many host poker rooms.
Maine
Oxford Casino is the only land-based gambling facility in Maine.
Maryland
Maryland has seven casinos in various settings.
It has the interesting distinction of having a casino in a state park. The Rocky Gap Casino Resort.
Massachusetts
The Expanded Gaming Act of 2011 established three specific regions for casinos that operate today.
There are two poker rooms in the state.
Michigan
Land-based casinos and poker rooms are thriving in MI with 26 gambling houses throughout the state, mostly Native American owned.
Minnesota
Native American tribes rule the casino scene in Minnesota.
Their 20 locations are the only casinos in the state.
Mississippi
There are more than 30 commercial and tribal casinos on the Mississippi River.
Missouri
The “Show Me” State allows only dockside or riverboat casinos, with 13 locations along the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.
Montana
There are 15 tribal casinos, but they offer only slots and other video games (no live dealers).
Poker is also allowed in Montana.
Nebraska
Nebraska has a mixture of commercial and tribal casinos.
There are eight altogether, currently restricted to Class II video games.
Nevada
Las Vegas is still the gambling capital of the US.
There are more than 60 casinos on The Strip, and over 400 casinos in Nevada.
New Jersey
After a 1977 law, gambling facilities adorned the Atlantic City Boardwalk, and now AC hosts all of New Jersey’s nine casinos.
New Mexico
All of the state’s nearly 30 casinos are tribally owned.
Most have Class III games such as blackjack and roulette.
New York
NY gamblers look to more than 25 tribal and commercial casinos for entertainment.
These include both Class II and Class III games.
North Carolina
North Carolina now has three tribal casinos and one poker room that hosts World Series of Poker events.
North Dakota
There are seven operations that are sponsored by charities groups and five tribal casinos in the state.
They have blackjack tables and other games you find in major casinos.
Ohio
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Columbus are home to casino resorts. They each have poker rooms.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has more than 149 gambling houses, all owned by various Native American tribes.
Seventeen Sooner casinos have poker rooms.
Oregon
Oregon is another of the western tribal casino states. It has 12 Native American casinos with poker rooms.
Pennsylvania
The Keystone State is an across-the-board gambling state. It hosts 17 land-based casinos and ten poker rooms.
Rhode Island
There are two land-based casinos with poker rooms in the state, offering slots and table games.
Texas
There are three tribal casinos spread out across the state, but they are limited to Class II bingo machines.
Virginia
With three land-based casinos, Virginia has become a nice heaven for gambling.
At least one more commercial casino is expected soon.
Washington
Washington has 28 tribal casinos, some with a full contingent of Class III games like blackjack.
There are 34 poker rooms.
West Virginia
West Virginia has five commercial casinos. All offer the standard slots and table games like blackjack and roulette.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin hosts 25 casinos, all owned by Native-American tribes offering Class III games.
Wyoming
There are four tribal casinos that offer a mixture of Class III games, including slots and blackjack.
Best States for Land-Based Casinos
Just go to Nevada! There are more casinos per square mile in Las Vegas than in any place in the world. And you can shop around, to a certain extent.
The blackjack tables and video poker machines may offer better odds downtown than on The Strip. That’s all, not to mention the entertainment, food, and atmosphere.
If you’re traveling the East Coast, Atlantic City makes New Jersey a favorite state for casinos, too.
Top States to Play Poker
Nevada rules the roost in poker by virtue of its online sites and the 50-plus poker rooms.
But California has 68 poker rooms and clubs, including giant facilities such as the 200-plus table Commerce Casino and the 110-table Gardens Casino.
Most rooms are in the southern part of the state, so if you’re on the West Coast, there’s your stop.
Poker is traditional in New Jersey, and Florida hosts more than 20 poker rooms, so they would be East Coast spots.
States Where Sports Betting Is Legal
The number of sports betting states has snowballed since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowed each state to decide on hosting sports wagering.
