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US Online Gambling: Sites, Legal States & Regulations

Get the latest on legal online gambling in the US with our concise 2023 guide. Discover safe and compliant casinos, poker, and sports betting options in states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. Understand the games offered and navigate through legalities and restrictions to make informed choices in the fast-evolving online gambling industry.
Guide to Legal USA Online Gambling States and Sites

Discover the top online gambling platforms in the USA with our expertly curated list featuring betMGM, Borgata, DraftKings, Golden Nugget and more. Learn where to bet legally and safely on the best sites for sports betting and casino games. Navigate the US gambling landscape confidently with our selection of trusted and compliant online sites.

The List of the Best Online Gambling Sites in the USA

  • betMGM
  • Borgata
  • bet365 USA
  • Caesars
  • DraftKings
  • FanDuel
  • Tropicana
  • Bally’s
  • PokerStars USA

TOP Legal Online Gambling Websites Selected for U.S. Players

Since the 2018 victory by the state of New Jersey in the US Supreme Court to win the right for unfettered online gambling across the country, several states have made the move to legalize casinos, both land-based and online. These states are: New Jersey, Pennsyvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware and Connecticut.

So, where can you gamble?

Connecticut

  • Online Casinos Authorized: 2021
  • Land-Based Casinos: Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun
  • CT Online Casino Sites & Apps: DraftKings, FanDuel
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, baccarat, live dealer
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: Although legally approved, poker rooms are not yet offered; Must be physically present in state to bet

Delaware

  • Casino Gambling Legalized: 2013
  • Land-Based Casinos: Delaware Park, Dover Downs and Harrington Raceway
  • Delaware Online Casinos: 888 Casino
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, video poker, bingo, live dealer, poker
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: Must be physically present in state to bet

Michigan

  • Online Casino Sites Approved: 2020
  • MI Casinos (Sites & Apps): Golden Nugget, Caesars, BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, WynnBET, PokerStars, BetRivers, PointsBet, Barstool, SI Casino, Eagle, Four Winds, Play Gun Lake, Firekeepers
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, video poker, live dealer, poker 
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: Must be physically present in state to bet

New Jersey

  • Gambling Online Legal Status: 2013
  • NJ Online Casinos: Hard Rock, Bally, Virgin, Caesars, BetMGM, WynnBET, Unibet, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, Borgata, 888 Casino, DraftKings, BetRivers, Betway, Tipico Harrah’s Wheel Of Fortune, BetMGM, PartyCasino, Pala Casino, Scores Casino, 888 Casino, Bet365, Ocean, Parx, Resorts, Mohegan Sun, Resorts, PokerStars, Tropicana
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, video poker, live dealer, poker 
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: Must be physically present in state to bet

Pennsylvania

  • Online Casinos Permitted: 2019
  • PA Online Casinos: BetMGM, PokerStars, Caesars, DraftKings, BetRivers, Borgata, FanDuel, Unibet, Barstool, BetRivers, Parx, Wind Creek, Stardust, Bally, Golden Nugget
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, video poker, live dealer, poker 
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: Must be physically present in state to bet

West Virginia

  • Online Gambling Legalized: 2021
  • WV Online Casinos: DraftKings, BetMGM, BetRivers, Caesars, FanDuel, Golden Nugget, PointsBet, WynnBET
  • Type of Games Offered: Slots, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, video poker, live dealer
  • Legal Age: 21
  • Restrictions: No poker, Must be physically present in state to bet

While the online gambling industry has seen remarkable growth (3.15 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 9 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 17% between 2022 and 2032) and transformation since the first state sanctioned online gaming site in 2013, navigating the vast online landscape today remains fraught with challenges. A big number of websites vie for attention, many ranking under ‘legal’ and ‘legit’ keywords, yet misleadingly directing users to offshore gambling platforms. Not only do these sites jeopardize players by potentially exposing them to unregulated and unsafe gaming environments, but they also divert tax revenue away from states that have put in place stringent regulatory measures to safeguard both the industry and its players.

Google’s algorithmic intricacies aside, the question remains: Why do these dubious platforms rank prominently, overshadowing genuine, compliant, and trustworthy sources?Our mission here is to offer our readers a clear, accurate, and reliable overview of the current landscape of legal online gambling in the US for 2023. We write about the states where online casinos, poker, sports betting, and lotteries are permitted, those where they aren’t, and what the future holds (2024 and on). Armed with this knowledge, our hope is that you, the player, can make informed and safe decisions in the dynamic world of US legal online gambling.

To gamble online became legal in the USA in 2013 when Nevada licensed online poker. The first site to allow online casinos in the USA was the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City, New Jersey. As of 2023 the casino sites are permitted in six US states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware and Michigan. Here you can play slots online and other real money games legally. What are the best-rated sites for gambling in the USA now? Some of the top casinos now include BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars Casino.

