Top Casinos
GOLDEN NUGGET CASINO
star 9.0
casino logo
BETMGM CASINO
star 10.0
virgin-casino
VIRGIN CASINO
star 9.5
888 casino nj review
888 CASINO
star 9.5
betfair logo
BETFAIR CASINO
star 9.0
Bet america review
BETAMERICA
star 8.0

IS IT LEGAL TO GAMBLE ONLINE IN THE US?

It is legal to gamble online in a few states where others have banned the activity completely. New Jersey is one of the few states that have gambling legalized. Read the full article to find out if your state allow online gambling or not.

  • Online casino & sports betting is legal
  • Sports betting is legal
  • Considering legalizing online gambling

The Legality of US Online Gambling

Online gambling has been a major subject of debate within the United States. Some states have already legalized online gambling, others are still discussing various bills in the Senate without any end in sight while others have outright outlawed online gambling.

This presents some gray areas in the affected states and also in the entire country as well. For instance, many people think that online gambling is illegal in the United States, which is wrong. This belief sprouts from a misunderstanding of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006.

Top US casinos

Such confusion drips down to the states. However, if you’re unsure of the legal status of online gambling in your jurisdiction, it’s best to research the available laws. Some may be old (before the internet erupted).

Having said that, let’s take a look at the history of gambling from the first casinos to today’s US online gambling in each and every 50 state.

History of gambling in USA

Tough we don’t have a clear picture of what went on back then, the evidence suggests that those sailing under Columbus gambled on the shores of America. However, this laissez-faire attitude soon changed. As the country started to evolve, state-by-state prohibition took place. Starting with the Puritans of Massachusetts in 1638, gambling bans that spread across the country to Pennsylvania (1682), New Hampshire (1721), New Jersey (1721) and beyond.

The Revolutionary War and Gambling

Fortunately, in among the moves against cards and dice games, lotteries were starting to become an integral part of US culture. This, in turn, helped other betting activities flourish in later years. Before that could happen, lotteries needed to establish a base. This happened in 1776 when ticket sales helped to finance the American Revolutionary War. As per Fenich’s research, the Continental Congress organized a $5 million lottery between 1776 and 1777. Proceeds from the draw were subsequently used to support the revolutionaries. This connection with lotteries increased during the 18th and 19th centuries as ticket sales were used to support schools and universities.

The Rise of New Orleans

By 1815, the wave of anti-gambling legislation was stopped in its tracks by New Orleans. A decade before the original Gold Rush started in the Mississippi River valley, state officials started to license and tax casinos. Despite the tax revenue going to charities, other states continued to rail against the industry. However, by 1827, Crescent City House opened its doors in New Orleans. Acting as a precursor for today’s modern casinos, the venue provided 24-hour gambling and complimentary meals for patrons. Using Crescent City House as a blueprint, John Pendleton opened the first casino in Washington in 1827.

Desert Gambling Changes the Game

The proceeding years saw lotteries banned and casino operators forced to take their businesses onto riverboats in order to avoid prosecution. However, as the 20th century dawned, the early efforts by New Orleans helped change the tide. State lotteries started to reappear and Nevada made gambling legal in 1861. For many, this was the seminal moment in US gambling history. With a legal foundation set, Nevada went on to actively encourage commercial gaming via the 1931 Wide Open Gambling Bill. This led to the growth of Reno and Las Vegas. By the mid-1960s, gambling was a very public and very profitable pastime.

Walking Federal and State Lines

Today, much of the legal landscape is still a mashup of federal and state laws. However, with Las Vegas proving that regulated gambling can be profitable, more regions have been willing to adjust any previous objections they had to gambling. Naturally, as with all laws in the US, this isn’t a universal truism. In general, however, all popular forms of gambling are legal in one way or another, somewhere in the US. To show you what we mean, we’ve broken down the four main categories and explained whether they’re legal, how they’re legal and where said laws exist.

