2023: An In-Depth Guide
Online gambling has seen significant growth in the United States in recent years, with more states moving toward legalizing various forms of online betting. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss the current legal status of online casinos, online poker, and online sports betting in each state, as well as provide insight into potential changes in legislation in 2023.
1. Online Casino Legalization by State
As of now, online casino games are legal in six states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Other states have introduced legislation to legalize online gambling, with varying degrees of progress. In this section, we will review the current status of online casino legalization in each state and provide an outlook for 2023.
1.1 Connecticut
Connecticut launched online casinos in late 2021, offering casino games through tribal casinos. With the market still in its infancy, there is potential for growth and further development in the coming years.
1.2 Delaware
Delaware was one of the first states to legalize online gambling in 2012, offering a range of casino games through partnerships with established online gaming providers.
1.3 Michigan
Michigan joined the online casino club in 2021, quickly becoming a significant player in the market. The state offers a diverse range of online casino options, including major brands like Caesars Casino, as well as local Michigan-based operators.
1.4 New Jersey
New Jersey is considered the hub of legal online gambling in the US, offering over 20 online casinos and multiple online sportsbooks. The state has a well-established market, with top brands like FanDuel, MGM, and Golden Nugget available to online casino players.
1.5 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania legalized online casino games in 2019 and has quickly expanded its market to rival New Jersey. The state offers a wide range of online gambling options, including major brands like BetMGM, FanDuel, and Borgata.
1.6 West Virginia
West Virginia legalized online casino games in 2020 and currently offers four online casino options. The market is still developing, with more operators expected to join in the coming years.
2. Online Poker Legalization by State
Online poker is currently legal in seven states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The following states are actively considering legalizing online poker in 2023:
- California
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Massachusetts
- Nevada
- New York
3. Online Sports Betting by State
Online sports betting is legal in 27 jurisdictions, including Washington, DC. Many states have passed legislation to legalize online sports betting, with more states expected to follow suit in the coming years.
3.1 Arkansas
Arkansas legalized sports betting in 2018 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.2 Colorado
Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019 and has quickly become a popular destination for sports bettors, offering a wide range of online sportsbooks and retail sports betting facilities.
3.3 Connecticut
Connecticut launched online sports betting in late 2021, with plans to expand its market further in the coming years.
3.4 Delaware
Delaware was one of the first states to legalize sports betting in 2018 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.5 Illinois
Illinois legalized sports betting in 2019 and has seen rapid growth in its market, offering both retail and online sports betting options.
3.6 Indiana
Indiana legalized sports betting in 2019 and has quickly become a popular destination for sports bettors, offering a wide range of online sportsbooks and retail sports betting facilities.
3.7 Iowa
Iowa legalized sports betting in 2019 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.8 Michigan
Michigan legalized sports betting in 2019 and has seen rapid growth in its market, offering both retail and online sports betting options.
3.9 Mississippi
Mississippi legalized sports betting in 2018 and currently offers retail sports betting facilities only. There is potential for online sports betting legalization in the future.
3.10 Montana
Montana legalized sports betting in 2019 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.11 Nevada
Nevada has long been the epicenter of sports betting in the United States, offering a wide range of retail and online sports betting options.
3.12 New Hampshire
New Hampshire legalized sports betting in 2019 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.13 New Jersey
New Jersey has quickly become one of the leading sports betting markets in the US, offering a wide range of retail and online sports betting options.
3.14 New Mexico
New Mexico offers limited sports betting options through tribal casinos but has not legalized online sports betting.
3.15 New York
New York legalized sports betting in 2019 and launched online sports betting in 2022, quickly becoming a significant player in the market.
3.16 Nevada
Nevada has long been the epicenter of sports betting in the United States, offering a wide range of retail and online sports betting options.
3.17 Oregon
Oregon offers limited sports betting options through its state lottery but has not legalized online sports betting.
3.18 Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has quickly become one of the leading sports betting markets in the US, offering a wide range of retail and online sports betting options.
3.19 Rhode Island
Rhode Island legalized sports betting in 2018 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.20 Colorado
Colorado legalized sports betting in 2019 and has quickly become a popular destination for sports bettors, offering a wide range of online sportsbooks and retail sports betting facilities.
3.21 Tennessee
Tennessee launched online sports betting in 2020 and has quickly become a popular destination for sports bettors, offering a wide range of online sportsbooks.
3.22 Washington DC
Washington DC legalized sports betting in 2018 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.23 West Virginia
West Virginia legalized sports betting in 2018 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.24 Virginia
Virginia legalized sports betting in 2020 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
3.25 Wyoming
Wyoming legalized sports betting in 2021 and currently offers online sports betting options.
3.26 Arizona
Arizona legalized sports betting in 2021 and currently offers both retail and online sports betting options.
4. Online Horse Racing Betting by State
Online horse racing betting, also known as advance deposit wagering (ADW), is available in over three dozen states. However, the exact legal status of ADW is unclear in many states due to outdated or unclear laws. As a result, most horse racing betting sites accept customers from 30 or more states, with some operators interpreting the law differently in each state.
5. Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) by State
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) operators, such as DraftKings and FanDuel, are available for play in most US states. However, many states have legal gray areas, with operators serving select states under the assumption that local laws do not prohibit fantasy contests. In total, DFS is explicitly legal in 24 states, with 21 additional states permitting DFS under existing law.
6. States with Legal Online Lotteries
Online lottery sales are legal in 12 US states, including Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. Some states offer a full range of lottery products online, while others limit online purchases to subscriptions for draw games.
7. Potential Online Casino Legalization in 2023
Several states are actively considering the legalization of online casinos in 2023, including Indiana, Illinois, and New York. While the prospects for online casino legalization in these states remain uncertain, it is worth keeping an eye on legislative developments as they unfold.
8. Factors Impacting Online Gambling Legislation
Various factors impact the likelihood of states legalizing online gambling, including competing interests, differing views on regulation, and the potential for revenue generation. As more states move toward legalizing online gambling, it will be essential to monitor how these factors influence legislation and market growth.
9. Benefits of Legal Online Gambling
Legal online gambling offers several benefits over offshore gambling sites, including increased safety, consumer protection, and regulatory oversight. By playing at a legal online casino, players can trust that their money is secure, and their personal information is protected.
10. The Future of Online Gambling in the United States
The future of online gambling in the United States looks promising, with more states moving toward legalization and regulation. As new developments take place, we will continue to update our state-by-state guides to keep you informed of the latest legal changes and market growth in the online gambling industry.