The map shows how different states approach sports betting regarding land-based and online offerings.
Note that some states have sports wagering proposals or legislation that have yet to gain official approval.
Note: The map is a source of information for educational purposes. It does not serve as a legal guide or an opinion. Sports betting laws in states change frequently.
What States Allow Online Sports Betting?
Online sports betting in the USA varies state-by-state.
The states below offer licensed sportsbooks within their barriers. However, if you don’t see yours listed, you can still use sports betting sites located outside the United States.
Arizona
Arizona also legalized online sports betting in April, 2021.
There are 16 online sportsbooks operating.
Arkansas
Arkansas legalized online sportsbooks in 2018.
Currently, the Bear State has only three state-regulated sports betting sites.
Colorado
Colorado officials authorized online sports betting in May, 2020.
The Centennial State is home to 20 legal in-state online sportsbooks.
Connecticut
Online sports betting was legalized in Connecticut in 2021.
There are currently three CT state-regulated sportsbooks.
Delaware
Sports betting is legal in Delaware since 2023.
However, only one online sports betting site has launched so far.
Iowa
Online sportsbooks in Iowa were legalized in 2019.
There are 21 options available for online sports betting inside the state.
Illinois
Illinois officials legalized online sports betting in 2020.
There are currently eight sportsbooks regulated inside the state.
Indiana
The Hoosier State doesn’t have iGaming but they offer online sports betting.
Each land-based casino can partner with three online sportsbooks.
Kansas
KS legalized online sports betting in May 2022.
Most retail sportsbooks also provide online services in Jayhawk State.
Kentucky
KY online sports betting launched in 2023.
Seven of the 27 online sports betting sites are live at the moment.
Louisiana
Louisiana also legalized online sports betting in 56 of 64 parishes in 2020.
The same retail sportsbooks can provide online services.
Maryland
Online sports betting was launched in Maryland in 2022.
It’s regulated by the State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission.
Maine
Online sports betting launched in 2023.
Only the tribes in Maine have the authority to control mobile sports betting.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts authorized online sports betting in 2022.
State officials allow eight online sportsbooks to operate inside the state.
Michigan
MI approved online sports betting in 2021.
There are 14 online sportsbooks operating inside the state.
Mississippi
You can use online apps to bet on sports in Mississippi.
However, only within the premises of an authorized location.
Nevada
Vegas brands like Caesars also offer sports betting sites.
Online sports betting is regulated by the Nevada Gaming Control Board the Gaming Commission.
New Hampshire
Unfortunately, only one state-licensed online sportsbook exists in New Hampshire.
This operator split 49-50 profits with the state.
New Jersey
Online sports betting was legalized in 2018.
There are 16 online sportsbooks up to date.
New York
Online sportsbooks are legal in New York since 2022.
There are nine sports betting sites in the state.
North Carolina
Online sports betting in NC became legal in 2023.
Eight online sportsbooks are licensed to operate inside its borders.
Ohio
Ohio legalized online sportsbooks in 2023.
There are 18 different sports betting sites operating inside its borders.
Oregon
The tribes have also negotiated with the state for online sportsbooks.
It’s legal, but limited to only one in-state operator.
Pennsylvania
There are 12 online sportsbooks inside PA.
There’s a 3.07% income tax on all winnings.
Rhode Island
Online sportsbooks are legal in Rhode Island since 2018.
However, only one state-regulated site is available at the moment.
Virginia
Online sports betting was legalized in Virginia in 2021.
16 online sportsbooks currently operate inside the state.
Washington
Tribal casinos are the only ones allowed to offer online sports betting.
At the moment, Snoqualmie Casino is the only state-regulated operator offering online sports betting..
West Virginia
Sports betting was legalized in WV in 2018.
There are nine online sportsbooks operating inside its borders.
Best States for Online Sports Betting
It’s always good to shop odds at multiple books when sports betting. So, offshore sportsbooks are a good option.