The Offline/Online Divide

Before we explain US gambling laws as they pertain to casino, poker and sports betting, it’s important to acknowledge the divide that exists between offline and online entities. Despite offering similar services, the two mediums aren’t always subject to the same laws. One of the main reasons for this discrepancy is the 1961 Wire Act. In an effort to tackle the threat of organized crime, Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy introduced a law that would stop mobsters from running sports books via wire communication systems. At the time, this specifically referred to telegrams and telephone betting.

2006: UIGEA Takes Online Operators Offline

However, despite being written in a world before the internet, the Wire Act was used to prohibit online gambling. A dispute over how law’s interpretation led to online casino and poker operators offering their services in a legal grey area. However, by 2006, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) made it illegal for internet betting sites to process payments from US players. Although the act of gambling online was never outlawed, banning financial transactions essentially closed down the industry. For those that stayed active in the US, an April 2011 indictment unsealed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) put the final kibosh on the industry.

2011: All Change Thanks to the DOJ

It was all change, though, in December 2011 when the DOJ offered its opinion on the Wire Act. After reviewing pleas from various states, the legal body stated that the law only applied to sports betting. The upshot of this was that it gave states the right to regulate online casino gaming and poker as they saw fit. Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware were the first to take advantage of the new dynamic and this was the start of state-by-state iGaming regulation in the US. Interestingly, during this time, offline gambling laws in the US remained virtually unchanged. In fact, one of the most confusing aspects of the current regulatory framework is the differences between the two mediums. However, as a general rule, it’s important to remember that a state’s live gaming laws don’t always extend to the virtual arena.

Casino and Poker Regulation

From a federal perspective, casino gaming is legal in the US. However, the way states manage their own affairs means that this doesn’t mean you can bet on roulette and blackjack where you want.
Perhaps the most important point to note when it comes to casino laws in the US is that only two states, Nevada and Louisiana, have “state-wide” regulations in place. In other words, you can only legally play blackjack, roulette, craps etc in every city in these regions. Beyond these states, localised gambling is allowed in certain cities. For example, casinos are legal in New Jersey, but they can only be located in Atlantic City. It’s a similar story in Mississippi where you can only betting on baccarat et al in Tunica.

The Tribal Exemption

To add another wrinkle to gambling fabric of America, Native American Tribes can offer casino games on their reservations. Thanks to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, states have carved out exemptions for betting controlled by recognized Tribes. Today, there are approximately 460 gambling operations owned by 240 Tribes spread across California, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Idaho and New York. Although the majority of states allow Tribal Casinos to operate independently of any local gambling laws, the likes of South Carolina, Virginia and Utah don’t.

Not All Casino Bans Are Bans

Finally, you have states where casinos are completely prohibited. Of the 50 US states, 28 don’t allow any form of commercial casino gambling. This list includes the likes of Alabama, Alaska, Florida and Montana. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean you won’t find games of chances in these regions. For example, in Florida, you can find casino games inside Tribal venues, on gambling boats and at some racetracks. Therefore, even though every state doesn’t have its own Las Vegas like Nevada does, you can typically find some sort of gaming options that aren’t classed as commercial ventures.

Poker’s Place in the Mix

In general, poker regulation follows the same trajectory as those that govern the casino sector. Because poker rooms are typically found inside casinos, the same laws are in place. Therefore, if a state allows any form of casino, be it a commercial and Tribal venture, you’ll find poker. However, as we’ve noted this only applies to live games. In fact, the same is true for casino gaming. As it stands, only players located in Nevada, New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania can bet online. Although the landscape is constantly changing, the scope for playing poker and casino games online is a lot more limited at the current time.

Sports Betting Regulation

Away from betting on casino games and poker, the other major subsector of the gambling industry involves sports. Historically, the US has taken a tough line against sports betting. Over the last few centuries, states outlawed wagers on everything from basketball to hockey. One sport that’s often been under the spotlight is horse racing. Being a sport that’s essentially founded on betting, states have been given the right to implement their own local laws thanks to the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. Signed by President Carter, this law made it legal for racing racings to place bets at official booths inside regulated racetracks. Today, 27 US states allow betting on horse racing.

