Legal online gambling is becoming more common as well as popular in the United States. On this page, you’ll find a breakdown of important federal and state gambling laws for legal online casinos, along with details about the legality of internationally regulated online casino sites and sports betting in the US.
Online Casinos & Betting Legal Status
Legal Landscape as of May 1, 2023
Legal retail sportsbooks/casinos fully legal & live (23 States + DC)
Retail sportbooks/casinos legal but not live (3 States)
Active legistlation in the works (10 States)
Online casinos & sports betting unregulated (14 States)
Page Contents
Top Legal US Casinos Online in 2024
This is the page for you if you’re a casino gambling fan. Feel free to check out any casino you find recommended here. Each one is well-known for offering a safe payment system and a wide range of legal gambling online options.
Click on your state below for specifics on online casinos and gambling laws:
Las Atlantis
Bovada
El Royale
DuckyLuck
Which States Have Legal Online Gambling?
- Connecticut: Since 2021, residents have had two in-state online casinos to choose from: DraftKings and Mohegan Sun.
- Delaware: Online casinos have been permitted since the 2018 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) ruling. Before that, local casinos had been allowed to offer casino sites since 2013.
- Michigan: Online sports betting and gambling have been allowed since 2019.
- New Jersey: As it’s the state that initiated the PASPA lawsuit, it is perhaps unsurprising that it is hospitable to gambling and was ready to go once PASPA was repealed in 2018. It hosts multiple online and retail gambling options to please all gamblers.
- Pennsylvania: As of 2019 both sports betting and online casinos — which were legalized two years earlier — have been legal in the Keystone State.
- West Virginia: Online gambling became legal in West Virginia when the legislature passed a bill allowing online gambling and sports betting in 2019.
The Future of Online Gambling in Other States
- North Carolina: As the legislative session ended June 30, 2022, the House struck down the in-state operation of gambling sites. It will return to the docket in 2023 when experts expect it will pass.
- California: Two votes in favor of sports betting failed on the ballot in November 2022. However, in America’s most-populated state, there are plenty of voices on both sides of the aisle. The MLB came out in support of Proposition 27; however, the Republican Party of California and more than 50 native tribes are against it.
- Florida: After a lawsuit that resulted in Hard Rock sportsbook’s removal from the market after just one month of operation at the end of 2021, the decision to reinstate online sports betting comes to a head in 2023. In August 2022, the Department of Interior and the Seminole Indians (who launched Hard Rock) filed briefs to bring sports betting back.
- Maine: After vetoing a bill for the in-state operation of physical sports betting sites in 2020, Gov. Janet Mills signed it into law on May 2, 2022. Sadly, online sportsbooks weren’t part of the deal. Still, Milt Champion, the Maine Gambling Control Unit’s executive director, pledged it’ll launch around January 2024.
US Laws for Online Casino Gambling, Explained
Regarding the legality of online gambling throughout the United States, there are two categories to consider: in-state operation and out-of-state operation. There are also entirely different rules and expectations for those playing and those running a legal online gambling site.
This table covers what’s legal and what’s frowned upon:
| Online Gambling Type | Where’s It Legal? |
|---|---|
| Casinos (Playing) | All states, except for Washington |
| Poker (Playing) | All states, except for Washington |
| Sports Betting (Playing) | All states, except for Washington |
| Casinos (Operating) | CT, DE, NJ, WV, MI, PA |
| Sportsbooks (Operating) | AZ, AR, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NV, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, TN, VA, DC, WV, WY |
| Poker (Operating) | NV, DE, NJ, PA, WV, MI |
In summary, playing at recommended online casinos is risk-free in 49 states. It’s only the operation of in-state gambling sites that’s a risk in certain states. Unless you plan to run a betting website in one of those states, you have nothing to worry about.
Why are Gambling Laws Different from State-to-State?
Gambling being disallowed has had a long history in various parts of the world, and although a lot of people simply take this for granted and don’t question it very much, it’s actually quite ridiculous that this would ever be seen as a crime.
US law is fashioned by our elected representatives, at both the federal and state level, and criminal law is for the most part a state government function, although the federal government does get most of the attention.