A number of US state governments are currently studying bills that if passed would bring legit online casino gambling to their state. Bills are in front of state lawmakers in Ohio, Texas, New York, and Indiana that would make this so. However, even if these measures are successful, it’s unlikely that legalization would be taking place prior to 2024.

In terms of online sports betting, Missouri, North Carolina, Minnesota and Texas are moving toward authorization.

View our gambling guides to find more answers here.

USA Ligit Sports Betting Websites

  • betMGM
  • Borgata
  • bet365 Sports
  • Fanduel
  • DraftKings
  • BetRivers
  • Bally Bet
  • Unibet – best app
  • Barstool Bet
  • New FanaticsBet

Legal and regulated online sports betting is available in 24+ US states. These include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming. As well, online sports betting is legal in the District of Columbia. In-person sports betting is legal in Delaware, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Dakota.

Let’s take a deeper look at a few of the leading online sports betting sites in the USA:

  • BetMGM: A prominent name in the gambling industry for decades, BetMGM is available to players in Ohio, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Wyoming. BetMG is known for its Lion’s Boost profit boosts, same-game parlays, live betting parlays and early cashout options.
  • BetRivers: Offering live streaming and betting markets on just about every sport imaginable, BetRivers is popular for the low wagering requirements they attach to bonus offers. Play BetRivers in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
  • Caesars: Founded in 1966, Caesars Entertainment Inc. is the largest casino entertainment company in the USA. Caesars is known for its lucrative welcome bonus, outstanding loyalty rewards program and state-of-the-art mobile app. Bet sports online with Caesars in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming.

US Online Lottery

Lotteries are the most popular form of gambling in the USA. All but five of the 50 states have legalized lotteries. Alabama, Alaska, Hawaii, Nevada and Utah are the exceptions. Lottery players can also participate in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands.  

All lotteries are regulated by local jurisdictions. Although there are no official national lotteries in the USA, two draws – Mega Millions and Powerball – are available in virtually all jurisdictions, making them de facto national lotteries. 

Applications such as Lotto.com, Lottery.com, and Jackpocket enable people to purchase state lottery tickets online or via a mobile device.

With access to wagering on horse racing offered in 39 of 50 US states, the sport of kings is No. 2 in the country behind lotteries in terms of gambling opportunities. Many of these states only offer advance deposit wagering (ADW) on racing from around the USA and across the globe. Betting through these sites is accessible by opening an online account. 

These are some of the leading US horse racing betting sites:

  • TVG: Part of the Flutter Entertainment Group, TVG is a proven industry leader when it comes to ADW. Established in 1999, they offer racing from over 150 tracks.
  • NYRA Bets: NYRA Bets is the official betting partner of the Belmont Stakes, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) and offers ADW on racing from 300 tracks worldwide.
  • XpressBet: A subsidiary of the Stronach Group, XpressBet is all about horse racing. Along with racing from hundreds of North American and international tracks, they also provide live money handicapping tournaments.

Online poker is offered in six US states. These include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Nevada and Delaware. Some states work together to commingled pools so that poker players can play for higher stakes.

Here’s a look at some of the prominent online poker sites for US players:

  • PokerStars: The world’s largest online poker site, PokerStars offers games for players at all levels and all stakes. They provide satellite tournaments for WSOP spots.
  • WSOP: Short for World Series of Poker, WSOP is one of the biggest and most trusted brands in poker. It’s also the only place to earn rings or bracelets for WSOP tournaments.
  • PartyPoker: Delivering a brilliant mobile app that works with both Android and iOS devices, Party Poker provides access to a massive lineup of games and tournaments ongoing every day.

Anticipating the Expansion of Online Casino Legislation in 2024

A number of US states are currently taking under consideration the possibility of legalizing online gambling by 2024. At the top of this list is New York. There is currently a bill before the State Assembly that would lead to the legalization of online casinos if passed.

Indiana and Illinois, two states already with legal sports betting and land-based casinos, are also slowly moving toward the legalization of online gambling. There’s a bill before the state government in Indiana and one is expected to be formulated in Illinois before the end of the year. Ohio, which legalized online betting on Jan. 1, 2023, is also looking strongly at adding casino online gambling. 

One of the largest states in the USA, Texas lawmakers are currently looking at bills to legalize both sports betting and online casino gambling.

Online Gambling 2024: A Look at Illinois, New York, Indiana, and Iowa

The legalization of online casinos in the United States continues to be a hot topic as we approach 2024. Notable strides have been made in states such as New York and Indiana, while other states, like Illinois, are anticipated to join the ranks of rermitted online casino gambling. Given the growing digital infrastructure and the economic implications of casinos online sites, it seems plausible that more states will open up to online gambling.