Unlike horse racing, other sports in the US haven’t had the luxury of a regulatory framework. In fact, as we’ve said, the Wire Act stopped a lot of legal betting. Furthermore, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), explicitly outlawed betting on sports other than horse racing outside of selected regions was illegal. The law was intended to rule out corruption and cheating, but many argued that it contravened the Tenth Amendment. Despite efforts to have the law overturned, only Nevada was allowed to offer sports betting between 1992 and 2018. Additionally, Oregon, Delaware and Montana were able to run sports lotteries.

However, things changed in 2018 thanks to New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. Following a long-running battle to have PASPA overturned, Christie won his appeal at the Supreme Court. Under the Tenth Amendment, states have a right to maintain their sovereignty. Christie argued that PASPA breached this right as it prevented his office from implementing an intrastate sports betting law. In essence, Christie argued that a federal law (PASPA) was taking away a state’s right. The Supreme Court agreed in 2018. As well as giving New Jersey the ability to enact their own sports betting law, the ruling essentially overturned PASPA. Today, all states in the US have the right to create their own regulations if they wish.

Daily Fantasy Sports Regulation

The final sector to come under the legal spotlight in the last decade is daily fantasy sports (DFS). Although it’s been argued that this isn’t a form of gambling, some states have taken exception to the industry. In simple terms, DFS tournaments are a form of pool betting. When a player buys into an event, they have to draft a fantasy team in order to accrue points. The leading players then win a share of the prize pool. Due to the fact results aren’t purely determined on the basis of skill, there is a gambling element to DFS.
In light of this, there are certain places that have outlawed DFS. However, unlike more traditional forms of gambling, the acceptance rates have been a lot higher. In fact, many more states have also decided to reverse their original position on DFS. In 2018, 14 states had regulated DFS and 18 were considering bills. For the most part, it’s expected that DFS will be available in virtually every US state within the next few years.
Here’s an interactive map that shows, in brief, according to color codes, the status of each state:

Legal Status in Every State

Here’s an interactive map that shows, in brief, according to color codes, the status of each state:

Alabama

“Knowingly advances or profit from unlawful activity as a player.” This is just one of the few laws that would suggest online gambling in the State of Alabama is illegal. This particular statute falls under Class C Misdemeanor. As such, it’s safe to stay away from any online gambling activity when in Alabama.

“Possession of a gambling device,” is another statute that prohibits gambling. In fact, it’s categorized as a Class A misdemeanor. Nevertheless, the device will only be illegal if, “Any other gambling device, with the intention that it be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity.”

The only clear law that acts on gambling in Alabama is that a company or an individual is prohibited from operating any online gambling activity in the state. Having said that, it’s unlikely that anyone will face the law for online gambling, or if any state agency has the necessary installations that’ll pinpoint an individual engaging in this activity.

Alaska

“Unlawful gambling” is considered an offense in the State of Alaska. This offense is categorized as any form of gambling not explicitly allowed the law. Social gambling is legal in Alaska but internet gambling is yet to get the green light and for this reason, chances are online gambling is illegal in Alaska.

While this act may be illegal, you’ll only be in violation because no “real” penalty is found to engage in such an activity. However, if found to engage in subsequent violations, the situation will escalate to a Class B Misdemeanor.

Arizona

The laws in Arizona allow Social Gambling but the same laws state that anyone found to be engaging in online gambling is in contravention of the law. The exact words are, “Benefiting from Gambling” and is classified as a Class I Misdemeanor, “Except for amusement or regulated gambling, a person commits benefiting from gambling if he obtains any benefit from gambling.”

The “benefit” stated here is ambiguous, meaning that it doesn’t exclusively classify the benefit as financial. Therefore, you could be guilty of an offense if you benefit from fun while gambling online.

