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Is Online Gambling Allowed in the USA for 2025?
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Introduction
It has been quite some time since I first published this article on our site, which has undergone numerous transformations reflecting the ever-changing landscape of online gambling. In fact, back when I wrote this, there were updates made to the page, and I seem to recall that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act ( PASPA ) was still in effect, rendering online sports betting illegal by federal law in all states except Nevada.
Currently, the licensing and regulation of poker and casino games on an individual state basis hasn’t evolved significantly. Some states, like West Virginia, have given approval to certain online platforms, but most states remain without such provisions.
Clearly, this article was overdue for a refresh since now, over half of the states have enacted sports betting laws, and most of them allow online sports wagering. Usually, players can access services like DraftKings and Fanduel, although a few states, including Mississippi and Washington, impose peculiar regulations that require mobile bets to be placed within a physical casino.
We will cover all these aspects in detail. Furthermore, for those states where online gambling is not permitted, we will investigate the legality of online participation for players. For states with authorized online sportsbooks, we will also find out if engaging in casino games or poker on certain sites is prohibited for potential users.
Get strapped in, we’ve got a lot to cover.
Guidelines for Deposits and Withdrawals in the US
Refer to the table below to see the rankings for banking and financial transactions for various casinos. Click on the casino’s name for an in-depth analysis of their deposit and withdrawal scores and the methods we used for assessment. Additional details concerning banking terms for US players can be found here .
US Online Casinos Banking Grades
View All- Minimum Deposit Grade $25C-
- Cashout Limit Grade $3,000 weekly withdrawals via Check; $9,500 weekly via Wire Transfer; $10,000 weekly through Bitcoin.A++
- Cashout Times Grade KYC review process can take up to 2 hours; Crypto/Check transactions are processed within 48 hours; Wire Transfers may take 4-6 business days.C++
- Minimum Withdrawal Grade $50E-
- Low Rollers GradeF-
- High Rollers GradeB+
- Minimum Deposit Grade $10 (Crypto)/$500(Wire Transfer)A-
- Cashout Limit Grade $100,000 (Bitcoin) WeeklyA++
- Cashout Times Grade KYC verification may take up to 3 business days; Pending time is 24 hours; Bitcoin transactions within 24 hours; Checks/Wire Transfers may take up to 15 business days.F+
- Minimum Withdrawal Grade $20 (Crypto)/$500(Wire Transfer)B--
- Low Rollers GradeF--
- High Rollers GradeF--
- Minimum Deposit Grade $10 (Bitcoin)/ $20 (Credit Cards)A-
- Cashout Limit Grade $3,000 (limited to one withdrawal every seven days) via Check; $9,500 (one withdrawal every three days) through Bitcoin.A++
- Cashout Times Grade KYC can take 24-48 hours; pending status takes 24-48 hours (except for crypto which can take 0-24 hours); Bitcoin cashouts can occur within 24 hours; Check/Bank Transfer can take 10-15 business days.F+
- Minimum Withdrawal Grade $10 (Bitcoin)/ $100 (Check)A-
- Low Rollers GradeC
- High Rollers GradeD
- Casinos with Fair Maximum Cashout Limits
- Online Casinos with the Fastest Cashout Times
- Casinos by Minimum Deposit
- Casinos by Min Withdrawal
- Fast Withdrawal Casinos
Recent Developments in the US Online Gambling Scene
The biggest development that caused a change in the attitude toward online gambling is the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) by the Supreme Court of the United States. The original law of the land was betting on sports, and being an operator or bookie were patently illegal anywhere in the country and would be done in violation of Federal Law.
Indeed, the implementation of PASPA affected regular bettors as well, which is why many offshore casinos that operated within the US refrained from offering sportsbooks to their users. players Though a few did, the majority avoided it due to the fact that it was explicitly illegal for players to participate there.
It is a well-known fact that people will gamble on sports; that’s just the reality. For bettors who didn’t resort to offshore sportsbooks or illegal betting outlets, many simply entered into private bets with friends, engaged in fantasy sports, or even created created their own games based on predicting outcomes against betting lines. By the way, I’ve heard that the WoV Picks Games are quite entertaining, so keep an ear out for them and consider participating!
This situation opened up extensive opportunities for sports betting both in-person and online, which numerous states might have already been prepared to offer through their land-based casinos if not for the fact that they couldn’t, as Nevada was the sole state benefiting from its exemption. Interestingly, New Jersey—which was instrumental in leading the efforts to overturn PASPA—could have had sports betting operational before the act took effect but failed to implement it in time.
Consequently, almost all states with commercial land-based casinos now provide sportsbook options through either in-person methods, online platforms, or both. One notable exception is Missouri, where certain state lawmakers are working to authorize it.
With this, we present a detailed map illustrating the current status of online gambling in each state. This map outlines which forms of online gambling the state regulates, if any, as well as the legality of playing at offshore casinos and sportsbooks.
Casinos that allow US players
View AllALABAMA
- Regulated Online Casinos: No
- Regulated Online Sportsbooks: No
- Legality of Online Gambling: Unclear
Alabama law clearly states that individuals operating online gambling activities, as well as any other types of illegal gaming, are committing offenses that could lead to legal consequences.
