Online gambling in the USA has shown an unprecedented rise in the past 10 years or so. A large number of US states have legalized online gambling for its residents. To many players, the ease of use and diversity of online gambling platforms offer a better alternative to the land-based casinos in the country. Not all US states have legalized online gambling, and rules can widely vary depending on where you live.
This article will take a deeper look into the gambling landscape across the states, let you know where you can gamble without any hassles, different gambling forms available to the players, and what has been the major driving force behind the current trend.
Evolution of Online Gambling in the US
Online gambling in the US has proceeded with legalization, as a rule, by means of revised legislation and changes in public attitudes. The key milestones in chronological development include:
- Wire Act Reinterpretation, 2011: The Department of Justice made it quite clear that the Federal Wire Act of 1961 applies only to sports wagering and allows all states to regulate other forms of online gambling.
- Repeal of PASPA, 2018: States were allowed to legalize sports betting both online and offline, and the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act was trashed by the Supreme Court.
The developments above opened a window for different states to decide whether to allow online gambling and in what form.
States Where Online Gaming is Completely Legal
Only a handful of US states have implemented full-scale online gaming and, at the moment, offer its residents access to online sports betting and casino gaming.
1. New Jersey
New Jersey is the leader among the lot, as it was one of the very first states that legalized online gaming back in 2013. The state is known for its diversified online gambling market with a myriad selection of sportsbooks and online casinos. Online casino operators for instance FanDuel and BetMGM operate here with growing success, having captured hundreds of millions in revenue for the state.
2. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania jumped into the action of online gambling, legalizing casinos, poker, and sports betting immediately in 2019. With a base population of over 12 million, it has since become one of the biggest markets in the US, offering a wide variety of platforms.
3. Michigan
In 2021, Michigan launched the most powerful entry into the online gaming industry, which included permitting their residents to bet on online casino and poker games, as well as online sports wagering. Its far-reaching approach has made it very attractive to online gamblers.
4. West Virginia
In 2019, West Virginia passed legislation to legalize online casinos, including poker; the first platforms went live in 2020. Along with this, it also legalized sports betting, making it a state with all-round options for online gamblers.
5. Delaware
Delaware was the first to legalize online casino gaming back in 2012. The state operates online casinos, poker, and sports betting that are accessible by residents.
6. Nevada
Known to be the gambling capital of the US, Nevada offers online poker and online sports betting. However, it has not presented any kind of online casinos as of now and focused on its striving casino land-based facilities.
States Where Online Sports Betting is Legalized
Although full-scale online gambling is not permitted in every state, many have realized the legislation of online sports betting. In fact, states like Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, and Tennessee have given significant moves in this direction by offering their residents numerous options through which they can place their bets on favorite sports.
1. Illinois
Illinois legalized online sports wagering back in 2020, when the market continued to evolve rapidly. Online casinos and poker remain illegal, though the success of sports betting may eventually open the door to expansion in this area.
2. Colorado
Colorado went live with online sports betting in 2020, providing a current number of more than two dozen licensed operators their residents can choose from. That will mean a very competitive market with a wide range of promos and betting options.
3. Tennessee
Tennessee is the only state that offers online sports betting without any physical casinos. The all-digital approach has paid off for Tennessee, as some major operators have set up shop, including BetMGM and DraftKings.
Why Some States Have Legalized Online Gambling?
There could be several reasons for the rise of legal online gambling states in the United States and some of the important reasons why few states have legalized online gambling are discussed below:
- Benefits Economically: Online gambling legalization surely gives states a huge amount of revenue in the form of taxes and fees regarding licensing. As an example, New Jersey alone has reaped more than $1 billion in tax revenues from online gambling in 2023.
- Consumer Demand: It is evident that Americans, like others, seek convenience even in how to gamble; thus, the online outlet has met the demand of consumers.
- Players’ Protection: When the players are playing at the legal online gaming sites, the casino operates have to adhere to the strict security measures and policies of gaming commissions like UKGC and MGA
States Most Likely to Legalize Online Gambling in the Future
While there has been progress, the majority of states prohibit online gambling. This will probably change as public opinions shift and states seek new sources of revenue.
- California: Given its size and interests in gambling activities, California is the first candidate for any legalisation. The efforts for legalising online poker have got momentum, yet are far from being passed.
- Texas: Texas is still the most opposed state to gambling, but with continued growing popularity among residents and with significant revenue possible, that could change one day.
- Florida: Tribal compacts are major influences on Florida’s gambling laws, though there is a very fair shot online gambling will eventually increase further.
Conclusion
The US is undoubtedly experiencing a growth in online gambling, with more states adopting the industry as a means of not only trying to meet the growing demand of consumers but also benefiting economically.
Even though only a portion of states permitting online gambling has allowed the full-scale version, the trend is not that difficult to predict; one should be expecting more states very soon in the near future.
This means it’s very important that players keep themselves abreast of their state’s law and choose to play only with a licensed operator who has good standing. Be it online casinos, poker, or sports betting, there’s a bright future ahead of online gambling in the US.