In any case, these elected representatives can make any law they please, subject only to the provisions of the Constitution, which places limits on it. These officials may be influenced by things like popular opinion or the opinions of political donors, and the latter plays a more significant role in the political process than many think. Gambling law has long been set by each state as it pertains to the cultural and social beliefs of the citizens and has income ramifications for the state.
While some states still have old laws on the books, they are being updated to take a more sensible and pragmatic approach, driven by more permissive attitudes towards gambling. We’re moving much more toward regulation rather than prohibition now, where gambling is allowed under certain circumstances rather than just banned.
Are Online Sports Betting Sites Legal in the US?
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA)
PASPA was passed in order to curb sports betting, which was seen to be a growing national problem. The act effectively banned sports betting in all states aside from a select few, such as Nevada. Exceptions were also made for certain types of bets, like pari-mutuel wagering and dog betting. Because of this act, sports betting effectively ended for over 25 years.
In 2018, the Supreme Court overturned the act, ruling that it infringed on states’ rights outlined in the Tenth Amendment. Thanks to this judgment, sports betting has started to spread across the US once again.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA)
The UIGEA, or Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, is a U.S. federal law that was passed in 2006. The law aims to prohibit online gambling by making it illegal for gambling operators to accept and process financial transactions related to illegal gambling activities. However, the law does not make online gambling illegal for players.
The UIGEA was added as a provision to the larger SAFE Port Act, which dealt with the protection of America’s ports, and was passed without much attention or review from legislators. Despite its controversial history and perceived lack of teeth, the UIGEA remains in effect today. It is worth mentioning that there haven’t been too many efforts to made to repeal this bill, and there are not many that seem to be coming in the near future. This will allow the US to still be considered a nation that is not friendly to fans of online casinos.
UIGEA does not mean you can’t gamble. Despite UIGEA’s existence, it is still completely within the realm of the law if you gamble online at one of the many sites that still accept US deposits. Neither does UIGEA make intrastate gambling illegal. States like New Jersey and Nevada, which have their own legal, regulated intrastate online casino networks, do not have to worry about facing prosecution under UIGEA. This is why so many states are pushing to legalize similar intrastate networks.
Additional Online Casino Laws You Need to Understand
The United States has some of the world’s most complex online casino laws. We gave a brief description of these laws earlier. This was just a tiny piece of the massive regulatory landscape in the country.
Fortunately, our team has covered the changes to US online casino laws over the years. Many resources are available to help you better understand them, check them out below:
Retail Casino Gambling Laws
The United States is home to a huge number of land-based casinos. Some of these are tribal casinos operated on sovereign land. Others are commercial casinos operated by billion-dollar companies. Despite the rise of legal gambling online, the US land-based casino industry continues to grow.
Here are a few helpful resources that discuss the legality of land-based casino gambling:
- A Brief History of Gambling in the United States
- Differences Between Land-Based and Online Gambling
- The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act
Notable US Legal Battles Over Gambling
The gambling industry has been the center of significant controversy over the years. Several individuals and companies have been involved in lawsuits over this industry. Here are a few of the most notable cases:
- United States v. Scheinberg, aka Black Friday
- California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians
- The Aftermath of Black Friday
- Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association (Federal PASPA decision)
Important Online Casino Laws to Know About
Over the past few decades, many laws and regulations have been placed on the US online casino industry. Below are some essential laws that determine the legality of internet casino gambling in the US today:
- The Federal Wire Act of 1961
- Overview of Federal Law That May Apply to Online Gambling
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
- The Impact of the UIGEA
- The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act
- The Internet Poker Freedom Act
Famous Online Casino Regulation Moments in US History
The US government has taken several steps to regulate the online casino industry better. These regulations haven’t always been successful, yet many of them are still implemented today:
- Early Efforts by the US to Curtail Online Gambling
- Actions by the US Government to Stop Online Gambling
- The Southern District of NY Takes on Poker Players
- States Start Regulating Online Gambling
- The Department of Justice Changes Its Mind About the Wire Act
US Online Casino Laws Applied to Foreign Countries
Most of the best legal US online sites operating today are based in other countries. Many individuals want to know how US laws apply to online casino websites. Here are a few resources that help explain the rules:
- How Do US Gambling Laws Apply to Other Countries?