There are certain laws in Alabama that suggest online gambling may be against the law. For instance, one law categorizes it as a Class C Misdemeanor to 'knowingly advance or profit from unlawful gambling activities as a player.' However, unless there is a specific provision in the Alabama code that renders online gambling unequivocally illegal, one could argue that such activity does not constitute 'unlawful gambling.' Another statute prohibits the 'possession of a gambling device,' which is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor, but this device is illegal only if it is 'any other gambling device, intended for use in connection with unlawful gambling.'
In the absence of any Alabama laws explicitly categorizing online gambling as 'unlawful gambling activities,' the primary point of clarity in Alabama law regarding online gambling is that neither individuals nor companies may conduct online gambling for profit within the state.
This means that operators or individuals running gambling games with a house edge or rake, unless authorized by the state, are breaking the law; however, this does not seem to apply to players merely participating in online casinos.
Most recently, Alabama introduced Senate Bill 294 in 2022, which you can explore further. here , which aimed to permit sports betting, and specifically, to allow online sports betting to be regulated and licensed by the lottery division. However, this proposal did not progress and ultimately was never put up for a vote.
The earliest possibility for the legalization of online sports betting in Alabama could be as soon as 2024; nevertheless, we view this as quite improbable. Lawmakers in the state appear uninterested in pushing this issue forward. As for the prospect of online casino gaming, we wouldn't be surprised if it remains illegal indefinitely.
ALASKA
- Regulated Online Casinos: No
- Regulated Online Sportsbooks: No
- Online Gambling for Participants: Formally Prohibited
Alaska presents a unique situation as its relatively low population and dispersed communities mean there is generally little concern over how individuals choose to spend their leisure time and finances.
Interestingly, although engaging in online gambling in Alaska is technically against the law, the initial offense is regarded as merely a 'Violation’ and carries no significant penalties. Additionally, we weren't able to find any record of someone being prosecuted for this specific violation.
For subsequent offenses, the situation escalates to a misdemeanor charge. So, in the highly unlikely event that law enforcement catches you engaging in illegal online gambling, and actually takes action (which is improbable), we would suggest avoiding it in the future.
Surprisingly, a proposed bill has surfaced that could allow mobile betting in Alaska. However, it currently doesn't address online casino gambling or poker. This bill was assigned to a committee in February 2022 but hadn't made any progress by December 2022, indicating it won’t be progressing this legislative session. sports The legislative proposal itself lacks significant detail. It raises questions about how Alaska plans to govern sports betting, especially since the state lacks a lottery department, conventional casinos, or any significant commercial gambling industry. Typically, the authority overseeing online sports betting is the same one that governs brick-and-mortar casinos, and in states without such an authority, lottery departments usually fulfill that role.
It seems that players in Alaska who are looking forward to regulated online sports betting may have to wait a considerable time, and it is entirely possible that state-sanctioned online casino games will never materialize.
A notable detail about Arizona is that it has established licensed online sportsbooks, a development that only occurred recently in 2022. However, the state does not permit online casino-style gaming, and its law clearly states that playing at non-licensed online gambling sites is unlawful for residents.
ARIZONA
- Regulated Online Casinos: No
- Regulated Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Online Casino Gambling Illegal: Yes
While enforcement is questionable, Arizona State Law explicitly indicates that online gambling is against the law. 'Benefiting from Gambling' is categorized as a Class I Misdemeanor, defined as, 'A person is guilty of benefiting from gambling if they gain any profit from gambling except for amusement or regulated gambling.'
Naturally, the laws are far harsher for operators running illegal casinos.
Despite the absence of legalized casino-style gambling or poker, sportsbooks are legal, with most operators being familiar names found in other states with legal online betting, including DraftKings.
A comprehensive review around December 2022 did not reveal any recent legislative moves suggesting the possible regulation of online casino games in Arizona. Since the state's land-based casinos are predominantly Tribal rather than commercial, it’s reasonable to assume there would be strong resistance from them against online competition. Thus, if Arizona were to ever legalize online casinos, it is likely to occur no sooner than late 2023.
However, if online casinos are managed by the same platforms as the sportsbooks, their integration could happen relatively quickly, as it appears that many of those sportsbooks also operate online casinos in other regions of the country.
One critical aspect of Arkansas law specifies, 'Any money or property may be won,' in the definition of gambling, making it illegal to engage in gambling activities that are not expressly permitted by the state.
Many conservative states demonstrate a more favorable attitude toward online sports betting compared to online casinos, and Arkansas is no exception. Though the state offers limited online sportsbooks due to a substantial tax of 51% on net revenues, whereas in other states, the average tax falls between 5-15%.
ARKANSAS
- Regulated Online Casinos: No
- Regulated Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Online Casino Gambling Illegal: Yes
Consequently, major operators available in other states show little interest in entering the Arkansas market. Additionally, Arkansas' relatively small population means those operators are unlikely to venture into a state with such a hefty tax burden.
New Hampshire stands out as an exception—DraftKings operates there while paying a slightly lower tax rate of 50% on revenue; however, DraftKings enjoys five years of market exclusivity and faces no local competitors in the regulated online sportsbook sector.
Numerous bills have been proposed, the most recent in 2022, seeking to legalize and regulate online casinos, but none of these have moved forward past committee discussions. Hence, we do not anticipate the emergence of online casino-style gambling in the state anytime soon.