Arkansas

In this state, it’s patently illegal to engage any form of gambling. The law is clear on this, “any money or property may be won.” However, it remains to be seen whether the law is actually enforced.

California

In 2015, California introduced four bills that would set up a legal and regulatory framework but only for intrastate online poker. However, as fate would have it, all four bills died on delivery because of inaction. Nevertheless, it’s anticipated that new bills may see the light of day.

Russell Lowery, Californians for Sports Betting consultant and also California Senate Republican Caucus former chief of staff, introduced a proposal in 2018 June 11th to legalize and regulate sports betting. This was right after US Supreme Court lifted the ban on sports wagering that fell under the 1992 Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). Consumer protection and revenue from online gambling are considered the main reasons why many stakeholders are pushing for its legislation before the 2020 election.

Other than that, there’s no clear law in the state that exclusively prohibits any form of online gambling. However, it’s in your best interest to research and find out whether there are laws that may prohibit this.

Colorado

The laws in this state are quite clear because apart from Social Gambling and Gambling prohibited by the state, any other gambling by a player is considered a petty offense. A Class 1 Petty Offense for that matter.

However, you can resolve this by paying a fine. You can also visit the Colorado Department of Revenue to read more on this issue.

Connecticut

You’ll be guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor if you’re found to be engaging in any form of gambling. According to state laws, gambling is considered a crime. Therefore, you should stay away from any form of online gambling.

Delaware

Online gambling is legal in this state but operators must be licensed to operate in Delaware although no clause explicitly terms gambling on unregulated sites as illegal.

However, there’s a twist to all of this. According to state laws, it’s illegal to own a “Gambling device,” in fact, it’s classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. The real question here is, “what is a gambling device?”

Going by what gamblers use, this can be a smartphone or a computer, which makes it illegal to use while accessing the legal and regulated sites! Quite confusing, don’t you think? Overall, it’s likely legal to gamble online.

Florida

Engaging in unregulated gambling in Florida is a 2nd Degree Misdemeanor. This means you can gamble but only on regulated sites and establishments. With this law, it means any online casino outside Florida will fall under illegal gambling.

Georgia

The next time you visit Georgia, be sure to stay away from any form of online gambling or gambling for that matter. Peruse the law and you’ll be sure to come across certain terms like, “Any video game machine or device, operated for any consideration, for the game of poker, Blackjack, any other card game or Keno, etc.”

There’s also, “Any slot machine, simulations or variation thereof.” Overall, Georgia doesn’t outlaw online gambling outright but from the definitions, it’s clear that all angles you may want to use to access online gambling are covered.

Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the leading tourist destinations in the world. However, you can do anything while here for fun but gamble. The only form of gambling allowed here is Home Games and Social Gambling alone. Anything other than that is considered illegal under state laws. “Contests of chance” is the exact literature used.

Idaho

Gambling is considered a misdemeanor in Idaho, which means any form of gambling outside what’s allowed by the state will land you in trouble. However, the level of enforcement when it comes to online gambling is unknown.

Illinois

Often referred to as the Land of Lincoln, it’s illegal to engage in any other form of gambling that’s not state-regulated. The exact literature used is, “Of chance or skill for money or other thing of value.” Again, it’s difficult to know just how far law enforcement officers go to enforce the law.

Indiana

Operating an online casino in this state will get you in serious trouble. In fact, if you engage in online gambling as a player, you’ll be guilty of a Class B Misdemeanor. Also, according to state laws, your device will, without a doubt, be considered as an illegal gambling device.

The law here is clear but how strict the law enforcement is regarding online gambling is fuzzy. All in all, steer clear of any online gambling.

Iowa

If you’re an ardent gambler, you may want to keep off this state because of it’s strict and clear laws that prohibit any form of online gambling. Making any bet in Iowa is a crime according to state laws.

Apart from the fines imposed as penalties, the situation can escalate to a felony depending on the amount of money involved in the illegality. In addition, any proceeds from any online gambling will be seized.

