Where Are Online Casinos Legal? Tracking All 50 States

The popularity of online casinos rose across the U.S. in the wake of sports betting legalization.

That trend increased throughout the COVID-19 pandemic with lockdowns shuttering brick-and-mortar operations and grinding the sports world to a halt. Today, online casinos are becoming a lucrative industry that's only beginning to take root in the U.S. In a few states, online table games (like blackjack, roulette, craps) and slot machines can be played from your phone.

While only a handful of states currently allow legal online casinos, more jurisdictions may soon follow suit as they see the financial upside. Here's a closer look at where online casinos remain illegal (or legal) in the U.S.

State	iGaming Status
Alabama	Not Legal
Alaska	Not Legal
Arizona	Not Legal
Arkansas	Not Legal
California	Not Legal
Colorado	Not Legal
Connecticut	Legal
Delaware	Legal
D.C.	Not Legal
Florida	Not Legal
Georgia	Not Legal
Hawaii	Not Legal
Idaho	Not Legal
Illinois	Not Legal
Indiana	Not Legal
Iowa	Not Legal
Kansas	Not Legal
Kentucky	Not Legal
Louisiana	Not Legal
Maine	Not Legal
Maryland	Not Legal
Massachusetts	Not Legal
Michigan	Legal
Minnesota	Not Legal
Mississippi	Not Legal
Missouri	Not Legal
Montana	Not Legal
Nebraska	Not Legal
Nevada	Not Legal
New Hampshire	Not Legal
New Jersey	Legal
New Mexico	Not Legal
New York	Not Legal
North Carolina	Not Legal
North Dakota	Not Legal
Ohio	Not Legal
Oklahoma	Not Legal
Oregon	Not Legal
Pennsylvania	Legal
Rhode Island	Not Legal
South Carolina	Not Legal
South Dakota	Not Legal
Tennessee	Not Legal
Texas	Not Legal
Utah	Not Legal
Vermont	Not Legal
Virginia	Not Legal
Washington	Not Legal
West Virginia	Legal
Wisconsin	Not Legal
Wyoming	Not Legal

Alabama

Alabama's state constitution prohibits lotteries and gambling. Thus, online casinos remain technically illegal in the state. For online gambling to become legal in Alabama, a constitutional amendment would need to get passed. Various bill proposals from State Senator Greg Albritton (R-Atmore) failed to make it through the House in 2022. Alabama gamblers may have to wait until after this election year to see any further legislative progress for legal gambling online.

Alaska

Online casinos are currently illegal in Alaska.  In fact, the state has one of the strictest gambling jurisdictions in the U.S. Casino gambling may be permitted on international cruise ships visiting Alaska. But for online gambling to get legalized, sports betting might have to come first.

Arizona

Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021. However, online casinos remain illegal. The state struck a deal with its twenty native tribes to sign the 2021 Arizona Gaming Compact.  This ushered in a unique environment for various sports betting licenses and apps. With multiple in-person retail sportsbooks operating in Phoenix, and Glendale hosting Super Bowl LVII in 2023, it might just be a matter of time before online casinos become legal in Arizona.

Arkansas

Previously relegated to land-based operators, mobile sports betting in Arkansas became legal in February 2022. Online casinos remain illegal. Two state casinos obtained the first licenses for mobile sports betting in Arkansas. Major companies like Caesars, DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM might be next in line. Licensing for legal online casinos may come after that.

California

Both sports betting and online casinos remain illegal in California.  Only daily fantasy sports and horse racing are legal there. Similar to previous states, tribal lands are the only option for casino gamblers in California. In an election year with California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom also up for re-election, online casinos may not be a top priority. Ballot measures for November -- including Prop. 27 backed by DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM to partner with Native American tribes -- could be a pathway to legal online sports betting in the state. That may ultimately lead to the legalization of online casinos in California, in the coming years.

Colorado

Although Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019, online casinos remain illegal. According to the Colorado Department of Revenue, charity organizations may sponsor gambling events at licensed casinos within the state. With DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM offering legal online sportsbooks in Colorado, the legalization of online casinos seems probable.