Even though playing online (as a player) is technically labeled illegal, it appears that there have been no instances of any player being prosecuted for engaging in online play rather than operating.
Online Gambling Prohibited: Not Exactly (but could be under local laws)
In California, one essential point is that there is no overarching law that stops players from gambling online. However, state policies allow for lower levels of government, such as counties and cities, to establish their regulations. As mentioned previously:
CALIFORNIA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Additionally, California's stance on the legality of online gambling is rather ambiguous, lacking a State law prohibiting players from gambling online (though operators would face legal issues). Local governments can enact laws regulating such activities, so it is advisable for any player in California to check local regulations regarding online gambling.
Therefore, if you are particularly concerned about the legality of playing online, we recommend reviewing your local laws. If there are no prohibitions stated, our findings suggest that it would not be illegal at the state level. jurisdictions A recent public vote to legalize online sports betting was overwhelmingly defeated, with 83% opposed, a surprising turn of events in a state known for its liberal views. You might expect that a state like California would support personal freedom in spending one’s money, but that wasn’t the case.
A separate ballot also addressed in-person sports betting at Tribal Casinos and private horse racing tracks, which also failed, although it did garner more support with a 30%-70% vote against it.
It's perplexing why Californians would vote against this, as it's worth noting that the option to participate doesn’t impose an obligation to do so . From an outsider’s perspective, this outcome is quite surprising given the state’s overall liberal disposition. Moreover, California stands to miss out on considerable tax revenue as residents pursue their sports bets and online gambling opportunities in other states.
According to Cal Matters Regardless, the Tribal Nations are celebrating their victory, as highlighted in a recently circulated article:
There were also other Tribes, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, who sought to have their measure included. This would have allowed exclusively Tribal online and in-person sports betting. Their proposal did not qualify for the 2022 ballot and failed to gather sufficient support for the 2024 ballot, yet this doesn't eliminate the possibility of revisiting the issue.
'We believe that [measure] is the most favorable route for online sports betting in California,' commented Roger Salazar, spokesperson for a coalition that campaigned against the aforementioned proposition and includes the aforementioned Tribes.
You might find that this scenario is mirrored in one or two other states; Tribal interests are resistant to any changes that would dilute their exclusive rights to sports betting—both online and offline—in states where Commercial Casinos are non-existent. Though California does possess Commercial Card rooms, there seems to be no indication that those entities are pushing to operate sportsbooks.
To summarize from our earlier discussions, it’s crucial to note that the state categorizes unauthorized online gambling as illegal. Referencing our previous text:
Colorado's regulations stipulate a progressive interpretation of anti-gambling laws, indicating that any gambling not authorized by the state (apart from Social Gambling) is a minor offense with potential fines. Participation in unauthorized gambling is classified as a Class 1 Petty Offense, a point made clear by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Nevertheless, it seems the state generally looks the other way, provided it receives its share of revenue; they were quite prompt in permitting online sports betting as soon as it was feasible.
COLORADO
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Online Casino Gambling Illegal: Yes
A proposed bill aimed at legalizing sports betting, including online sports betting regulated by the lottery department, ultimately did not survive the legislative process and never reached a voting stage.
The earliest potential date for the legalization of online sports betting in Alabama is anticipated to be 2024, although we find this prospect unlikely. The interest from state lawmakers in pursuing this matter appears to be minimal. Regarding online casino gaming, it seems plausible that it might never be legalized in Alabama.
Online Gambling Status for Players: Technically Prohibited
Amusingly, the Department of Revenue’s Alaska stands out as a unique state where its small population and widespread distribution mean there’s generally a relaxed attitude towards how individuals spend their leisure time and money.
Interestingly, while participating in online casinos in Alaska is officially illegal, the state classifies a first offense merely as a 'Violation' with no tangible penalties in place. Furthermore, documented cases of anyone being charged under this particular violation are nonexistent.
For subsequent offenses, the consequences escalate to misdemeanors. However, the chance of Alaska taking action against anyone for online gambling is incredibly slim (insider tip: you likely won’t face any repercussions), so one might suggest simply avoiding repeat offenses.
In a surprising turn of events, a bill has been introduced that would allow mobile
wagering in Alaska; however, it currently lacks any reference to online casino gaming or poker. The bill was sent to committee in February 2022 but, as of December 2022, hasn’t progressed past that stage, meaning it won’t be enacted during this legislative term.
The legislation itself is minimalistic. An intriguing point to consider is how Alaska plans to oversee sports betting, given the absence of a lottery department or traditional casinos in the state, as online sports betting is typically managed by the same body that regulates physical casinos. In states lacking such an agency, lottery departments generally take on this responsibility.
CONNECTICUT
- We anticipate that players in Alaska hoping for legal online sports betting will face a prolonged wait, and it is entirely possible that state-sanctioned online casino games will never materialize.
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- One significant detail about Arizona is that it has recently welcomed licensed online sportsbooks, a development that only began in 2022. However, the state does not recognize online casino gaming as legal, clearly stating that gambling with unlicensed operators is against the law for players.