- Offshore Online Gambling Regulation
- The Challenges of Regulated Online Gambling
- The Workarounds for Offshore Online Gambling Sites
How We Rate Legal US Online Casinos
More online sites are accepting US players operating right now than ever before. The internet casino industry is growing every year, and many fantastic casino sites are now available throughout the country. With so many legitimate online platforms now operating here, how do you know which ones to join?
That’s what we’re here for. Our team has reviewed most casino websites operating in the US. We have developed a system to determine which are safe and reliable and which aren’t.
Below are the three most important features we look for in legit online sites:
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Safe Payment Options
Without safe payment options, the online casino in question is not worth looking further into.
When examining payment options, “the more, the merrier” is a good first approach as the diversity of options allows for more bettors.
However, we look for trusted sources, such as debit/credit cards, cryptocurrency, and digital wallets, such as Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, Cash App, and more.
Additionally, we look to see if deposits or withdrawals require fees and look into the timeframe for withdrawals.
Should an online casino become less than trustworthy in this category, they end up on our blacklisted casino’s page.
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Game Quality & Variety
It’s not uncommon to find casino sites offering more gambling options than the best land-based casinos in the country. Generally speaking, legal and legitimate online casinos offer traditional casino games such as:
Additionally, more top legal online casinos are adding live dealer games and free-to-play games. These free-to-play games could be a stress-free method for enjoying the online casino, and some even allow you to make money off of them. Another method is demo mode, where you can try a game out at no cost to you to master a strategy or test different slots to see which you prefer most.
The best sites tend to offer more legal online gambling options to their members, but just because a site offers a huge list of gambling options doesn’t always mean they’re legitimate. We check each site’s betting process to ensure it’s easy and safe.
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Helpful Customer Support Options
A solid customer support system is the final feature that all legal online casinos USA players can access. This is something many individuals tend to overlook. Don’t make that mistake!
These websites are unregulated, meaning you’ll need to rely on the site to help you. We only recommend online sites that offer direct support to members 24/7.
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Safety & Security
Without safety and security, an online casino should be considered irrelevant. Two of the main things we look for when examining the safety of a site are information regarding SSL encryption software, as this keeps customer data safe. The other is if the site has a license from a governing body.
A license is necessary because this allows you to have another avenue for resolving issues.
You’ll want to ensure you’re playing at legitimate casinos while gambling online. Aside from using our trusted sites, it’s essential to be familiar with your state’s legal gambling online laws. Here are some additional tips for avoiding non-reputable sites and staying safe while gambling online.
- Fund your online casino account with a safe banking method. The most popular and secure methods are cryptocurrency, e-wallets, and credit cards.
- The site you’re using should have low deposit and withdrawal fees.
- The online casino should have a helpful customer support section. The best sites have 24/7 support available for their customers.
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Bonuses & Promotions
Although you may visit an online casino to enjoy the various games, any time you can add more money to your virtual wallet, the better.
The online casino industry is ultra-competitive. With that, players reap the benefits as sites offer deposit bonuses, free spins, rebate offers, sweepstakes tournaments, and more.
Not only do we look at offers, but we also look at the terms and conditions to ensure the “fine print” isn’t anything drastic regarding wagering requirements. If wagering requirements feel unattainable, we tend to avoid this. The offer “on paper” may look appealing. Still, if the wagering requirements make it so you’ll never actually enjoy withdrawing your bonus funds, it defeats the purpose of going for it.
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Mobile & User Interface Design
We know that online casino play goes on the road with players now more than ever, so having a user design that works on desktop and mobile is essential.
Players should have an easy time figuring out where the pages for banking methods, games, customer support, and promotions are.
On mobile, we look for the same ease of finding these. Still, we also look for a “static” menu along the bottom of the mobile site to allow easy access to all pages at all times.
Safest Ways to Fund Your Online Casino Account
Here are our top three ways to fund your online casino account in the United States. Not only are these methods used at the safest and most secure casinos, but the methods themselves are also great to use:
Cryptocurrency
With all the crypto coins on the market, there are some we see more often than not online casinos.