Connecticut

Online casinos are legal in Connecticut. Two options went live in the state on October 19, 2021. DraftKings and Mohegan Sun Casino (FanDuel) offer traditional casino games, such as roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and poker. Plus, there are literally hundreds of slots available. With a small market and a reduced competitive landscape, there are still attractive bonuses and free spins to consider, as well.

Delaware

Online casinos are legal in Delaware. In fact, the state was among the first to legalize online gambling. Local casinos in Delaware established gambling sites in October 2013 in tandem with the state lottery. Those sites were provided by 888 Holdings. The repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) in May 2018 led to sports betting at online casinos in Delaware. Land-based operators include Delaware Park, Dover Downs, and Harrington Raceway.  Their online counterparts, like Delaware Park Online, offer traditional poker and casino games through desktop platforms and a mobile app. Bally's Dover Hotel and Casino offers slots, card and table games, and 16 jackpots. Bank transfers, Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal are all available options for deposits and withdrawals. The Harrington Raceway Casino Online mobile app provides roulette, video poker, and blackjack.

Florida

Online casinos are illegal in the Sunshine State. Although sports betting became legalized in 2021, the industry remains in limbo due to legal issues between the state and the Seminole Tribe. FanDuel Group has an office in Orlando. So, it's possible that after this election year with Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis up for re-election in November, the online casino industry may get a foothold once the sports betting issue gets resolved. The Hello Millions promo code is a great option instead.

Georgia

In Georgia, online casinos are illegal. Legislation pertaining to changing the state's gambling laws failed to gain any traction in 2020. "Social casinos" are available, however, with free-play slots and table games. For sports betting, House Bill 93 was passed by a Senate Special Judiciary Committee in June 2020. The bill would have mandated application and licensing fees for sportsbooks to operate in the state. Georgia continues to debate the legalization of sports betting with various legislative efforts. Legal online casinos may not be too far behind. While you're here, take a moment to read our detailed review of Crown Coins.

Hawaii

Hawaii has some of the strictest gambling laws in the nation. Online casinos remain illegal. Sports betting, lotteries, horse racing, and even bingo are all prohibited. In 2021, DraftKings testified to the Hawaii state legislature in support of sports betting legislation. An additional push to legalize online sports betting in the state came in the wake of Super Bowl LVI. The legalization of gambling in Hawaii continues to be debated.

Idaho

Online gambling is illegal in Idaho. Thus, there are no legal online casinos. The state hasn't introduced any legislation to legalize gambling since the repeal of PASPA in 2018, either.

Illinois

Online casinos are currently illegal in Illinois. However, online sportsbooks like BetMGM and FanDuel are fully operational in the state. Gambling legislation in Illinois pertaining to online casinos has routinely failed in the last few years. Another push for legalization may come in 2023, with video game terminal operators (VGTs) being a major roadblock.

Indiana

Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019. Online casinos remain illegal. Multiple online casino bills failed to pass through Indiana's state legislature. Senate Bill 417 would have permitted state casinos and racetracks to offer mobile betting apps. The state's iGaming bill may see further consideration in 2023. Online poker may have to be dropped from the legislation to help lessen any regulatory issues. 

Iowa

While mobile sports betting went live in 2019, online casinos remain illegal in Iowa. Much like previous states, an online casino (iGaming) bill failed to make it through Iowa's legislature earlier this year. Opposition to the bill came from racetracks, casinos, and community organizations. Supporters of the legislation came from other casinos, including Penn National Gaming's Ameristar Casino and Caesars Enterprise Services. Iowa might be one of the closest states to legalizing online casinos in 2023.

Kansas

Kansas recently legalized sports betting earlier this month. Online casinos are still illegal. The regulatory framework for sports betting begins with the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission (KRGC), the state lottery, and four land-based casinos. Penn National Gaming's Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway may be among the first retailers to operate a sportsbook in the state. So, it's possible that through partnerships, online casinos might be the next logical step in terms of legal gambling in the Sunflower State. Learn more about the Parx Casino promo code today.

Kentucky

Legislation to legalize sports betting in Kentucky failed to pass through the state legislature multiple times since 2018. Thus, online casinos are illegal. Mobile betting on pari-mutuel horse racing and online lotteries are available. But gamblers in Kentucky may have to wait until at least 2023 for further developments when it comes to legal online casinos.