Despite the potential for enforcement, Arizona’s legislation (which allows for Social Gambling) explicitly categorizes online gambling as illegal. The law describes 'Benefiting from Gambling' as a Class I Misdemeanor, defined as: 'Except for amusement or regulated gambling, a person commits this offense if they derive any benefit from gambling.'
Clearly, Arizona has stringent laws governing operators running illegal casinos.
Nevertheless, we have found no record of anyone facing charges in Arizona for participating in offshore online casino activities, and we are skeptical that such prosecutions would ever occur.
Although regulated casino-like gambling and poker are not permitted in Arizona, sportsbooks have become legal, with most operators being companies familiar to players from other states where online sports betting is authorized, such as DraftKings.
After conducting a thorough investigation, we could not identify any new legislation that might indicate online casino-style gambling becoming regulated in Arizona, as of December 2022. Additionally, the state's land casinos are primarily tribal, suggesting they would strongly oppose any attempt to compete with online platforms. Consequently, if Arizona is to permit online casinos, it likely wouldn’t happen until late 2023 at the earliest.
DELAWARE
- Online Casinos: Yes, One
- However, should they decide to proceed with similar websites to those used for sportsbooks, the implementation could occur quite swiftly since most sportsbook platforms (or possibly all) also operate online casinos in other jurisdictions.
- The initial point of clarification regarding Arkansas is that state law interprets gambling as 'any money or property could be won,' making it illegal to engage in any form of gambling that has not been expressly authorized.
Like many conservative states, Arkansas is more open to online sports betting compared to online casino games. However, the state has a limited number of online sportsbooks due to an exceptionally high tax rate of 51% on net revenues, in stark contrast to the typical 5-15% tax range found elsewhere.
This high tax burden discourages major operators who may otherwise be interested in entering the Arkansas market, particularly as the state’s population is relatively small; larger operators are unlikely to accept such steep taxation.
New Hampshire presents a unique scenario where DraftKings operates effectively at a 50% tax rate with exclusive rights, leading to no local competition in the regulated online sportsbook space.
In the meantime, numerous proposals have been put forth, including one as recently as 2022 that sought to legalize and regulate online casinos. However, none of these proposals have made it past the committee stage, leading us to conclude that online casino gaming won't be coming to Arkansas anytime soon.
While online gambling (as a player) is officially unlawful, as typically noted, there is no evidence of any player having faced legal charges for simply participating rather than operating.
Online Gambling Status: No (However, could potentially vary by local jurisdictions)
Firstly, regarding California, it’s important to note that there is no statewide legislation explicitly prohibiting online gambling by players. However, state laws empower lower governmental entities like counties and cities to enact their own regulations. As highlighted previously:
FLORIDA
- Online Casinos: No
- In addition, California's legal landscape is quite unclear, as there is no statute at the state level that outright bans online gambling by players (though operators engage in illegal activities under California law). This means that local governments could introduce their own laws to criminalize online gambling. Therefore, any player in California should investigate whether local regulations might prohibit such activities.
- Playing Online Illegal: Yes
As we found the last time around:
In light of this, if potential issues around the legality of online gambling (as a player) concern you, it’s advisable to consult your local regulations. If your locality does not have laws against it, our research suggests it’s not illegal at the state level.
In a surprising decision, a referendum on legalized online sports betting received overwhelming opposition, losing 83%-17%. This outcome seems puzzling given California’s progressive reputation, as one might expect a more favorable response to personal financial freedom.
The state also hosted a vote on permitting in-person sports betting at both Tribal Casinos and private horse racing tracks. This proposal met with slightly less opposition, with a 30%-70% result against it.
Once again, it’s perplexing why Californian citizens would reject such initiatives, especially since the existence of an option does not obligate one to participate . This unexpected outcome raises eyebrows in a state known for its liberal views, and could mean a loss in tax revenue, as Californians may seek betting opportunities in other jurisdictions.
According to Click Orlando In any case, local tribes are reportedly celebrating the referendum results. According to sourced articles:
There’s another group of tribes, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, that had suggested a separate measure to legalize sports betting. This measure would have granted exclusive rights to tribes for in-person and online sports betting. However, it did not make it onto the 2022 ballot and subsequently failed to gather sufficient support for the 2024 ballot, though the idea isn’t entirely off the table.
'Our coalition believes that [this measure] is the optimal route for advancing online sports wagering in California,' remarked Roger Salazar, a spokesperson for the coalition opposed to Prop. 27, which encompasses those tribes.
You may find that a similar scenario exists in one or two other states; tribes fiercely contest the idea of sharing the sports betting market, whether online or brick-and-mortar, particularly in states without Commercial Casinos. While California has Commercial Card rooms, we did not discover any initiatives from these establishments to operate sportsbooks.
The primary detail we must address is that, per our prior discussions, the state regards online gambling (in any form not sanctioned by the government) as illegal. To quote previous notes:
GEORGIA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbook: No
- The State of Colorado dictates that anti-gambling laws are to be interpreted 'liberally', meaning that except for Social Gambling or state-authorized gambling, engaging in any other form of gambling (as a player) is deemed a petty offense that can lead to fines. Gambling is classified as a Class 1 Petty Offense; this has been clarified by the Colorado Department of Revenue.
Ultimately, the state's overall approach suggests a willingness to allow some form of online sports betting quickly as soon as it became feasible, indicating that their primary concern lies in securing revenue.