Cryptocurrencies are one of our favorite banking options because they allow you to instantly move money into your online casino account, and it’s usually free to do so. This banking option also offers anonymity at legit online sites that you won’t find with other methods.
Digital Wallets
Other safe payment methods include e-wallets. Each tends to operate a little differently than others, so research your options before committing. Top options include:
You’ll also need to check whether your casino accepts your preferred payment method. Remember – just because a casino offers a certain deposit method, it doesn’t necessarily offer that same method for withdrawals (or vice versa).
Like crypto, there are Cash App online casinos, casinos for PayPal fans, and so on.
These transactions usually take a few minutes to process and hardly come with added fees. You have to link your e-wallet to your bank account before withdrawing funds, which could take a full business day if you don’t already have your e-wallet set up.
Credit Cards
Like most online businesses, you will find most there are many online casinos that accept credit cards. Mastercard and Visa are the ones we see offered the most. Still, Capital One, Chase, and Discover are provided by some legal online casinos as well. It’s common for casinos to charge additional fees for transactions made with credit cards, so be on the lookout for those.
Other Safe Payment Methods
Most online casinos will also offer several other payment methods beyond those mentioned above.
With bank transfers, you can either engage in an actual bank transfer or an ACH transfer. At the best wire transfer online casinos, you can begin the process on the deposit/withdrawal page.
Stay up to Date With News About US Gambling Laws
Gambling laws in the United States are changing every week, it seems. If you’re the kind of player who likes to stay up on current legal information, check out our latest news posts about casino and gambling laws today.
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Legal Resources
Below are the legal resources we refer to when collecting information for this page. You can read through and bookmark them if you would like to know more:
- The Federal Wire Act of 1961
- The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
- The Internet Gambling Regulation and Enforcement Act
- The Internet Poker Freedom Act
- FindLaw
Other Miscellaneous Online Casino Resources
For any other questions, you may have, feel free to check out the resources listed below:
- Gambling Prohibition and Regulation
- The Political Barriers to Gambling in the United States
- Who Has the Jurisdiction to Make Gambling Laws in the US?
- The US Anti-Gambling Propaganda Machine
- Why These Internet Gambling Bills Don’t Matter
- The Arguments Against Online Gambling
- The Arguments in Favor of Online Gambling
- Toward a Comprehensive Regulatory System in the US
- The Threats of the Restoration of America’s Wire Act
- The Future of Online Gambling in the US
Gambling Guides for Other States
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FAQs About US Legal Online Casinos
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It’s difficult to say precisely how many casino websites are currently available in the United States, but each of the legal online casinos we listed at the top of this page is well-known for offering safe payment options and a wide range of games.
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That all depends on you and how you gamble. Generally, the more you wager, the better your chances to win. We recommend that you only place bets on games that you understand. It’ll significantly increase your chances of winning.
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This depends on the state in which you live. The laws on online gambling vary from state to state. In some, online gambling is permitted. In others, it is not but the law goes after the operators. There are also states where playing is outlawed. We recommend checking the legal page for your state on our site to find out more.
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As we mentioned earlier, most casino sites in the USA offer more games than the country’s biggest and best brick-and-mortar casinos. You can find the best online casino games, including blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and more.
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Yes, there are hundreds of legitimate online casinos available to choose from. Not every online casino out there has your best intentions in mind, so we suggest you stick with our list of recommendations. All the casinos on our list have been thoroughly vetted by our team of experts to ensure they’re trustworthy and legitimate.
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While not every legal online casino available on desktop can be accessed on your phone, most of them can be. We love the convenience of being able to play on the go and find ourselves playing at mobile online casinos often. However, remember that certain features or games may not be available on mobile or compatible with certain phones.
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Most legal online casinos offer free bets as a welcome bonus for new players who sign up. You can get a taste of these in our guide to the best online casino bonuses and promotions. You may need to complete specific wagering requirements to withdraw your bonus funds.
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Yes, all online casino apps are free to download. If you’re worried about an app taking up space on your phone, you can also access it from your phone’s web browser, as that’s an entirely free option.
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This depends on several factors, mostly notably the appetite that the legislator in your state has for the revenue that online gambling would bring. Visit our casino legal news page to keep up to date with what’s happening in your state.