Kansas

“A bet” is considered a Class B Misdemeanor under Kansas State Laws unless it’s explicitly allowed by the law. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to know whether the laws are ever enforced.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, operators have it rough because according to the law, “Advancing Gambling Activity,” is considered illegal. For the player, the law is vague and doesn’t seem to punish any act of gambling. Therefore, it’s safe to say gambling isn’t illegal.

Louisiana

“whoever commits the crime of Gambling by Computer shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.” Is there any need to go further into explaining? The law is in black and white, no gray areas.

Maine

It’s unlawful to engage in online gambling in Maine. In fact, it’s considered a crime. However, relief comes in the form of the penalties imposed on players found to be engaging in this activity. There are none. Yes, literally no penalty. Therefore, it’s not illegal courtesy of the lack of penalties.

Maryland

Possessing or using a gambling device is considered criminal according to Maryland State Laws. The crime can be so serious that you may end up doing time no more than two years. All for what? Playing Gonzo’s Quest? Not worth it.

Massachusetts

The laws in this state will have you fearing for your pocket. For starters, the law explicitly prohibits gambling in public places. This is in addition to an ocean of laws that prohibit gambling operators from setting up shop in the state.

For individuals caught engaging in gambling other than that prescribed under Chapter 23K and winning $5 or more is liable for a fine double the amount they won during the bet.

Michigan

If you plan on gambling online while in Michigan, make sure you don’t win more than $50. According to the law, online gambling is considered,” Illegal Gambling.” winning under $50 is still a misdemeanor, however, it looks like you’ll be let off the hook.

Other than that, the law states that you could face a jail term or a fine or both. The jail term is no more than a year while the fine is capped at $1,000.

Minnesota

Chances are online gambling is legal in Minnesota because it appears there are no penalties imposed on anyone who, “Makes a bet.” This is despite this being classified as a Misdemeanor. In fact, there are several penalties for anyone found guilty of,” Gross Misdemeanors.”

Mississippi

Participating in any type of unauthorized gambling will result in a crime. As a result, you’ll have to cough up a maximum of $500 in fines and no more than 90 days behind bars should you fail to pay up.

Missouri

You’ll be charged with a misdemeanor for engaging in any form of gambling activity in Missouri other than that permitted by the law.

Montana

In 2015, the State of Montana updated its gambling laws. Before we can take a look at the laws, don’t even dare gamble in this state.

According to 23.5.112(21) and 23.5.112(20), it’s illegal to gamble online and both sections define it as a crime. Moving on to 23.5.156, you’ll come across the penalty for anyone caught engaging in an illegal gambling enterprise or owns a gambling device.

It states that, “A person who in an activity involving gambling offers or obtains money, property, or anything of value that does not exceed $750 in value by misrepresentation, fraud, or the use of an illegal gambling device or an illegal gambling enterprise is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable as provided in 23-5-161.”

For a first offender, the fine is capped at $500. A second offender within 5 years will face a maximum fine of $1,000 or 6 months in county jail. A third offender within 5 years and a fourth offense will see the offender rack up to $10,000 in fines or spend a year in a county jail or both.

Nebraska

Engaging in any form of gambling not permitted by the state or risking, “Something of value,” is considered illegal. According to section 28-1104, betting under $500 in a day is classified as a Class IV Misdemeanor. Go over this and you’ll be charged with Promoting Gambling in the Second Degree.

However, according to the literature used, the latter charge doesn’t appear to affect players. Moving on, section 28-1110 states that if you gamble in a jurisdiction that permits gambling, outside the state, you cannot use this as defense, which means it’s still illegal. Also, all proceeds gained from the act will be seized under section 28-1111.

Nevada

Online poker is legal in Nevada but only for authorized operators. However, it’s not as popular in the Silver State as one would expect. In fact, revenues from these poker rooms only beat the $1,000,000 mark on one occasion.