A proposed legislation aimed at permitting sports betting, particularly online sports betting through the lottery department, ultimately failed to progress and didn't even reach the voting stage.
The earliest timeline for the potential legalization of online sports betting in Alabama may stretch to 2024, although this seems quite improbable given the apparent lack of interest from the state's lawmakers. Additionally, the prospect of online casino gaming being legalized appears almost non-existent.
Online Gambling Status for Participants: Formally Banned CBS Sports Alaska presents a unique case. Its small and dispersed population generally leads to a lax attitude towards individuals spending their own money and engaging in leisure activities.
Interestingly, even though online casino gaming is technically prohibited in Alaska, the first infraction is classified as a 'Violation,' which carries no real consequences. Moreover, we find no instances where anyone has been penalized for this specific offense.
Subsequent offenses may lead to misdemeanor charges, but it is extremely unlikely that the state would ever take action against someone caught gambling online (hint: it's highly improbable). We suggest simply avoiding a repeat if you do find yourself in that situation.
Surprisingly, there has been a bill introduced that would allow mobile wagering in Alaska. However, this does not extend to online casinos or poker games. As of December 2022, the bill remains stuck in the committee after being referred there in February 2022, indicating that it will not progress this legislative session.
The bill itself lacks substantial detail. It raises questions about how Alaska would oversee sports wagering, especially since the state does not have a lottery department or any land-based casinos to regulate. Typically, the same authority that supervises physical casinos manages online sports betting as well.
It seems that Alaskans hoping for regulated online sports betting will have to wait a while longer, and the chances for the introduction of state-regulated online casino games appear virtually nonexistent.
HAWAII
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
In Arizona, an important point to highlight is that the state has introduced licensed online sportsbooks, a development that emerged only in 2022. However, Arizona law distinctly prohibited online casino-style gambling, making it clear that players engaging with unlicensed sites are violating the law.
Although there is ambiguity about the enforcement of these laws, the language in Arizona’s legislation states that online gambling is illegal. The act of 'Benefiting from Gambling' is categorized as a Class I Misdemeanor, defined as: 'Except for amusement or regulated gambling, a person commits benefiting from gambling if he obtains any benefit from gambling.'
Additionally, there are significantly harsher penalties for those operating illegal casinos.
In any event, according to the Civil Beat Nonetheless, no known instances exist where individuals have faced prosecution in Arizona simply for participating in online gambling via offshore sites; this suggests that such prosecutions are highly unlikely.
Presently, while the state hasn’t authorized anything akin to casino-style gambling or poker, sportsbooks are legalized, and many operators are accessible to players, including well-known names like DraftKings.
After conducting thorough research, we found no recent legislative efforts as of December 2022 that would suggest any movement toward regulating online casino gaming within the state. Moreover, all land casinos in Arizona are operated by Native American tribes, which likely oppose competing with potential online platforms. Therefore, if Arizona does eventually legalize online casinos, it is not expected to happen before late 2023 at the earliest.
IDAHO
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
However, if the online casino offerings are integrated into the existing sportsbooks, they might be launched relatively quickly since many sportsbook platforms also provide online casino games in other states.
The first notable aspect about Arkansas is its legal definition of gambling, which states, 'Any money or property may be won,' making it illegal to gamble outside of specifically sanctioned activities.
Many conservative states generally exhibit a more favorable attitude towards online sports betting compared to online casino gaming, and Arkansas reflects this trend. Nonetheless, the state has only a limited number of online sportsbooks, mainly due to a whopping 51% tax on net revenues, while the average tax ranges between 5-15%.
According to the Idaho Statesman Consequently, major betting operators who are present in other states show little interest in venturing into Arkansas. Additionally, with its relatively small population, these companies are hesitant to indicate to larger states that they're willing to endure a 51% tax rate.
New Hampshire stands out as an exception, where DraftKings operates with a 50% tax on all revenue; however, it enjoys a five-year exclusivity deal in the state, leaving them without local competition for the regulated online sportsbook market.
In the interim, several bills aimed at authorizing and regulating online casinos have been introduced, including one as recent as 2022; however, none have successfully left committee, leading us to believe that online casino gaming in the state is unlikely to materialize soon.
Although online gambling (even from the player’s perspective) is technically against the law, historically, we have not found any examples of players being prosecuted for their role as a participant rather than an operator.
ILLINOIS
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Play at Online Casino: Yes
Illegal Online Gambling: No (But it could theoretically be enforced in specific jurisdictions)
The primary point regarding California is that there is no overarching state law prohibiting players from engaging in online gambling. However, state law does empower smaller entities, such as counties, cities, and municipalities, to create their own regulations. As indicated previously:
Furthermore, California's legal stance on online gambling is somewhat ambiguous. While there is no state law that explicitly forbids players from gambling online (although operators would be violating California laws), local authorities might enact laws that render such acts illegal. Therefore, it’s advisable for any player in California to verify local regulations to find out if online gambling is prohibited.
If you have serious concerns about the legality of online gambling (as a player), it’s wise to check your local laws. If there is nothing explicitly forbidding it at the local level, our findings suggest it would not be illegal under state law.