Louisiana

Sports betting in Louisiana went live earlier this year. DraftKings, BetMGM, and Caesars are available options. However, online casinos are still illegal. Sweepstakes casinos are available in Louisiana, along with offshore options for online wagers. Since the state is so gambling-friendly, it may only be a matter of time before online casinos become legal. While waiting, feel free to read our review of Fortune Coins. 

Maine

Maine legalized sports betting earlier this year. Online casinos are still illegal. As the sports betting law takes effect this month, online betting may come from the state's four native tribes partnering with retailers. This could provide Maine with the necessary framework for legalizing online casinos in the next few years.

Maryland

Online casinos are illegal in Maryland. However, the state legalized sports betting in 2020. The best social casinos may be the only available option to play slots and table games legally online. Dozens of licenses became available for sports betting online in Maryland. So, the state may seek to expand its gambling infrastructure by legalizing online casinos in the near future.

Massachusetts

Sweepstakes and social (free-play) gaming are the only options for online casinos in Massachusetts. Otherwise, traditional online casinos remain illegal. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission allows for three casinos and one slots-only casino to operate within the state. Lawmakers have been attempting to legalize sports betting. The state legislature may pass a bill this month to legalize sports betting for the NFL season (much like a few states did last year). Mobile gambling might not be a top priority for Massachusetts right now. But it's not too far-fetched for online casinos to become legal in the coming years.

Michigan

Michigan legalized online sports betting in December 2019. Online casinos are completely legal. Gamblers in the state can play legally at the BetMGM Online Casino. Caesars, WynnBET, BetRivers, FanDuel, PokerStars, and DraftKings all provide online casinos in Michigan, too. Online casino gaming options include video poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and slots. Online poker and live table games are also available.

Minnesota

Minnesota failed to legalize sports betting earlier this year. So, online casinos remain illegal. The state continues to negotiate with native tribes for legalizing online gambling. The legalization of online casinos in Minnesota may take a few more years. For now, social casinos are the only option for gambling legally online. In the meantime, read our review about Fire Kirin.

Mississippi

Online casinos are illegal in the state of Mississippi. However, sports betting became legal in August 2018. The regulation of online sports betting failed to pass through Mississippi's legislature multiple times. Gamblers may only place online wagers at two state casinos. BetMGM offers a mobile sportsbook option. It may only be a matter of time before Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel follow suit. Online casinos in Mississippi might be available within the next few years.

Missouri

State legislators in Missouri are currently working on passing a bill to legalize sports betting.  Online casinos are illegal. Social casinos are currently the only option to gamble online in the state. Legislation to legalize online sports betting in Missouri may get passed by the end of this year. That might help to establish a pathway to regulating online casinos sometime in the near future.

Montana

Montana legalized sports betting within a strict regulatory framework. Gamblers can only place their bets through licensed kiosks at casinos, bars, and restaurants. Online casinos remain illegal in Montana. That probably won't be changing anytime soon, as the state seeks to protect its land-based operators.

Nebraska

Nebraska is a unique state when it comes to gambling. Sports betting legislation passed through the state legislature in 2021. However, there is no legal framework for sports betting as of yet. Thus, online casinos remain illegal. A handful of casinos in the state exist on tribal land. Two racetracks and casinos set to open for the first time in Lincoln and Omaha are the first of their kind. Online casinos may be a while off in Nebraska.

Nevada

Sports betting has been legal in Nevada since 1949. The PASPA legislation passed in 1992 was the protective pillar for a gambling monopoly in the Silver State. In May 2022, Nevada generated $1.3 billion in revenue from its commercial casinos -- the highest of any state. Online poker and mobile sports betting are legal in Nevada, with some restrictions. As for online casinos, it's clear to see why the state and its land-based operators may want to keep them illegal.

New Hampshire

Aside from social gaming and sweepstakes sites, online casinos are illegal in New Hampshire. Mobile sports betting is legal within the state. DraftKings is the only legal online sportsbook. New Hampshire state lawmakers previously failed in their attempt to legalize online poker. So, another attempt at legalization might be the only hope on the horizon for the online casino industry to take root there.