New Jersey is tops for being in a state, though. With more than 20 sites, NJ has the most competitive sports wagering atmosphere in the US.
Pennsylvania has more than a dozen sites to choose from and ranks high for online sports wagering.
Colorado has a slightly higher tax rate (4.4%) than the Eastern states, but they have more than 20 sites available.
States Where Land-Based Sports Betting Is Legal
In these states, you can place a bet in person with a sportabook.
Arizona
Arizona Legalized land-based sports betting in 2021.
Three popular pari-mutuel tracks hold meets most of the year.
Arkansas
In-person sports betting is legal since 2018 at the state’s three casinos.
The legal age to bet on sports is 18.
Colorado
Sports betting got the legal nod in 2020.
The Centennial State has 12 land-based regulated books operating.
Connecticut
CT has gone all-in on all forms of gambling.
There are 11 locations to bet on sports in person.
Delaware
DE legalized retail sports betting in 2018.
It offers three land-based sportsbooks and pari-mutuel horse betting.
Illinois
IL legalized sports betting in 2019.
It has three pari-mutuel tracks with thoroughbred racing and OTB.
Indiana
You can bet sports at 13 retail locations in Indiana.
It was legalized in 2019.
Iowa
Iowa legalized horse racing in 1989 and sports betting in 2019.
The age to bet on retail sports is 21+.
Kansas
Retail sports betting was adopted in The Sunflower State in 2022.
You can bet on sports at any of the four casinos.
Kentucky
Retail sports betting became legal in 2023.
KY is known for its great thoroughbred racing at prestigious tracks such as Churchill Downs.
Louisiana
Retail sportsbooks were allowed in 2021 on individual parishes of the state.
It’s available in 56 of 64 parishes.
Maine
Land-based sports betting has been legal in Maine since 2002.
You can bet on sports at casinos, OTB locations & tracks.
Maryland
Sports betting arrived with a law in 2020.
Marylanders can now wager their favorite teams at five casinos.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts adopted sports betting for retail locations in 2022.
Land-based casinos also host retail sportsbooks.
Michigan
You can find retail sportsbooks in casinos regulated federally.
19 land-based sportsbooks operate inside MI today.
Mississippi
Mississippi has also embraced sports betting since 2018.
The state has 28 retail sportsbooks in operation.
Nebraska
Land-based sports betting was legalized in NE in June 2023.
You can bet sports at some commercial and tribal casinos.
Nevada
Sports betting has been legal in Nevada since 2010.
There are 176 retail sportsbooks in the state.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized sports betting at ten retail locations in 2019.
There are no horse tracks, but there are OTBs.
New Jersey
Most casinos in NJ have sportsbooks.
There’s thoroughbred racing at Monmouth Park and harness racing at The Meadowlands.
New Mexico
Land-based sports betting is legal in New Mexico.
Five retail locations offer sports wagering in the state.
New York
Retail sportsbooks were legalized in NY in 2013.
There are race tracks with first-class thoroughbred competitions and more than 170 OTBs.
North Carolina
North Carolina has three tribal casinos, all offering sports betting.
It was legalized thanks to a house bill proposed in 2019.
North Dakota
North Dakota also has retail sports betting, horse racing, off-track betting.
Sports betting is only allowed on tribal casino grounds.
Ohio
Retail sports betting was legalized in 2021, and it is available at commercial casinos.
You can find OTBs, thoroughbred tracks and harness racing tracks.
Oregon
Sports betting is legal and regulated.
Some of the 12 Native American casinos host sports betting.
Pennsylvania
The Keystone State legalized land-based sportsbooks in 2018.
It has 13 retail locations for sports betting in total.
Rhode Island
Sports betting became legal in RI in 2018.
There are two retail locations where you can bet on sports.
South Dakota
Retail sportsbooks were legalized in 2020 only within the city limits of Deadwood.
The legal age to bet on sports in SD is 21+.
