Online casino gambling is legal in more states than ever before, thanks to the fact that many legislators are finally realizing that these games don’t actually cause social ills like some claim. Rather, they can provide valuable tax revenue to state coffers. And if a player isn’t gambling their own money, they’re contributing to the state’s coffers, which can help fund things like public education and local infrastructure.
New Jersey was a leader in the movement, allowing online casino play back in 2013. Now, there are 24 states that allow players to gamble at legal iGaming sites. The Garden State also has the most extensive range of online poker options in the United States, with some 30+ operators accepting action from NJ residents.
The only state that doesn’t have legalized online casino gaming is Hawaii. But that’s likely to change sooner rather than later, as lawmakers realize that these games don’t bring about the “social ills” some claim and they can provide valuable tax revenues.
It took a little longer for some other states to make the move, but they eventually did. Connecticut and Michigan launched their iGaming markets in late 2021, and both are now offering top-tier online casinos to players. Pennsylvania, on the other hand, launched its market a year after its neighbors and has since built up one of the best iGaming offerings in the country. Top operators like BetMGM, Caesars, and DraftKings all offer action in the Mountain State.
Wisconsin is another state that hasn’t made the move yet, but it could be just a matter of time. With sports betting already legalized at tribal casinos, the state may decide to wait and see how well those efforts turn out before considering legalizing online casino gambling. Top operators like FanDuel and DraftKings may need to maintain partnerships with tribal casinos in order to continue operating in the state, though.
Other states that have already legalized online casino gambling include Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, and West Virginia. The latter is home to some of the most robust iGaming markets in the nation, with nine available options and partnerships with big names like BetMGM and Caesars. And Rhode Island is expected to join the list of legal iGaming states soon, with Governor Dan McKee signing the legislation into law in June of this year. Stay tuned to PlayUSA for more updates on these and other states as they roll out their iGaming markets.