Online gambling in the U.S. continues to expand in 2025—but the rules vary from state to state. Whether you’re into online casino games, poker, sports betting, or sweepstakes, it’s important to know what’s legal where you live. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Where Is Online Casino Gaming Legal in the U.S.?
As of 2025, online casino gaming is legal in seven states, each with its own licensing and operating conditions:
Online Casino States & Conditions
Connecticut
Legal but limited to two tribal operators: Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods.Delaware
Run entirely through the state lottery—slots, table games, everything.Michigan
Fully regulated, with a wide range of brands offering slots, tables, and live dealer games.New Jersey
One of the most competitive markets, with tons of games and operators.Pennsylvania
Big market with full regulation and plenty of options for players.West Virginia
Online casinos are legal here too, though there are fewer operators compared to NJ and PA.
What About Online Poker?
Online poker has a smaller footprint but is fully legal in six states. Some even participate in interstate compacts, which let players from different states join the same online tables.
States with Legal Online Poker
Connecticut – Available via licensed tribal casinos.
Delaware – Managed by the state lottery in partnership with licensed operators.
Michigan – Several operators; poker is fully regulated.
Nevada – Only poker is allowed online—no slots or table games.
New Jersey – Long-established and fully licensed.
Pennsylvania – Multiple poker operators active across the state.
Online Sports Betting: Legal in 30+ States
The U.S. sports betting market is booming. Over 30 states now offer legal online sportsbooks in 2025, including big names like FanDuel, BetMGM, Bet365, DraftKings, and more.
Notable States with Legal Online Sports Betting
Arizona – Fully regulated with all major brands.
Colorado – Extremely competitive, wide operator pool.
Connecticut – Run by two tribal casinos and the state lottery.
Illinois – In-person registration no longer required.
Kentucky – Recently launched, market is growing fast.
Maryland – Online sportsbooks launched in 2022, now thriving.
Massachusetts – Legalized in 2023, attracting top operators.
Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming – All fully legal and regulated.
Some states like Mississippi and Montana have online betting but only on-site at physical sportsbooks.
Online Horse Racing Betting: Still Going Strong
Horse racing is still one of the most widely legal betting options in the U.S. In fact, 40+ states allow online horse race betting through platforms like TVG, TwinSpires, and NYRA Bets.
Key States for Online Horse Betting
California – Horse racing betting legal, though sports betting is not.
Florida – You can bet on races, but other online gambling is murky.
Kentucky – Home of the Derby, so of course online betting is available.
New Jersey & New York – Fully regulated with access to all major platforms.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia – Horse racing betting is legal and regulated.
Where It’s Not Allowed (2025)
Texas
Nevada (online only; ADW platforms not allowed)
South Carolina
Utah
Hawaii
Alaska
Georgia
Idaho
Maine
Sweepstakes Casinos: Legal in Most States
Sweepstakes casinos are a legal workaround in most U.S. states. They use virtual currencies and “no purchase necessary” rules to stay within legal boundaries.
Fully Legal in Most States With Conditions
Florida and New York require registration for sweepstakes where prizes exceed $5,000.
California, Texas, Illinois, Colorado, and Arizona all allow sweepstakes under promotional laws.
Michigan, New Jersey, and Connecticut also permit them with specific rules.
Banned States
Hawaii
Utah
These are the only two states with an outright ban on sweepstakes due to complete anti-gambling laws.
Top 10 Legal Online Gambling Sites in the USA (2025)
Here are some of the best, most trusted platforms offering real money gambling or sweepstakes play in the U.S.:
Bet365
A global name offering sportsbook, casino, and live dealer games in states like NJ and CO. Code: USB365 (where applicable).BetRivers
Known for its great loyalty program and local presence in several states including PA, IL, and MI.Golden Nugget Online Casino
A big hit in NJ and MI. Tons of slots, excellent live casino options.Stardust Casino
Operates in NJ and PA; clean interface and powered by FanDuel technology.FanDuel Sportsbook & Casino
Huge across the U.S., with a slick app and daily promos for sports bettors and casino fans alike.DraftKings
Legal in most sports betting states. Offers sportsbook, casino, and fantasy sports.AmWager
A premier platform for online horse racing betting—legal in over 30 states.Chumba Casino (Sweepstakes)
Offers sweepstakes-style slots and table games. Legal in most states, including ones without real-money casinos.PokerStars
One of the most popular online poker sites, legal and active in states like NJ, MI, and PA.Caesars Sportsbook & Casino
Covers everything from NFL bets to blackjack. Licensed in many U.S. markets with a strong rewards program.
A Patchwork System
Legal online gambling in the U.S. is all about where you live. While some states are all-in on iGaming—offering casinos, poker, and sports betting—others are sticking to just one or two forms. The good news? The map is expanding every year.
What to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
New York is actively discussing legalizing online casino gaming.
Indiana and Maryland are also likely to join the online casino club soon.
Florida is a wildcard with legal battles ongoing.
No matter your game, always use licensed sites and check your state’s latest gambling laws.
Help for Problem Gambling
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, help is available 24/7.
National Problem Gambling Helpline (USA):
📞 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
🌐 www.1800gambler.netGamblers Anonymous:
🌐 www.gamblersanonymous.orgState-specific programs often provide free counseling and self-exclusion tools—check your local gaming commission’s website for details.