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Top US States With Legal Online Casinos
New Jersey
New Jersey stands as a pioneer in the legal US online casino industry. The Garden State legalized online casinos in February 2013, with the first of the state’s platforms launching in November 2013. More than 20 mobile casinos operate in New Jersey, the most in any US state. Golden Nugget Casino, Betfair/FanDuel Casino, and DraftKings Casino lead the pack as the most popular online casinos in the state.
Pennsylvania
One of the US leaders in retail gambling revenue, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed legislature approving online casinos in October 2017. Pennsylvania’s first state-regulated mobile casinos launched in July 2019. With more than 10 online casinos already launched, and more to come, Pennsylvania is second only to New Jersey in the US legal mobile casino market. FanDuel Casino, BetRivers, and SugarHouse Online Casino stand atop the Pennsylvania mobile casino market.
Delaware
Delaware passed legislation in 2012 to become the first state to legalize online casinos. Delaware’s mobile casinos are consolidated into a single platform, which launched in November 2013. The platform operates as a joint venture among Delaware’s three retail casinos and 888 Holdings.
Nevada
Nevada passed laws in February 2013 to legalize online poker. The bill also approved legal online casinos in the state. Currently, no active platforms operate in Nevada. With laws already in place, however, Nevada could eventually launch mobile casinos.
Top States With Legal Online Sports Betting
New Jersey
Lawmakers in New Jersey legalized online sports betting in June 2018. The first of the state’s mobile sportsbooks launched in August 2018. New Jersey leads the US in legal online sports betting revenue, with more than 80 percent of the state’s overall sports betting handle coming from mobile wagering. FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook top the list of highest-earning mobile sportsbooks in New Jersey.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s expansion into legal online sports betting began with a package of bills passed in October 2017. State-regulated online sportsbooks began to launch in May 2019. Pennsylvania bettors enjoy access to many different mobile sports betting platforms, with FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbooks emerging as the market leaders in the state.
Colorado
The Centennial State joined the list of US states offering legal online sports betting on May 1, 2020. After state residents voted to legalize online sports betting in November 2019, Colorado’s retail casinos quickly went to work on the launch of a mobile sportsbook. When the Colorado legal sports betting market reaches its full potential, bettors could have access to 20 or more different online sportsbook brands.
Michigan
Michigan appears poised to become a major online sports betting market in the US. The state legalized both retail and mobile sports betting in December 2019. The state’s tribal and commercial casinos will eventually operate online sportsbooks in Michigan. The launch of those platforms is pending but could happen by 2021.
Legal Online Casinos In The US
New Jersey leads the US in online casino revenue, with Pennsylvania’s up and coming mobile casino market showing signs of major growth. While these two states lead the field in the US market, Delaware was the first US state to pass legislation legalizing online casinos. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware are the only three states where online casinos are currently live. Nevada, Michigan, and West Virginia all have laws in place legalizing online casinos, but the launch of mobile casino platforms in those states is still pending.
Leaders In The US Online Casino Market
The expansion into the online casino market for fantasy sports giants DraftKings and FanDuel has proven successful for both companies so far. FanDuel Casino debuted in Pennsylvania in January 2020 and immediately rose to the state’s top spot in revenue earned. Betfair Casino, which is integrated into the FanDuel Sportsbook New Jersey platform, is the top-earning online casino in New Jersey. DraftKings Casino immediately placed among New Jersey’s leading online casino brand upon its December 2018 launch. The brand debuted a platform in Pennsylvania in May 2020. Other top online casinos include New Jersey’s Golden Nugget Casino, long considered the gold standard for legal mobile casinos in the US.
Games Offered At US Online Casinos
Legal mobile casinos in the US offer many of the same games enjoyed by players at retail casinos. Like their land-based counterparts, online casinos offer slots as the main attraction on the gaming menu. Platforms like Golden Nugget Casino in New Jersey give players hundreds of slot variants to choose from, including progressive jackpot slots. Blackjack, baccarat, craps, roulette, and other casino table games are readily available on mobile casino platforms as well. Live dealer games, which allow online players the chance to interact with a live dealer and other players, are offered by many legal online casinos.
