2025 Guide To Gambling Laws in the USA

This content was produced in partnership with Bazoom Group.

Online gambling has grown rapidly across the United States, quickly becoming one of the nation's most popular forms of online entertainment. Many people now prefer playing their favorite casino games from the comfort of their homes. The convenience of digital platforms allows players to access a variety of games, including poker, blackjack, and slots.

One of the most popular trends in online gambling in recent times is the rise of cryptocurrency-based platforms. Players are drawn to these sites because of their security and privacy. Those looking for the best Bitcoin casino can find plenty of great options which offer a secure and anonymous way to play online casinos from the comfort of your own home.

Whether you’re looking to get out of Hudson and enjoy the country's casino scene, or simply looking for the best way to enjoy casinos online, here are the laws and regulations you need to bear in mind first.

States That Allow Online Casinos

Some states have fully legalized online casino gaming, allowing residents to play poker, slots, and other casino games legally. These states have regulatory frameworks in place to oversee online gambling activities.

• Connecticut: Fully legalized online gambling, including casinos, poker, and sports betting. The industry is regulated through state partnerships with tribal casinos.
• Delaware: One of the first states to legalize online gambling, offering online casinos, poker, and sports betting. State-run platforms oversee gambling activities.
• Michigan: Fully legalized online gambling, including online casinos, poker, and sports betting. The state has a thriving online gaming industry.
• New Jersey: Fully legalized online gambling, including casinos, poker, and sports betting. The state is a leader in the online gaming industry.
• Pennsylvania: Fully legalized online gambling, including casinos, poker, and sports betting. The state has one of the largest online gaming markets in the U.S.
• West Virginia: Fully legalized online gambling, including casinos, poker, and sports betting. The state was one of the early adopters of online gambling.

The Stance on Online Gambling in Other States

While the states listed above have embraced online casinos, the majority of US states have yet to legalize them. Some states allow online sports betting but prohibit casino gaming, while others have strict anti-gambling laws preventing all forms of online betting. Many of these states have debated potential legalization, with some moving toward expanding gambling laws while others remain firm in their restrictions.

States like New York, Illinois, and Indiana have thriving online sports betting markets but have not yet approved online casinos. Lawmakers in these states have introduced bills to legalize online casino gaming, but progress has been slow due to concerns about regulation, taxation, and potential impacts on existing land-based casinos.

In states such as California, Texas, and Florida, gambling laws are influenced by powerful tribal gaming interests and political opposition to expansion. While these states have large populations and lucrative gambling markets, the path to online casino legalization has been complicated by competing interests and legal disputes.

Some states, including Hawaii and Utah, have some of the strictest anti-gambling laws in the country. These states have shown no interest in legalizing any form of online gambling and are unlikely to change their stance in the near future.

Other states, like Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts, have taken incremental steps toward expanding gambling laws. While online casinos remain illegal in these states, recent legislation has opened the door for online sports betting, and future changes to casino regulations could follow.

States That Allow Physical Casinos but Not Online Casinos

Several states allow physical casinos while prohibiting online gambling. These states often have established tribal or commercial casino industries and prefer to keep gambling activities restricted to in-person venues.

• Nevada: Despite being home to Las Vegas, Nevada has not fully embraced online casinos. The state allows online poker but restricts other casino games to land-based venues.
• Mississippi: The state has a thriving land-based casino industry along the Gulf Coast and in other regions. Online casinos remain illegal, though sports betting is allowed at licensed locations.
• Louisiana: Physical casinos, including riverboat and tribal establishments, operate throughout the state. Online casinos are not legal, but sports betting has been permitted in select areas.
• Missouri: The state has numerous land-based casinos along its rivers, but online casino gaming is not allowed. Lawmakers have debated expanding gambling laws.
• South Dakota: The state allows gambling in Deadwood and at tribal casinos but has not authorized online casino gaming.
• Indiana: While Indiana permits physical casinos and online sports betting, online casino gaming has not yet been approved.
• Illinois: The state has commercial and tribal casinos but has only legalized online sports betting. Efforts to expand online gambling continue.
• Florida: The state has a significant tribal gaming presence, with physical casinos run by the Seminole Tribe. Legal disputes have delayed efforts to introduce online gambling.

These states have established gambling industries but have been slow to approve online casino gaming due to regulatory concerns, political opposition, or existing agreements with tribal operators.

Offshore Casinos as a Workaround

Since online gambling is not available in many US states, some players turn to offshore casinos as an alternative. Offshore casinos are based in foreign jurisdictions where online gambling is legal and offer their services to US players.

These platforms operate outside of U.S. regulations, meaning they are not subject to state laws that prohibit online casinos.

While offshore casinos provide access to a wide range of casino games, they come with some downsides. Because these sites are not regulated by US authorities, players may have limited legal recourse if, in the rare event, issues arise.

Additionally, some states actively block access to offshore gambling sites, making it difficult for residents to use them.

Despite these, offshore casinos remain popular among players in states where online gambling is restricted. Many of these platforms accept cryptocurrency, offering a level of anonymity and security that appeals to users seeking alternative ways to gamble online. However, players should research the reputation of any offshore casino before signing up to ensure they are playing on a legitimate platform.

If you or anyone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.