In a curious turn of events, a public vote regarding the legalization of online sports betting resulted in a significant rejection, with a 83%-17% outcome. This is surprising because one would assume that a highly liberal state like California would favor individuals having the freedom to manage their own money, yet this was not the case.
Illinois Policy The state also witnessed a vote concerning in-person sports betting at both Tribal Casinos and local horse racing tracks, which did not fare as poorly but still failed with a vote of 30%-70% against.
Yet again, we are puzzled by the California electorate's resistance to these propositions. After all, just because an option is available doesn’t mean you must take it . From our perspective, it is a startling result for what is otherwise a notably liberal state. Furthermore, the state may miss out on considerable tax revenues as residents will likely pursue their bets and casino games elsewhere.
INDIANA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Play Offshore: Yes
In any case, the tribes are celebrating the voting results and have made statements such as:
There’s another coalition of tribes, including the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, who had pushed for a different sports betting legalization initiative. Their proposal aimed to allow tribes alone to conduct both in-person and online sports betting. Unfortunately, this measure did not make it onto the 2022 ballot and failed to gather sufficient signatures for the 2024 ballot, but this does not imply that it won’t resurface in the future.
“Our coalition believes that [measure] represents the optimal path for fostering online sports wagering in California,” stated Roger Salazar, a spokesperson for a group that campaigned against Prop. 27, which included those tribes.
It becomes evident that similar situations exist in a few other states; tribes strongly oppose losing their exclusive rights to sports betting, both online and on land, particularly in states lacking Commercial Casinos. While California has Commercial Card rooms, there seems to be no indication that those establishments are looking to launch sportsbooks.
According to Inside Indiana The first matter we need to address is that, as we've previously mentioned, the state views online gambling (in any form not explicitly approved by the state) as illegal. To reiterate from our previous content:
The State of Colorado interprets its anti-gambling legislation 'liberally,' such that aside from Social Gambling or gambling permitted by the State, engaging in any other form of gambling (as a player) constitutes a petty offense that could result in monetary penalties. Gambling is classified as a Class 1 Petty Offense. This is clarified by the Colorado Department of Revenue’s website.
Ultimately, the state seems indifferent as long as it benefits financially, as they wasted no time authorizing online sports betting as soon as it became legally feasible.
IOWA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- The website continues to assert that all forms of online gambling are against the law:
Both state and federal laws classify internet gambling as illegal. In Colorado, it's explicitly against regulations to transmit or receive any gambling information through any medium. The federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, enacted in October 2006, makes it illegal for online gamblers to utilize credit cards, checks, or electronic transfers to place and settle bets. Additionally, the federal Wire Act of 1961 forbids the use of wire communications in interstate or foreign commerce for facilitating bets or wagers.
Hold on a second…how can it be deemed illegal by both state and federal standards when you actually promote online sportsbooks, which operate under state guidelines? Colorado, it may be time to refresh that information on your site.
Moreover, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act doesn’t actually stop gamblers from doing anything, as it restricts U.S.-based financial institutions from knowingly engaging with offshore online casinos, contrary to your misleading claims.
Also, how can one assume that the 1961 Wire Act applies here, especially regarding offshore casinos, considering online gambling was nonexistent when that legislation was enacted?
Regardless, a Petty Offense is relatively minor and seems not to escalate (if one is simply a participant) on a per-incident basis. Furthermore, there has been no recorded case of anyone who was solely playing at an online casino facing prosecution from the state. Thus, while it may be legally classified as illegal, it seems that players realistically have little to worry about.
However, KTVO Online Casinos: Yes (Yet there are only two available)
KANSAS
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Play Offshore: Yes
Online (Offshore) Casinos for Players: We don’t believe so.
If adhering to the legal text is crucial for you, we suggest consulting with an attorney, even though we've found no record of someone being prosecuted just for playing online, even prior to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun receiving authorization to operate online casinos.
The previous version of this page included the following statement:
Connecticut law is crystal clear in stating that gambling is a crime, categorized specifically as a Class B Misdemeanor. Until the state officially legalizes any form of online gambling, it remains illegal. It’s hard to say how strictly this law is enforced.
The Kansas Reflector At that point, we concluded that gambling online (even as a player) was clearly against the law based on the regulations. However, since online gambling at state-sanctioned casinos and sportsbooks has become legal, it stands that Connecticut would need to introduce a distinct law that states players can ONLY gamble at state-approved online casinos and sportsbooks; we haven’t seen proof of such legislation being enacted.
The two state-regulated operators are DraftKings and Fanduel, which have direct ties to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun for state compliance. In any case, you won’t take long to utilize new player bonuses at just two casinos, so if you’re in search of more options, feel free to explore some of the casinos we’ve included on this page.
Online Sportsbook: Yes (But none are currently available)
Offshore Online Gambling for Players: No
KENTUCKY
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Gambling Online Illegal: No
As usual, it’s advisable to consult a legal expert, but our research suggests that gambling on offshore sites isn’t illegal as long as you’re not running an offshore online gambling business yourself. As we previously mentioned:
Regulated online gambling is permitted in Delaware, and nothing in the legislation appears to outlaw playing at unregulated websites. However, under Delaware law, owning a 'Gambling Device' is deemed a Class A Misdemeanor. Conversely, if they decided to classify a computer as a 'Gambling Device,' it could prevent players from using regulated sites which are undoubtedly legal!