Bonuses Available At Online Casinos
New players can take advantage of deposit match bonuses at some online casinos. These bonuses match the player’s first deposit with bonus money equal to a percentage of the deposit. Other bonuses include risk-free days, which refund players on losses within the first 24 hours after depositing. Some online casinos also offer free sign-up bonuses, which award casino credit to new players just for signing up.
Legal Online Sports Betting In The US
The overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in May 2018 ushered in a new paradigm of legal sports betting in the US. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled PASPA as unconstitutional. This paved the way for individual states to legalize both retail and online sports betting. The reversal of PASPA led to several states launching legal online sports betting. New Jersey holds the spot as the top-earning state in the US market. An upward trend in mobile sports betting is emerging in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. In both states, mobile sports wagering accounts for more than 80 percent of the total sports betting handle for the state. Online sportsbooks appear poised to thrive in the US, as bettors enjoy the convenience and ease of access of betting on mobile apps.
Biggest Online Sportsbook Brands
DraftKings Sportsbook and FanDuel Sportsbook set the bar as the top-earning legal online sportsbook brands in the US market. Both brands operate in multiple US states, taking the top spots in revenue earned in each state in which they operate. New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Indiana all have FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook at the top of the list in revenues. Fox Bet, a partnership between the Stars Group and Fox Sports, is another brand taking root in the emerging US mobile sports betting market. PointsBet, BetRivers, and theScore Bet are all brands that will eventually operate in multiple US states.
Sports To Bet On At US Online Sportsbooks
Major US sports leagues like the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB are open for betting at US online sportsbooks without restrictions. Other major betting markets on US sports include NASCAR, MMA, boxing, golf, and tennis. College sports betting is available on mobile sports betting apps, with some states putting restrictions on betting on in-state teams and events. Apart from these exceptions, the full schedule of games for major college sports like football and basketball is open for wagering. US online sportsbooks also offer a full slate of international sports betting markets. International leagues in soccer, basketball, baseball, football, rugby, and many other sports can be bet by US players at legal mobile sportsbooks.
Esports Betting At US Online Sportsbooks
No US states have specific legislation in place to permit esports betting. Some esports events, however, have been open for betting at times in Nevada and New Jersey. As esports events continue to garner mainstream attention, US states could start passing legislation explicitly allowing esports betting at legal online sportsbooks.
Legal Online Poker In The US
State-regulated online poker sites operate in a handful of states. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware form the only interstate online poker network in the US. Players on WSOP.com or the 888 Poker network in those states can compete against each other in a merged interstate player pool. Pennsylvania legalized online poker in October 2017. In November 2019, PokerStars PA became Pennsylvania’s first legal online poker site to launch. West Virginia and Michigan have both legalized online poker, with both states expected to launch products by 2021.
Top Online Poker Brands In The US
WSOP.com launched in Nevada in September 2013 and followed up with a New Jersey-only platform in November 2013. 888 Poker launched in Delaware in November 2013. The WSOP and 888 Poker platforms in the three states entered into the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) in October 2017. The agreement combined the player pools from those sites into the first legal multi-state online poker network in the US. The three-state network of sites debuted in April 2018. PokerStars also operates legal online poker platforms in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. In each state, players can only play against other in-state players.
Games Available At US Online Poker Sites
US online poker sites offer cash games, multi-table tournaments, and Sit N Gos at a variety of stakes. Texas Hold’em is the main attraction on these platforms, but players can also find Pot Limit Omaha and other poker variants as well. Live dealer poker games are not currently offered at US legal online poker sites.
Legal Online Daily Fantasy Sports
The first modern-era Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) platforms began appearing on the US landscape in 2007. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 ruled that DFS contests were skill games, and therefore not banned under the anti-gambling mandate of the UIGEA. The UIGEA seemingly gave DFS operators the green light to operate across the US. As DFS sites like FanDuel and DraftKings gained popularity, however, some individual states began to question their legality. As of 2020, DFS sites are legal and regulated in about 25 states. Several other states allow DFS platforms to operate without explicit legislation. DFS sites operate in around 40 US states overall.