New Jersey

Home to Atlantic City, New Jersey was the reason PASPA got repealed in 2018. Thus, it's one of the most gambling-friendly states in the country, outside of Nevada. Mobile sports betting and online casinos are both legal in New Jersey. Options for online casinos in the Garden State include BetMGM, Resorts Casino, Borgata, Tipico Casino, Betway, bet365, WynnBet, Wheel of Fortune Casino, and Caesars. New Jersey has over two dozen legal online casinos partnered with Atlantic City operators. Numerous poker rooms, slots, and live card and table games are legally available online. In this highly competitive landscape, you can also choose from a wide variety of bonuses and promotions.

New Mexico

Online casinos are illegal in New Mexico. The mobile sports betting industry has also yet to gain a foothold in the state, with wagers being restricted to tribal casinos. The legality of sports betting within New Mexico seems to be a contentious issue. So, legalizing online casinos might be a longshot.

New York

New York represents quite a potentially large market for online casinos. However, they remain illegal. As for online sports betting, DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, and WynnBET went live in the state earlier this year. New York Governor Kathy Hochul reported the state generated $302.3 million in tax revenue from mobile sports betting in its first six months of legal operation. With the possibility to lead the industry, New York online casinos may be just a few short years away from being legalized.

North Carolina

Online sports betting and casinos are both illegal in North Carolina. However, the state legalized retail sports betting in 2019, relegating wagers to two tribal-land casinos. A bill to advance mobile sports betting passed the State Senate in 2021, but it stalled in House committees this year. Meanwhile, a third retail sportsbook location plans to open by the start of this year's NFL season. So, the gambling legalization process might be slow. But look for any further online casino developments in North Carolina after this election year.

North Dakota

Similar to North Carolina, North Dakota legalized retail sports betting at three tribal casinos. Online casinos remain illegal in the state, however. Gambling in North Dakota is restricted to lotteries, tribal casinos, social gaming operations, and race tracks. The surrounding states also have conservative approaches to gambling. So, online casinos in North Dakota might be a long way off. 

Ohio

Ohio legalized sports betting in 2021, but the industry won't be operational until Jan 1, 2023. Online casinos are illegal in the state. While Ohio gamblers may be able to play at offshore casinos and poker sites, it might not be too long before online casinos get legalized. Four out of five states bordering Ohio already legalized some form of online gambling.

Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, online casinos are illegal. Gambling in the state is only allowed through horse racetracks and tribal casinos. Tribal compacts form a legislative roadblock for Oklahoma to legalize sports betting. In a relatively conservative jurisdiction, Oklahoma gamblers might have to wait a long time before online casinos become legal. 

Oregon

Oregon casino gambling is restricted to tribal and social casinos. Thus, online casinos are illegal. However, Oregon state lawmakers legalized online sports betting back in August 2019. Horse racing is also legal. For private casinos to become legal in Oregon, state lawmakers would need to pass a constitutional amendment. A deal with the state's native tribes may open up the possibility of online casinos one day getting legalized. It seems unlikely, for now. FunzPoints Casino is a great alternative.

Pennsylvania

Legal online sports betting in Pennsylvania began in May 2019. Online casinos were a part of the legalization process that passed two years prior. Thus, online casinos are legal in the state. Pennsylvania offers about a dozen licensed online casinos. Legal options include BetMGM, Borgata, Betway, Caesars, FanDuel, and DraftKings. Games at legal online casinos in Pennsylvania include thousands of slots, roulette, blackjack, and baccarat. There are also poker rooms and live dealer options. You'll also have the best bonuses to choose from in the online casino industry.

Rhode Island

Online sports betting in Rhode Island has been legal for years. However, online casinos are prohibited. At first, Rhode Island gamblers were only allowed to place their sports bets at two local casinos. Mobile betting required in-person registration. That law was eventually scrapped. Sportsbook Rhode Island remains the only option for placing online wagers. The sportsbook site, operated by IGT and William Hill, is regulated by the Rhode Island Lottery. This vice-like grip on the gambling industry might serve as a major obstacle for online casinos to become legal in Rhode Island.

