Legal US online gambling starts here

Mobile gambling, especially, sports betting and online casinos is huge. Thanks to technological advances, we now have access to fantastic sports betting, casino, and poker apps. These are real money-wagering apps meaning you can bet, play, and win real money. We Americans have always loved to gamble, but due to state laws, it is not possible in all states.

Where is online gambling legal in the United States?

New Jersey has one of the widest choices of online gambling sites and options available. They were one of the first states to legalize gambling, and it has proved to be very popular in the state. NJ supports online sports betting, casino, daily fantasy sports (DFS), poker, racing, and lottery. All possible on mobile and all the best NJ Sportsbook apps. There is also a good selection of casino operators who have downloadable NJ casino apps for players too.

Nevada is one of the first names we think of when we think about casinos and gambling. Las Vegas…..the home of super casinos, flashing lights, and gambling. As well as in-person gambling, they also allow remote gambling online and, of course, on mobile. Casino games are prohibited online, but some great poker apps are available.

Legalized in late 2018, Pennsylvania is one of the newest states to allow gambling. Recently passed laws mean you can now do PA online sports betting, Casino, Poker, and other online gambling activities. Keep a close watch as more PA online casinos and sportsbooks start to launch in the state with some great gambling apps for casino & sportsbook wagering.

The state of New York has become the latest state to legalize sports betting. Online and mobile betting went live in the Empire State on January 8, 2022. In-person sports betting has been legal in NY since 2019 but was only available in casinos located upstate. Launched mobile wagering in the state means NewYorkers no longer have to travel to neighboring NJ to place a bet on their mobile.

Sports betting in Louisiana launched on January 28, 2022. Six sportsbooks went live on the launch date. With the option for up to 41 operators in the state, LA sports betting is expected to be one of the most exciting sports gambling markets.

Iowa has become the latest state to legalize and regulate sports betting. It is a state well-known for its love of sports and casinos. There is mobile and online betting and the opportunity to wager inside bricks and mortar casinos. Sports betting in Iowa has gotten off to a great start and has been very popular with bettors in the state.

Indiana sports betting was legalized back in May 2019. Sports betting is available online and also via mobile and mobile apps, as well as at physical sportsbooks located inside several casinos across the state. Each of the land-based properties can partner with third-party providers to operate up to three online sportsbooks. Since legalizing sports betting, several sportsbooks have launched, and more operators are now preparing to go live in the state.

When it was launched, West Virginia sports betting became the fifth state in the USA to offer legal sports betting. The first legal bet was placed in person in late August 2018, and bettors now have the choice of a selection of superb online sports betting sites and WV gambling apps to use in the state. More operators are slowly going live in the state but not as quickly as players would like.

Michigan sports betting was legalized at the end of 2019. Sports betting is now legal in the state, and the first sportsbooks launched online and via mobile apps on January 22nd, 2021. Michigan casino apps and sites also went live on the same day.

Colorado sports betting went live on May 1, 2020, when the first legal sports bet was placed. Colorado became the 18th state to legalize sports betting in the US. Sports betting is available online, mobile, and at several casinos located in the state.

Illinois sports betting is now legal, although it has gotten off to a rocky start, and there have been a few setbacks, mainly due to the need for in-person registration. The Illinois Gambling Act has legalized sports betting in the state online and from physical sportsbooks.

Online and mobile Tennessee sports betting went live on November 1, 2020. The state is unique in that all betting can only be done online and mobile. There are no physical sportsbooks in TN.

Delaware sports betting has been legal since 2018, and the state was the 1st state outside of Nevada to introduce sports betting. Online sports betting is legal in the state. However, it is not actually available until the Delaware Lottery starts issuing regulations and licensing.

Sports betting in Virginia is now live! Legal sports betting in the Old Dominion state launched on January 21, 2020. Both mobile and online sports betting live in the state and there are already a handful of big-name operators taking wagers.

Sports betting went live in Arizona on September 9th, 2021. Online, mobile, and retail sports betting is now available throughout the state. Arizona sports betting market has already attracted some of the biggest names in the industry and is set to be one of the biggest gambling markets in the US.

Online and mobile sports betting launched in Maryland in November 2022 with the launch of several retail and online sportsbooks made available in the state.

On January 1, 2023, at 12.01, Ohio sports betting online and mobile launched. Several operators went live on New Years’ day and offered a wide range of betting options to bettors in the Buckeye state. State laws allow up to 25 online sportsbook licenses and 40 retail sportsbook licenses.

Online sports betting was legalised in Arkansas back in March 2022. They currently only have three online sportsbooks available to bet with but we expect more to launch there in the not too distant future.

Connecticut Launched online sports betting way back in October 2019. This means if you’re 21+ living in the state you have access to the likes of FanDuel & DraftKings to place your bets with.

The first Sportsbooks went live on the 1st September, 2022 in Kansas. That was followed by a full sports gambling launch 8th September giving residents full access to legalized mobile, online and retail sports betting.

