Online gambling continues to evolve across the United States. Several states have legalized both casino games and sports betting while others have opted to keep their options restricted. While sports betting exploded after the repeal of PASPA in 2018, online casino gambling has progressed at a much slower pace. The Inquirer will sift through all 50 states to determine is online slot gambling legal and what you need to know about playing slots, poker and more on the internet.
In the state of Delaware, players can legally play casino games and engage in sports wagering at iGaming sites affiliated with land-based operators like Bally’s Dover Downs. 888 Holdings also launched an online platform that offers a variety of casino games including classic slots and table and card games. Other states that have regulated iGaming include Michigan, New Jersey and West Virginia.
Despite attempts to introduce legislation, online casinos have yet to launch in Alaska. This may change in the near future as the legislature considers a bill to legalize online gambling. The bill would authorize the sale of a variety of games, from slot machines to table and card games. It would also allow licensed operators to offer virtual reality games and live dealer tables.
Nevada and New Jersey were among the first states to legalize online casino games and poker following the federal ban’s repeal. They were followed by Pennsylvania in 2017 and West Virginia in 2019. Several other states are on the verge of launching their own online gaming sites, including Connecticut, Michigan, and Ohio.
Online casino play is still illegal in North Carolina, with retail sports betting the only available option for fans to place wagers. A law to allow for a third retail sportsbook location is currently stalled in committee, but it could be revived later this year. In the meantime, residents of the state can access sports betting at two tribal-land casinos.
South Dakota is another state that does not offer an online casino for its residents. Instead, the state has relegated sports betting to tribal-land casinos and horse racing platforms. Attempts to pass legislation that would allow for online casino gambling have failed in recent years, but efforts could be revived next year.
Maryland only recently legalized sports betting, so it is unlikely that the state will launch an online casino in the immediate future. However, there is hope that a legislative initiative will be introduced in 2023.
Unlike most states, Hawaii does not have any form of legalized gambling. This includes land-based casinos and even social casinos. That said, the Aloha State does have a lottery and greyhound racing platforms. It is not impossible for the state to legalize gambling online in the future, but it will be a long road ahead of them.