South Carolina

Sweepstakes casino sites are the only online option for gambling in South Carolina. Online casinos are banned. A bill introduced in the state legislature earlier this year to legalize sports betting failed to gain any traction. However, FanDuel and DraftKings are already available in South Carolina through daily fantasy sports. So, debating the issue of legal online casinos in the state might be initiated within the next year or two. In the meantime, check out Golden Hearts Casino.

South Dakota

Online casinos are illegal in South Dakota. Gambling online is restricted to horse racing platforms and retail sports betting at Deadwood casinos. In the wake of sports betting legalization in South Dakota in 2021, legislative efforts to allow for mobile wagers failed earlier this year. Aside from sports betting at tribal casino kiosks, the legalization process for online casinos in South Dakota may take a few more years.

Tennessee

Tennessee legalized online sports betting in 2019. The state's online-only framework launched in November 2020. Online casinos remain illegal, with social gaming as the only option. Still, major operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have been available in the state for some time. The possibility of them being able to open online casinos would necessitate a constitutional amendment. Also, a deal would need to be struck with Tennessee's native tribes. For online casinos to become legal, it may require a lengthy legalization process.

Texas

Operating an online casino in Texas is illegal. However, citizens may access offshore gambling sites. Texas represents a massive market for the possibility of legal internet gambling. The sports betting legalization process stalled there in 2021. After this election year, with Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott up for re-election against U.S. Democratic Senator Beto O'Rourke, it's possible that sports betting in the state may finally get passed in 2023. It might just be a matter of time before online casinos become legal in The Lone Star State.

Utah

When it comes to gambling, Utah has some of the most restrictive laws in the U.S. There is no state lottery. Sports betting and online casinos remain illegal. Also, there are no land-based tribal casinos in Utah. Almost all forms of gambling are outlawed. The only legislation in Utah related to online gambling sought to ban it. Even after the repeal of PASPA, it might still be a long time before the state changes its harsh policies toward gambling.

Vermont

Sports betting in Vermont remains illegal, along with online casinos. The only options for online gambling in the state come from pari-mutuel horse racing platforms or offshore sites. Vermont lawmakers are currently in the process of analyzing the potential of legalizing sports wagering in the state. It seems highly probable that Vermont may legalize sports betting in the near future. Online casinos might be right around the corner.

Virginia

Virginia legalized online sports betting in 2020 and the industry became operational in the following year. Online casinos remain illegal. FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, and BetMGM each maintain sportsbooks in the state. With online sportsbooks as the only option for placing bets on sports, the eventual legalization of online casinos shouldn't be too difficult in Virginia. Vegas Gems is one of our favorite legal options.

Washington

Washington legalized sports betting at tribal casinos back in March 2020. Online casinos are illegal. Daily fantasy sports are also outlawed. With mobile sports betting so restrictive and barely a year old, it could be a while before online casinos become legal in Washington. Top operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars may need to maintain partnerships with tribal casinos, first.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. officially legalized sports betting back in 2019. Starting in 2021, legal wagers were allowed to be placed online at certain retail venues and sports stadiums. BetMGM, Caesars, and FanDuel each have sportsbooks in Washington, D.C. DraftKings only offers daily fantasy sports. While online casinos remain illegal, a nearby MGM National Harbor Casino could be among the first to allow for legal internet casino gambling in Washington, D.C.

West Virginia

West Virginia ranks among the six U.S. states that currently offer legal online casinos. BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, and FanDuel comprise some of the best options in the state. You'll get all of the industry's best slots and table tables, along with poker rooms and live dealer games. In West Virginia, online casinos are perfectly legal.

Wisconsin

Online casinos are illegal in the state of Wisconsin. Betting on sports is only permitted at one tribal casino. With a few more land-based options for sports betting on the way, it remains to be seen whether Wisconsin will debate the issue of legalizing online casinos anytime soon. Top companies like DraftKings and FanDuel may first need to negotiate with native tribes in the state.

Wyoming

Wyoming legalized online sports betting in 2021. However, online casinos remain illegal. The state's only casinos are located on tribal lands. In a relatively unique system, legal sports betting wagers placed within Wyoming can be done exclusively online. Since BetMGM, DraftKings, and FanDuel already operate their online sportsbooks there, it may serve as a pathway to legalizing online casinos in the state.