Biggest DFS Platforms
FanDuel and DraftKings dominate the US market. The two sites combined account for 95 percent of DFS revenue in the US. FanDuel launched in 2009, and DraftKings went live in the US in 2012. The two brands exploded in popularity in the mid-2010s, with players attracted to seven-figure payouts for the biggest contests on the sites. DFS platforms run contests that cover the full slate of US major sports. Players can compete in DFS events that include the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NASCAR, college football, MMA, and many others. Esports contests also run on DFS platforms.
Legal Online Horse Racing In The US
The origins of online horse race betting, the oldest form of legal online gambling in the US, go back to the 1970s. New York became the first state outside of Nevada to legalize off-track betting (OTB) in 1970. OTB parlors allowed bettors to wager on races across the US. These facilities proved popular for New York bettors. Later in the decade, The US Congress passed the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978. The act explicitly legalized off-track betting across state lines. An amendment to the Interstate Horse Racing Act was added in 2000 to allow internet-based wagering. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) of 2006 banned interstate internet gambling transactions but contained language to exclude horse race betting from the ban.
Biggest Online Horse Racing Brands
Online horse race betting is legal in 40 states. TwinSpires, TVG, and BetAmerica are the three biggest brands in the legal US online horse racing industry. These apps allow for mobile wagering on races from more than 400 racetracks. Domestic and international events are available to bettors on these apps.
Legal Online Lottery In The US
In 2011, the US Department of Justice issued an opinion on The Federal Wire Act that paved the way for states to offer online lottery ticket sales. Illinois became the first US state with legal online lottery sales in 2012. A total of seven states offer online lottery, also including Georgia, Michigan, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire. New Jersey became the latest state to offer online lottery in 2019.
Online Lottery Games And Bonuses Offered
In states offering online lottery sales, players can purchase instant win tickets, as well as entries into in-state drawing games. Online lottery apps also offer the purchase of entries into multi-state lotteries like Powerball and MegaMillions. Some online lottery apps offer sign-up bonuses for new players. The Pennsylvania iLottery, for example, offers $5 in free play for signing up. The first deposit on the Pennsylvania iLottery app is eligible for a 100% match bonus up to $250.
Online Sweepstakes In The US
Sweepstakes casino sites operate legally in most of the US. These platforms offer US players the opportunity to play online casino games and online poker for real cash prizes. In states without regulated online casinos, sweepstakes sites are the best option for players looking for the authentic casino gaming experience online.
Biggest Sweepstakes Brands In The US
Chumba Casino, and its sister site, Global Poker, sit atop the list of legal sweepstakes gaming sites in the US. Both sites are owned by European company VGW Holdings. Players in 49 states can access Global Poker and Chumba Casino. Only Washington state outlaws sweepstakes gaming sites.
Games At Sweepstakes Sites
Chumba Casino offers more than 60 different slots, including progressive jackpot slots with seven-figure grand prizes. The Chumba Casino game menu also includes blackjack, video poker, and roulette. Global Poker runs cash games, multi-table tournaments, and Jackpot Sit N Go tournaments at a variety of stakes. Global Poker’s availability across the US makes it one of the highest-traffic online poker sites in the country.
Top States Offering Online Gambling
| State | Online Casinos | Online Sports Betting | Online Poker | Daily Fantasy Sports | Online Horse Race Betting | Online Lottery | Online Sweepstakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | - | Legal | - | Legal | Legal | - | Legal |
| Washington DC | - | Legal | - | Legal | Illegal | - | Legal |
| Delaware | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | - | Legal |
| Illinois | - | Legal; expected 2020 | - | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Indiana | - | Legal | - | Legal | Legal | - | Legal |
| Iowa | - | Legal | - | Legal | Legal | - | Legal |
| Michigan | Legal; expected 2021 | Legal; expected 2021 | Legal; expected 2021 | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Hampshire | - | Legal | - | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| New Jersey | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Oregon | - | Legal | - | Legal | Legal | Illegal | Legal |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal | Legal |
| Virginia | - | Legal; expected 2020 | - | Legal | Legal | Illegal | Legal |
| West Virginia | Legal; expected 2020 | Legal | Legal; expected 2020 | Legal | Legal | Illegal | Legal |
What Deposit Options Are Available On Legal Online Gambling Sites In The US?