Virginia
There are three land-based sportsbooks inside Virginia.
The state also has a horse track and other steeplechase events that have taken legal wagers for years.
Washington
State officials legalized land-based sports betting in March 2020.
There are 14 retail sportsbooks available at tribal casinos in WA.
West Virginia
You can find legal sports wagering in WV since 2018.
This is the only state that still hosts greyhound racing.
Wisconsin
People in the Badger State have legal land-based sports betting.
Only three federally recognized tribes can offer retail sportsbooks at the moment.
Best States for Land-Based Sports Betting
There’s no better place to be on a Super Bowl weekend than in Las Vegas, Nevada.
That’s because every sportsbook has a party atmosphere. And since so many of them exist, Nevada is the top state for hitting the windows.
States With Illegal Charitable Gambling
At least one form of charitable gambling is legal in 48 of 50 US states in the forms of Bingo halls, raffles, charitable lotteries, and more.
It’s not allowed only in the following states.
Hawaii
The gambling laws in Hawaii are simple: Almost everything is illegal.
Oh, you can play cards at home for a little money, but that’s it.
The efforts to legalize gambling on the islands have yet to advance, so bettors in Hawaii turn to offshore sites.
Utah
The Mormon faith drives the culture and politics of Utah, and gambling is forbidden.
No forms of gambling are allowed, not even charitable games.
People in Utah who want to wager must cross into more gambling-friendly states such as Nevada
Best States for Charitable Gambling
Casino gambling can be charitable gambling in some states. Charities profit from casino gaming through sponsorships in at least two states – New Hampshire and North Dakota.
But the classic charitable game is bingo, and Texas has the most bingo halls in the nation.
States Where Lottery Is Illegal
As with all the previous forms of gambling we have seen, each state determines the laws concerning the lottery.
45 states out of 50 have a lottery. Here are the five states that don’t allow it and the reason behind it.
Alabama
Alabama is one of the most restrictive states in the union in terms of gambling.
Religious organizations and the conservative nature of the state have occluded the efforts to launch a lottery.
Alaska
While Alaska does not have a state lottery, they have Lotto Alaska.
It’s a charitable lottery that benefits nonprofit organizations.
Hawaii
As mentioned above, Hawaii is very restrictive on gambling.
State officials believe that activities such as lottery could harm the lucrative tourism industry.
Nevada
Yes, Nevada doesn’t have a state lottery.
The government officials think that it could potentially rival the revenue of the casino industry.
Utah
No surprise that Utah does not sponsor a lottery.
There is no place to gamble except offshore gambling sites.
Best US State Lotteries
Playing the lottery is all about hitting big jackpots, so you don’t want to be hit with an added state tax if you win.
That narrows our list to 10 states that don’t charge a tax on lottery winnings. Among those, our choice is Delaware, which carries all the big drawings and more.
The lottery runs much of the wagering in the state, so their website has sports betting games and casino info in addition to keno and draw games.
What About Gambling Taxes?
Gambling is different in every state. From gambling types, to access, to taxes that might be added, it all changes when you cross state lines.
Also, keep in mind that anywhere you are, if you win big, the federal government will take its share.
For instance, if you are in a Las Vegas casino and win $5,000 or more, the casino must take 24% of that as a standard withholding amount.
Keep records of your losses, though. You may be able to deduct those in your home state.
Gambling Types Explained
Here is a brief overview of the most common types of gambling you can find available throughout the United States.
Commercial Casinos
These are Las Vegas-type casinos, privately owned and regulated by states and localities.
They usually offer typical casino games like slots and table games and often have poker rooms and sportsbook sections.
Tribal Casinos
Native American tribes own and operate casinos in most gambling states. They are regulated under provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Under the Act, tribes negotiate and enter compacts with states to determine the types of gaming offered.
So, some locations provide Vegas-type games, poker, and sports betting, while others are restricted to games like video gaming machines and bingo.