Massachusetts allows  its residents to partake in both oneline and retail sports wagering. Retail went live first in January 2023 and mobile sports betting followed suit in March. They have access to six online sports betting apps so they have plenty off odds to compare and choose from when placing sports bets.

The 16th state to legalize sports betting was New Hampshire who passed their bill in 2019. Players in New Hampshire only need to be 18+ to partake in online sports betting. As only DraftKings is available here at the moment we hope to see more sportsbooks going live in the near future.

Rhode Island is another state that has had legal sports betting for years as they were one of the first 10 to legalize it. Like with most states a range of sports are available to bet one however you cannot bet one any games that are held within the state its self.

Although not technically a state, Washington DC is allowed to host sportsbooks within its district lines. Thats why sports betting is legal in the capital city giving residents access to exclusive sportsbooks as well as other major players such as BetMGM & Caesars.

Wyoming legalized online sports betting at the end of 2021 and residents now have access to four major sportsbooks. Players can wager on DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel & Caesars which are arguably four of the best sportsbooks available in the US.

What states will legalize online gambling next?

More and more states will be legalizing online gambling over the next few years, so watch this space. Finally, US citizens who want to bet on their cell or play casino games are getting more and more opportunities to do so.

For almost ten years, California has been trying to regulate and legalize online poker, but with not much success. The legalization of sports betting has been a topic that has been debated for many years, and we hope to see it come to fruition soon. Making Online Casino activity still looks a long way off. Lawmakers have made small steps to try and work with state tribes in the state to legalize gambling as they currently hold exclusivity.

Why use a regulated casino or sportsbook over an unregulated one?

Sure it has been possible for US citizens to bet by using unregulated Sportsbooks or play in an online casino for a long time, but they do come with their disadvantages and may be so untrustworthy that they end up on our casino blacklist. These online casinos are not subject to US law or licenses, and as such, you are at their mercy. Using a regulated casino or bookmaker (desktop or on an app) means these are properly vetted US companies located in the US, subject to US laws and regulations. They are safer to play as they are bonafide licensed companies here in the US. They have to undergo a strict vetting process and have a US address, US number, customer support, and more to look after players. They will be audited regularly and have to pass stringent rules to operate. We wager over $150 billion a year on sporting events, so if you gamble, do it with a regulated casino or sportsbook app.

How Sports Betting is Regulated in the US

The betting industry in the United States is still somewhat confusing, and many ask the question, “Is online gambling legal in the US?”. The answer is that it is legal under federal law; however, restrictions are depending on which state you are gambling in.

It is up to each state to decide what to allow within its borders. Some will allow online casino sites; some will only offer online sports betting options, and some will have both. Each state has its own regulatory body that oversees each online gambling site to ensure player safety and fair play.

The list of states below currently allows legal online gambling sites. Each state has its own gambling authority that issues licenses to the operators, such as the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJ DGE).

Staying Safe When Gambling Online

Your personal information must be protected when you are gambling online. Offshore casino sites and hackers may take advantage if you don’t do your research and use a trusted and secure site. Ultimately, it is your own decision on which website you choose to gamble, but there are some things you can do to make sure you are doing it safely.

First, do some research. If you are thinking of having a gamble online, check out the history of the site you want to use. If you’re going to try an online casino, visit a gaming forum to see what other players think about it. When we review a casino, we assess factors such as how long have they been around? Are their payment methods suitable and do customers receive their funds on time? These are an example of some critical issues to consider when selecting a website to play for real money.

Any online gambling site can claim to be the best at something, but ultimately the players are the best source of information. They are impartial and can give you information on the trustworthiness of the site.

Next, ensure the site you are using as a valid license. Any online sportsbook or casino we review will be regulated as this ensures their safety. If a website is not licensed, it could be a warning that they are unsafe, and it is not worth the risk of using those, especially when playing for real money.

Always check the above points before committing to registering and making a deposit at any online gambling site. By reading our reviews, you will also have a much better idea of which one to choose. Not all will be right for you, but you will have loads of information to make a more informed decision.

Different Types of Online Gambling

Online gambling can come in many forms. Not all types of online activities are legal in all states. For example, some will only allow sports betting, while other states allow poker, casino, and sports betting. You can check on each of our state guides and news articles to find the latest up to date information on a particular state.

Online Casinos

There are different types of online gambling available to bettors in the US One form of online gaming that has grown recently is online casinos. Currently, only New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut and Delaware, where online casino gambling is 100% legal. The regulated gambling market in the United States is growing at a rapid pace; however, legislation is a complex issue, and more often than not takes time to implement.

For residents of states where online gaming is not yet legal, it is a case of watch this space. We strongly advise not to play at any offshore sites as play protection is not guaranteed. We have seen and heard too many stories over the years of players not getting paid.

With more states considering joining the party, we can look at New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware as examples of things to come. In each of these states, online gambling has been a success and proven to be profitable. This success also offers encouragement that states are capable of ensuring US casino sites adhere to fair play rules.