Deposit Methods
State-regulated online gambling sites in the US offer several secure methods for player deposits. The most universally accepted deposit method across legal online gambling sites is ACH/eCheck. With a valid US bank account, players of legal gambling age can deposit and see the funds available instantaneously at their chosen online gambling platform. Other deposit methods include debit cards, prepaid cards, PayPal, and eWallets like Skrill and Neteller. Casino cage deposit at the retail casino operating an online platform is another option for players to deposit funds.
Withdrawal Methods
ACH/eCheck, prepaid cards, eWallets, PayPal, and casino cage withdrawal are all methods available for players to cash out from legal online gambling sites. Players can also request a withdrawal through check by mail and wire transfer.
How Do I Know My Funds Are Safe On A Legal Online Gambling Site?
State-regulated online gambling sites are owned and operated by retail casinos. These casinos are regulated by government agencies in their respective states. These agencies, like Pennsylvania’s Gaming Control Board, oversee the state’s casino industry and ensure accountability, transparency, and safety of player funds. As part of the multi-billion dollar legal gambling industry, US casinos operate with a vested interest in the security of player deposits and withdrawals.
FAQ – Commonly Asked Questions About Legal Online Gambling In The US
Are Online Casinos Legal In The US?
Yes. Federal law in the US permits individual states to offer legal online casinos. These online platforms are owned and operated by legal land-based casinos in the US. Online casinos are overseen by government regulatory agencies in their respective states. All legal online casino sites will display the seal of the governing body from their respective state. Pennsylvania’s mobile casino sites, for example, display the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board seal. Offshore gambling sites, or any site not bearing an official seal from a US governing agency, are operating illegally in the US.
Is Online Sports Betting Legal In The US?
Yes. Like online casinos, individual states are permitted to determine their own legislation relating to online sports betting. The overturn of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 cleared the way for states to legalize sports betting, both retail and online, at a state level.
Do I Need To Pay Taxes On Gambling Winnings To The IRS Or To The State?
Both. In most states, gambling winnings are subject to state tax rates for both residents and non-residents. Federal taxes must be paid on winnings of $5,000 or more. Casinos will automatically withhold the appropriate tax contributions in the case of a $5,000 or higher win. The federal tax rate on gambling winnings is 25 percent.
How Do I Find The Best Bonuses Available Now On Online Gambling Sites?
Most online gambling sites offer bonuses for new players. These bonuses can come in the form of deposit matches, free sign-up bonuses, risk-free days, and other promotions. Sites like Colorado Sharp and Bonus.com present comprehensive menus of bonuses available at state-regulated online casinos.
Can I Play Online Casino Games From My Cell Phone Or Tablet?
Yes. Nearly all legal online gambling sites can be downloaded as mobile apps. For iOS devices, these apps are found in the App Store. For Android devices, apps must be downloaded directly from the website of the respective online casino. The Google Play store does not allow downloads of real-money gambling apps.
Is It Safe To Gamble Online?
Yes, if done on a legal, state-regulated online casino platform. Legal online gambling sites are owned and operated by land-based casinos. As such, gambling at these sites offers the same secure experience as gambling at a legal retail casino. State-regulated online casinos are overseen by the same government agencies that regulate land-based casinos.
Are Online Casino Games Fair?
Yes. Online casinos, and the retail casinos that operate them, are obligated by state laws to present fair games. Games at online casinos operate exactly as they’re presented by official game rules. Government regulatory agencies oversee state casino industries. This ensures fairness, safety, and transparency from online casinos.
How Do I Know Whether An Online Gambling Site Is Legal?
Legal online gambling sites bear the official seal of the gaming enforcement agency overseeing the state. Pennsylvania’s legal online casinos, for example, all display the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board seal. Online gambling sites not displaying a regulatory seal are not operating legally in the US.