The answer to the question can you gamble online legally varies by state. While some, like Utah and Hawaii, completely ban any form of gambling, others, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, permit all forms of online casino gambling. The state of Nevada is the most famous gambling destination in the country and offers both in-person and online casinos for its residents.
The federal government has also made its own set of laws on the issue, but many of them are outdated and don’t take into account the modern era of online gambling. As a result, it is important to understand what you are getting into before deciding to place any wagers.
Fortunately, state-level lawmakers have been more receptive to allowing the use of regulated online casinos and digital slot machines. They are gaining momentum in pushing for sports betting, as well. The most notable example is New Jersey, where iGaming sites now generate over $80 million in taxes each month for the Garden State. This figure has prompted other states to follow suit, which has lead to a dramatic increase in the availability of legal online gambling across the United States.
In fact, the number of states where residents can gamble online has almost doubled in just one year. In 2023, there are now 24 states that offer some form of iGaming for their citizens. However, there are still some major stumbling blocks to the expansion of the industry. For instance, New York is yet to allow its residents access to iGaming sites. This is despite the fact that these platforms are responsible for massive tax revenues in neighboring New Jersey.
There have been multiple attempts to introduce iGaming legislation in New York, but these have failed to pass over the last several years. This could change in the near future, though, as legislators see how New Jersey is prospering from its iGaming industry.
Delaware has been ahead of the game when it comes to legalizing iGaming, having launched in 2012. The Blue Hen State allows its residents to play at a few different online casinos that are run by the state lottery. However, Delaware hasn’t rolled out online sports betting and is currently waiting to see how the Tar Heel State’s new sports betting market fare.
Rhode Island has jumped on the bandwagon and recently legalized online gaming for its residents. The Ocean State follows in the footsteps of neighboring Connecticut and Pennsylvania, who both opened their online casino markets in 2017. Its online options are essentially virtual versions of the brick-and-mortar casinos that have long been available to players in the state.
Kentucky and Louisiana are two more states that have recently opted to allow their residents to gamble at a few online casinos. However, these are limited to only a few dozen games. The Lone Star State is currently the only state that doesn’t have an online casino, though it does have Churchill Downs and other racetracks that cater to its residents.