This is attributed to the numerous B&M Casinos in the state. In addition, chances are the offers at these casinos beat those at online casinos. Nevada even entered a joint partnership with New Jersey to up the traffic in the poker rooms.

Otherwise, it’s a misdemeanor to transmit any form of communication outside or within the state to make a bet.

New Hampshire

Section 647:2 states that it’s illegal to engage in any form of gambling unspecified by the state and is considered a misdemeanor.

New Jersey

New Jersey was the first state to legalize online gambling. The state legalized online gambling on February 26, 2013, through the passage of bill A2578.

Nowadays gambling in New Jersey is completely legal and is one of the few states in the US that allow this. However, any other form of gambling not specified and permitted by the state is illegal. Most of the laws in the state seem to focus on operators rather than players and the latter will be in the clear courtesy of section 2C 37.

The revenues from online casinos and poker sites was $245 million in 2017, which is an increase over 21% increase from 2016.

In 2018 the revenues for online casinos, online sportsbook and online poker increased 18% from 2018 ending the total revenue for the year just shy of $300 million.

New Mexico

“Making a bet.” That’s all there is as far as the definition of gambling goes and it’s illegal to engage in any form of gambling that’s not authorized by the state.

New York

At the moment New York’s Senate has a Bill on the floor seeking to categorize Poker and its variants as games of skill. Therefore, all eyes are on the house to see whether the bill see the light of day.

Other than that, New York’s definition of illegal gambling is quite broad but it seems that the law is more ruthless to operators compared to players.

North Carolina

“Any game of chance.” That’s how North Carolina’s laws define gambling. Anyone found to be engaging in such an activity or any other than what the law specifies will be guilty of a Class II Misdemeanor. Also, all proceeds from online gambling will be seized.

North Dakota

Engaging in any form of gambling not permitted by the state is conditional illegality in North Dakota. Conditional because if you place a bet with under $25 per bet or event, you’ll not be charged. However, anything above $25 is an infraction and is considered a Class A Misdemeanor if goes past $500.

Ohio

Playing any game of chance in public not prohibited by Ohio’s State Laws is illegal. Nevertheless, there’s not a penalty prescribed by the law for anyone found to be gambling online.

However, there are some exceptions including participating in illegal gambling as a main income stream or bookmaking. That includes using a bookmaker to place a bet.

Oklahoma

You risk going to jail for up to 30 days or required to pay a fine of up to $100 if you’re found to have engaged in any form of gambling outside what’s specified by the State.

Oregon

Anything that’s not exclusively permitted by Oregon State Laws is considered as unlawful gambling and the State treats this as a Class A Misdemeanor.

Pennsylvania

The H 271 bill passed in October and signed into law by Governor Tom Wolf effectively legalized online gambling and also set up a regulatory body, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. However, the law also prohibits engaging in any form of unauthorized gambling, but you can rest easy knowing online gambling is legal.

Rhode Island

You risk denting your pocket due to high penalties because of engaging in gambling activities. For operators, it’s a one-year jail term and up to $500 fine. Participants will also face a 30-day jail term if found guilty. While these laws may be harsh, there isn’t a specific clause that imposes any penalties for online gamblers.

South Carolina

The laws here are quite ambiguous. For starters, players don’t seem to feature anywhere in the laws. However, there are harsh penalties for anyone found to engage in home games. If found to be in contravention of the law, you’ll end up in jail for not more than 30 days or no more than $100 as a fine. There’s also no mention of online gambling.

South Dakota

Engaging in any type of gambling that’s not permitted by State Laws will see you charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

Tennessee

You’ll be engaging in illegal activity if you’re found to be gambling in any type that’s not state-permitted. You’ll also be charged with owning an Illegal Gambling Device if you use any type of device to engage in gambling. Section 39-17-502 defines this gambling as a Class C Misdemeanor.

Texas

It’s illegal to participate in a game determined either partially or solely by chance other than what may be permitted by the state. This is according to Statute 47.01(1), which classifies this a Class C Misdemeanor.