Visiting a casino has always been seen as a way of fun and entertainment and players can now get that same gaming experience online. Of course, there is no substitute for visiting a casino, but live online casinos are the next best thing. If you are heading to the casino, however, you may want to read our guide on how to tell if a slot machine is ready to pay out.

If you aren’t in a state where online casino gaming is legal, you can play at sweepstakes casinos instead. Online sweeps let you play online casino games for real cash, similar to a real money casino.

Online sports betting

Online sports betting is now available in many states across the US. Nevada has had legal sports betting for several years, but betting laws across the country stopped other states from joining them. However, in May 2018, the Supreme Court of the United States removed a law prohibiting state legislatures from regulating sports betting.

This prompted states such as New Jersey to introduce online sportsbooks in their state. Online betting sites operate in a fully regulated market, generating vast revenue for the Garden State. The decision of the Supreme Court means every state in the US can now legalize and regulate legal online sports betting.

There are now numerous online sportsbooks in operation across the United States. Sports fans can bet on their favorite sports, such as football, soccer, basketball, and baseball, on the go through sportsbook apps.

Online Poker

Online poker has seen a rise in popularity in recent years. There are currently five states where online poker is legal. Poker is legal in New Jersey, Nevada, Delaware, Michigan and Pennsylvania. There are not huge numbers accessing online poker sites currently; however, that will change once it becomes legal in more states.

The good news is players in regulated states can enjoy card games at safe and secure sites, tax revenue is being generated, and companies who comply with local laws can enter the market. Initially, online poker operators in each state could only provide tables for players within state borders. This meant there was a limit on player traffic, which in turn meant smaller tournaments and fewer cash games.

However, this problem is now being overcome. New Jersey, Nevada, and Delaware signed a player sharing agreement in 2017, allowing poker sites that have a presence in more than two states to combine their tables. This creates bigger player pools to draw from, meaning bigger tournaments and higher player traffic.

US Online Lottery

A select few US states allow lottery tickets to be sold online with more expected to join them over the next few years. A few states have offered ‘online subscription’ for a long time, but more and more states are now selling individual lottery tickets as well as offering online instant win games.

There has been some strong opposition to legal online lottery sites from retail stores as they are set to lose some business. However, politicians are desperate for new tax revenue sources, so expect more states to offer online lottery options over the coming years.

Horse Racing

Horse Racing is a long-standing form of gambling and is legal in most US states. Horse betting sites work alongside local tracks to bring all the same wagers that are open to people in person at home. Each online bet placed at a licensed track is pooled with the bets taken at the track, which is very convenient for players. There are now several legal US horse racing sites offering bonus bets and new player sign-up offers.

Fantasy Sports

Daily Fantasy Sports operators such as DraftKings and FanDuel are open to most US states. However, many states come with certain restrictions, and some operators can only serve certain states.

Advantages of Choosing Regulated Operators

People will find ways to gamble online no matter what, despite what the law might say. If you choose to use a regulated operator, you will be using a fair and secure environment where your personal information is protected. Furthermore, governments will be able to benefit from the tax revenue.

Regulated operators will have SSL encryption in place and hold a valid license. This means there is no need to worry about a casino game being unfair, or your information slipping into the wrong hands. There is no guarantee using an offshore site that you will get paid, or your financial transactions are secure.

When you gamble with a legal operator, you know that their games are going to be fair. Illegal gambling sites can claim that all of their games are fair, but there is no way of knowing. Legal sportsbooks and casinos are required to submit reports of everything that takes place within a game so regulators can spot anything that shouldn’t be there. This is vital for players because if you have an issue with a casino, the regulator can settle the matter with facts.

Mobile wagering in the US

Betting and playing real money casino games on our phones now seems a neural thing to do. We use our phones for everything from shopping, to dating, so why not wager on your mobile too? Betting on mobile is now more popular than ever and there are some awesome sports betting apps available. More importantly, they are now being legalized in lots of states.

We also have reviews looking at what we feel are the best sportsbook apps including the DraftKings Sportsbook app, PointsBet app, and the all-mighty BetMGM Sports app.

Bonus Bets

As well as offering in-depth sportsbook reviews and guides, Gamble USA also aims to bring you one of the widest choices of bonus bet offers. Using one of these offers is a great way to get started at a sportsbook. We have guides on how to claim bonus bets and bonuses and also show you which operators offer a no-deposit, completely free bonus bet.

Online casinos also offer a range of free bonus offers, including $10 free no deposit plays and free spins with no deposit offers.

Sports betting 101

Anyone new to sports betting will have a few questions about how to get started. We have put together several handy guides for new punters, including guides on finding the best sports betting apps, how to read betting odds, and our guide to matched betting in the US.

Sportsbooks now come with a handful of handy features to help you wager better, and get more value when placing bets. Features like sportsbooks with cash out and similar tools are there to help maximize your returns when betting. If you are planning on wagering on football, then check out our fixed odds football betting guide to find out everything you need to know before placing a bet.

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