The pace of online casino gaming’s expansion has increased significantly in recent years. By the end of 2022, casino gaming was regulated in six states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The notable success of these states in managing legal online gambling is expected to influence other states in the coming years.

In 2023, New York demonstrated its potential for online gambling, with New Yorkers wagering more than $400 million weekly during the first four weeks of the year. This momentum extended into the first half of the year, with New Yorkers wagering a staggering $9.1 billion online through June, an increase from $8.5 billion over the same period in 2022.

On the other hand, Indiana experienced a slight dip in sportsbook registrations, with June betting volume down 21% from May, recording $224 million compared to $283.5 million.

As we look forward to 2024, Illinois, one of the largest gambling jurisdictions in the U.S., has been paving the way for further gambling options. The state welcomed as many as four new sportsbooks in 2023 and is expected to add another in 2024. With a thriving video gaming terminal industry, lottery, and horse racing, it appears Illinois could legalize online casinos as early as 2024.

Currently, Illinois hosts 13 casinos offering a variety of games, from slots to roulette. Five more casinos are in the pipeline, including a major entertainment complex under construction by Bally’s in Chicago. Notably, the Golden Nugget Casino in Danville opened its doors on May 27, 2023, followed by the Temporary by American Place casino in Waukegan, which began operations on Feb. 17, 2023. However, real-money casino games are currently only allowed at retail casinos. This could change in 2024, with regulated online slots, table games, and online poker possibly making their debut in Illinois.

Iowa, another potential candidate for online casino legalization, has yet to authorize online gambling as of 2023. At present, the state’s gambling scene includes 20 brick-and-mortar casinos, online betting with casino gambling websites like BetMGM, Unibet, Caesars, PointsBet, and horse racing with legal off-track betting. However, online casino games, poker, and the lottery are not yet allowed, and residents can only play at sweepstakes casinos such as Chumba, LuckyLand, and Global Poker.

The journey toward online casino legalization is expected to pick up pace in 2024, with states like Illinois and Iowa potentially making significant strides. Despite possible hurdles, including addressing concerns over gambling addiction and ensuring the profitability of brick-and-mortar casinos, the future of online casinos in the United States. appears promising. Current successes, coupled with the potential economic benefits, suggest that the regulation of online casinos USA players have access could become widespread in the U.S. by 2024.

How to choose the right and safe site for Real Money Gambling

When selecting an online gambling operator, personal preferences will be a major factor in making the right choice. All legal gambling websites will be offering lucrative signup bonuses, so that shouldn’t be a factor in your decision. If you desire to play online casino games and also bet sports online, then you’ll want to find a site/app that offers both forms of real money gambling. 

What types of casino games you’ll be looking to play should also be an element to consider. If you just want to play slots, any online site for real money gaming will do. However, if you prefer table games, or a live dealer studio, a little more sleuthing will be required to unearth the best site for you.

Safety and security are the benchmark advantages of playing with a legal and regulated betting site over some unregulated offshore gambling sites. There is no oversight provided by any US regulatory body with an offshore betting site. Should you run into any sort of difficulty with one of these online gambling websites online, you are basically at their mercy as to whether they will help, or even stand behind what they promise as an offer to get you to sign up.

What is the legal gambling age in the USA?

While there are slight variations depending upon the type of gambling you desire to play, the standard legal age to do so in the vast majority of US states is 21.

How do you find out if a betting site is legal and regulated in the USA?

A legal and regulated betting site will indicate this by listing the details of which organization is directly in charge of regulating their operation in a prominent location on their web page. 

What types of casino games are legal to play in the USA?

Again it will vary from state to state, but almost all online casino sites in the USA offer slots, table games such as baccarat, blackjack, craps and roulette, video poker and slingo. Some sites also offer bingo and poker rooms, and most will provide a live dealer studio.

What are sweepstakes or social casinos?

Social casinos are similar to regular online casinos except for the fact that you’re not gambling for real money. You can choose to play their casino games for free, just for fun and entertainment, or you can purchase sweepstakes-style tickets that enable you to compete for prizes.

Is Bovada a legal gambling site in the USA?

No. Bovada is what is known as an offshore betting site. They are not operating legally in the USA and are in fact considered to be illegal by the US government. Should you encounter an issue with an offshore site, there is no regulator to turn to in order to seek recourse.

What types of bonuses do legal US gambling sites offer?

Welcome bonuses are the most popular form of online gambling site offer. These are only available when signing up with a site. There are also reload bonuses, refer-a-friend bonuses and loyalty programs through which regular players earn rewards.

Is it legal to bet on politics at online gambling sites?

No. Betting on elections is prohibited by current US gambling laws.

Can you make bets with USA gambling websites on your mobile device?

Absolutely. All gambling operators provide first-rate mobile apps that are compatible with both iOS and Android devices. Many offer mobile web browsers that work so well it isn’t necessary to download an app.

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