In-State Gambling Sites
In recent years, a few states have allowed online casinos to be set up inside their borders.
These casinos are licensed and regulated by the state and usually offer limited number of games.
Offshore Gambling Sites
Online casinos based offshore that serve US customers over the internet.
They are licensed and regulated in foreign jurisdictions, and their operating requirements vary.
The sites offer a wider variety of casino games than land-based casinos or state-based online sites.
Foreign entities also license offshore sportsbooks. Many of them include racebooks for horse betting.
They offer odds on most sports and usually offer more betting options than state-based sites.
State Lottery
Most states have regulated lotteries that offer numbers draws, keno, scratch cards, and other games.
Typical games involve the player choosing three, four, five, or more numbers and attempting to match those drawn at a designated time.
Multi-state draws, such as Mega-Millions and Powerball, may offer prizes in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Charitable Gambling
The most common form of gambling in the US, charitable gaming, is legal in almost every state.
Each state or locality licenses and regulates games in which profits must go to an eligible charity.
Bingo is the most popular charitable game, but a it can also offer a raffle, pull-tab game, poker tournament, or casino games.
US Online Gambling Laws
The Interstate Wire Act and the UIGEA are the two main pieces of legislation that apply to online gambling in the United States.
These bills set a precedent, but their validity and effectiveness have eroded as legal online gambling spreads at the state level.
Another piece of legislation, PASPA, was deemed unconstitutional in 2018 and subsequently opened the floodgates for regulated sportsbooks nationwide.
The Interstate Wire Act
This law makes bets “using a wire communication facility illegal.” Until recently, the Department of Justice interpreted that to include all online wagers.
A 2019 court ruling limited the federal government’s use of the Wire Act to sports bets.
PASPA
PASPA was passed in 1992 and made sports betting illegal in any state that did not already allow sports betting.
In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled PASPA was unconstitutional, allowing new states to legalize and regulate sports betting.
UIGEA
UIGEA was the main law used to topple the first wave of online poker sites on Black Friday in 2011.
Now, states are bypassing the federal rules by authorizing online gambling within their own borders.
US Gambling History
While gambling has occurred in the US since the first settlements in the 17th Century, later developments have shaped the face of wagering today.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | The Flamingo Hotel and Casino is built in Las Vegas. It is the first modern-day casino in the city. |
| 1961 | Congress passes the Federal Wire Act seeking to keep organized crime from communicating gambling information. |
| 1964 | New Hampshire adopts a lottery, the first legal in the nation. |
| 1988 | The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act becomes law, allowing Native American tribes to open their own gambling establishments. |
| 2018 | The Supreme Court overturns the law that banned states from authorizing sports betting. It prompts the expansion of legal sports gambling. |
The Future of Online Gambling in the US
Without defining federal laws to regulate gambling, it is left to each state to determine whether or not to make wagering legal.
The result is a mixed and sometimes confusing diversity of gambling laws across the US.
The vast growth of legal gambling in the US leads to the question of when it may reach a saturation point. Politics and the economy will determine that.
But as legal gambling states calculate the revenue from online and land-based wagering, the prospects for further expansion look good.
Expect online betting services to grow for at least another decade.
USA Online Gambling FAQs
Here are some common questions about gambling in the US.
As long as you choose the correct site, yes.
The sites we recommend are subject to regulation and regular audits by third-parties. These organizations ensure fair play, testing things like a casino’s random number generator to ensure they are truly providing a fair experience for users.
Our guide to safe online casinos will teach you more about what to look for in a safe site and how best to protect yourself while gambling online.
Most state laws have a provision that prohibits any one person from profiting from an organized game.
Florida simply sets a limit of $10 in winnings per hand or round of poker, rummy, chess, dominoes, and other games.
Being a retirement-oriented state, Florida is our bet for this category.
This is regulated on a state and jurisdiction basis, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, most online casinos set a minimum age limit of 18 years or older.