Thus, before Delaware sanctioned its own online casinos, playing online was likely technically illegal, although we couldn’t find any instance of prosecution for that. However, Delaware has since legalized and regulated online casinos and sportsbooks, suggesting that players can engage in online games broadly unless a specific law says otherwise.
In the meantime, according to Saturday Down South Delaware has also established regulations for online sports betting, making it legal, but there are currently no active operators in the state. Given its small size, any operators would need to be linked to a land-based casino, but since the online casino games were regulated first, those sites are already operational.
We anticipate that a company like DraftKings will eventually enter the market with an existing website hosting a sportsbook, 'Powered by DraftKings' or something similar, but that hasn’t been realized just yet. For now, if you want to place online bets, you might need to venture offshore, take a quick drive to states like Pennsylvania, or reach out to a friend to handle an account for you.
Online poker is also recognized as legal in the state, but anecdotal evidence suggests that due to the state’s limited population, it can be challenging to find games that suit your preferred stakes.
The three physical casinos in Delaware collectively manage the state’s sole regulated online casino.
Online Sportsbook: Currently unavailable. (In Litigation-December 2022)
Florida does permit some regulated gambling, and it is classified as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor to participate in any unregulated gambling activities within the state. Given that online casinos located outside Florida fall under such regulations, engaging with them is distinctly illegal. It’s uncertain how strictly this law is enforced—likely not very.
LOUISIANA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: Yes
Nonetheless, we've found no instances of anyone being charged merely for playing at an online casino from Florida.
There have been reports of 'Internet Cafes' being shut down, with arrests made of illicit operators and sometimes players over the years, but this involves a different scenario. Internet Cafes typically operate under a guise where you supposedly purchase credits for time on a device, ultimately using that time to gamble. In effect, they argue that they aren’t actually gambling with cash, which is a ludicrous claim.
Currently, the situation regarding online sportsbooks in Florida is uncertain. We suggest conducting your own research if you're interested in the developments. The brief overview is that the Seminole Tribe was operating an online sportsbook based on an assumption of legality, under a deal with Governor Ron DeSantis, which has been found illegal.
The issue with the agreement is that the Tribal Compact only applies to the lands of the tribe, meaning that offering an online sportsbook accessible to any eligible resident statewide is illegal. As noted:
“It was immediately clear this compact was a violation of federal law,” Wallach stated. “It’s governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which dictates gaming conduct strictly on Indian lands and nowhere else.”
The 30-year agreement, announced last year by the governor, effectively handed the tribe dominion over Florida’s gambling landscape, but Wallach argues it overstepped the boundaries of IGRA by including online sports betting.
The pivotal question may revolve around whether the bet is considered to take place at the location where the player places it, or where the servers hosting the gambling operation are located. If it’s deemed to happen where the servers are, one could contend that the bet occurs on Seminole territory.
MAINE
- Online Casinos: No
- In any case, hopeful bettors in Florida might feel bewildered by the fact that they could once legally place online bets and now find themselves unable to do so. I wonder how any pre-existing futures bets will be resolved?
- Illegal to Play Offshore: No
Online Gambling for Players: Yes
Turning to Georgia, our former analysis of the law remains relevant:
Terms like 'Any slot machine, simulations or variation thereof,' and 'Any video game machine or device, operated for any consideration, for the game of poker, Blackjack, any other card game or Keno...etc' are particularly notable.
Since then, according to the Press Herald In essence, while Georgia's law may not directly address online gambling, it encompasses virtually every conceivable method by which someone could gamble online. The conclusion:
That said, Georgia is making some progress, albeit limited, in efforts to legalize online sports wagering. According to reports, legislation has been put forth but has yet to be voted on.
We estimate that it may take several years before Georgia has licensed and regulated sportsbooks operational, and it’s quite possible that they will never have online casinos. Their surprisingly robust Skill Game industry is likely to strongly oppose any efforts for the state to introduce online casino formats.
Additionally, there are no land-based casinos in Georgia at the moment. By and large, when states approve online casino-style gambling, they typically mandate that the website has direct affiliations with a physical establishment within the state. This is a standard practice across all states with regulated online casino games.
Conversely, some states have authorized online sports betting even without any land-based casinos. Generally, these are regulated through the Lottery Department.
The website still claims that all forms of online gambling remain illegal:
MARYLAND
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No
According to both state and federal legislation, online gambling is considered unlawful. Colorado's statutes explicitly prevent the distribution or reception of gambling-related information through any means. The federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, enacted in October 2006, bars online gamblers from utilizing credit cards, checks, or electronic transfers for placing and resolving bets. Additionally, the federal Wire Act from 1961 forbids the use of electronic communication for placing bets or providing information related to betting across state or international borders.
But wait... How is it that online sportsbooks, which are regulated by the state, can exist while your site states such things? It seems Colorado might need to revisit and revise that statement.
Moreover, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act doesn't actually impose restrictions on players; instead, it forbids U.S.-based financial entities from knowingly engaging in transactions with offshore online gambling sites. You are misleading people.
Additionally, how can anyone reasonably conclude that the Wire Act of 1961 applies to online gambling, especially since the concept of internet gambling didn't even exist when this law was penned?