Utah

Before, the state only outlawed any form of gambling. However, all this changed and not for the better. Online gambling was included and is now a Class Misdemeanor.

Vermont

Participating in any form of gambling other than that exclusively allowed by the state is illegal and will result in a fine not exceeding $200. The law, however, doesn’t state penalties that would lead to imprisonment.

Virginia

If the gambling activity you intend on engaging in while in Virginia isn’t permitted by the state then you’ll be breaking the law. Your smartphone or computer will also become a, “gambling Device” because any device used for the purposes of gambling is a gambling device. It’s a Class III Misdemeanor.

Washington

It’s outright illegal to participate in any form of gambling. In fact, transmitting or receiving, by electronic means including the internet, any gambling information is considered a Class C Felony.

While this may be the laws that apply, HB 1114 is always getting mixed reactions when introduced in the house. This bill seeks to legalize and regulate internet poker but it remains to be seen whether the bill will ever make it to the finish line.

West Virginia

You’ll land yourself in jail for a period not exceeding 30 days including a fine not more than $300 for engaging in any form of unspecified gambling in West Virginia. This is despite the state having legalized numerous slot parlors and casinos. In fact, gambling at home is illegal.

Wisconsin

You’ll be charged with a Class B Misdemeanor if you place a bet in Wisconsin other than what is permitted by State Laws.

Wyoming

Social gambling and other forms of gambling are allowed in Wyoming. However, the statute that allows this doesn’t specifically allow online gambling. therefore, it’s safe to assume that it’s illegal. In fact, you may end up in prison for no more than 6 months and a fine not exceeding $750.

PLAY REGULATED ONLINE us CASINOS

william-hill
star 10.0

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $150

PLUS $10 FREE BET

  • Great welcome offer!
  • CASINO AND SPORTSBETTING!
  • super big in europe!
Unibet Casino
star 10.0

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $500

$10 FREE BONUS

  • CASINO, SPORTSBOOK
  • ONE OF THE MOST TRUSTED BRANDS
  • 2x PROMO CODES INSIDE
Mohegan Sun Resort Casino
star 8.5

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $1,000

FREE SPIN EVERY DAY!

  • DAILY JACKPOTS TO WIN $ MILLIONS
  • CASINO, POKER, TABLE GAMES
  • AVAILABLE ON MOBILE
pala-casino
star 9.0

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $500 $25 FREE BONUS

ON SIGNUP

  • GET $25 SIGNUS BONUS
  • GREAT MOBILE APP
  • $1,000,000 FREE DAILY SPIN
Ocean casino logo
star 7.5

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $500

PLUS $25 FREE BONUS AND 50 FREE SPINS

  • 100% bonus up to $500
  • Get $25 FREE
  • 50 free spins
Bet america review
star 8.0

New Jersey

CASINO DEPOSIT BONUS

100% UP TO $1 000

GET $20 FREE BONUS

  • Sport and Casino
  • Mobile casino
  • $20 free money

US Gambling Laws: A Complex Puzzle of Opinions

US gambling laws can be described as complex at best. Despite acceptance of most forms of betting at a federal level, states ultimately hold the trump cards. This, naturally, makes describing the legal landscape in a few sentences difficult. Hopefully, this guide has given you a general overview of how things shape up at the moment. However, to give you more of an insight into what’s happening across the US, we’ve shone a light on each individual state. By combining our state-by-state gambling law guides with the information presented here, you should be able to piece together this notoriously tricky puzzle.

From the status of each state, it’s clear that a huge percentage of the laws still in operation are outdated and haven’t been updated in a long while. With that said, you may want to stay away from any form of gambling in the states where it may be potentially illegal to do so.

Even then, it’s still unclear on the type of punishment you’ll land for engaging in online gambling or whether law enforcement takes a keen interest in prosecuting offenders.

READ MORE ABOUT US ONLINE CASINO