In any case, being charged with a Petty Offense isn't serious, and it appears that the penalties do not escalate for each individual occurrence if you are simply participating as a player. Furthermore, we haven't encountered any cases of players at online casinos being prosecuted by the state. Therefore, even though it's technically against the law, we believe players have little cause for concern. Public Gaming agrees, for several reasons:
Online Casinos: Indeed (although there are only two at the moment)
- Are Offshore Online Casinos Illegal for Players?: We don’t believe so.
If adhering to the law is crucial for you, we recommend consulting a legal expert, even though we haven't found any cases where someone has been prosecuted merely for playing online, even prior to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun being allowed to offer online casinos.
- The previous version of this page detailed the following:
Connecticut law unequivocally states that gambling is a criminal offense, classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. Until the state officially legalizes online gambling in any format, it remains illegal. It's hard to predict whether this law is strictly enforced.
MASSACHUSETTS
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- At that point, we interpreted online gambling as clearly illegal based on existing laws. However, since playing at state-sanctioned online sportsbooks and casinos is now lawful, one would reasonably infer that Connecticut should establish a specific law indicating that players are permitted to gamble exclusively at state-regulated online platforms and that engaging otherwise is illegal; as far as we know, no such law has been introduced.
The state’s two authorized operators are DraftKings and Fanduel, both of which have direct connections to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun for regulatory purposes. Given this, it likely won't take you long to exhaust the new player bonuses offered by these two casinos, so if you're interested in more options, feel free to explore the list of casinos featured on this webpage.
Online Sportsbook: Yes (yet none are operating at this moment)
Is Offshore Online Gambling Illegal?: No
In the meantime, NBC Boston As always, checking with a legal expert is wise, but our research suggests that playing on offshore sites isn’t illegal, provided you are not the one running an offshore gambling operation. Our previous page mentioned:
In Delaware, regulated online gambling is lawful, and the legislation does not imply that playing at unregulated sites is illegal. However, under Delaware law, possessing a 'Gambling Device' is prohibited and considered a Class A Misdemeanor. Conversely, if authorities were to classify a computer as a 'Gambling Device,' you would not be able to participate at regulated sites, which would be unquestionably legal!
Hence, before Delaware legalized online casinos, playing online would have been considered technically illegal, though we've found no records of anyone facing prosecution for such activities. Nevertheless, Delaware has since approved and regulated online casinos and sportsbooks, prompting us to assume that players can engage in gameplay anywhere they wish, unless a new law is enacted to specifically restrict that.
Delaware also has a regulatory framework in place for online sports betting, making it lawful, but currently, no operators are active within the state. Since it is a relatively small state, any operators would need to affiliate with physical casinos. However, since online casino games were legalized before sports betting, those websites already exist.
We envision that a company like DraftKings might eventually enter the market with one of the existing sites featuring a sportsbook, possibly labeled as 'Powered by DraftKings,' or a similar characteristic, but that hasn't come to fruition yet. If you’re looking to place bets online, your options might include offshore sites, a quick drive to a nearby state like Pennsylvania, or reaching out to a friend to assist with an account.
Online poker is also permissible in Delaware, but due to the state’s limited population, it might sometimes be challenging to find games that match your desired stakes.
All three land-based casinos in Delaware participate in the state's only regulated online casino.
MICHIGAN
- Online Casinos: Yes
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Play Offshore: No
Online Sportsbook: Currently not available. (Legal issues ongoing as of December 2022)
Florida offers some forms of regulated gambling, and engaging in any unregulated gambling activities within the state is classified as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor. Thus, playing at online casinos based outside Florida is clearly prohibited. The enforcement of this law is questionable, as it seems unlikely to be strictly upheld.
Despite this, we haven’t discovered any instances of individuals being charged for simply playing at an online casino from Florida.
MINNESOTA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Not Yet (December 2022)
- Illegal to Play: No
There have been instances where 'Internet Cafes' were shut down, resulting in the arrests of illegal operators and occasionally players over the years, though that situation is quite different. Internet Cafes tend to operate as closed systems where individuals purportedly buy credits for a limited duration on a device, yet in practice, the main activity is gambling. Their defense is that they are not gambling with cash, which is an absurd justification.
The status of online sportsbooks in Florida is somewhat uncertain, so we'd advise you to do your own research if you're curious about the current developments. In short, the Seminole Tribe previously operated an online sportsbook based on an assumption of legality, facilitated through an agreement with Governor Ron DeSantis, though this arrangement itself was deemed illegal.
The issue lies in the Tribal Compact, which has faced challenges, as it only applies to Indian territory. Offering an online sportsbook that anyone of legal age in the state can access from anywhere within Florida constitutes an illegal activity. As noted in part:
“It was immediately apparent that this compact was in violation of federal law,” Wallach pointed out. “This is governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which strictly regulates gaming activities on Indian territories and nowhere else.” Total Packers The 30-year agreement, revealed by the governor the previous year, effectively granted the tribe control over Florida’s gambling landscape. However, according to Wallach, it overstepped the confines of what’s permitted under IGRA by encompassing online sports betting.
The essential question may revolve around whether the bet is considered to occur where the player is placing it or where the servers are situated, assuming the servers are located on Seminole land.
Fantastic, right?
In any case, Florida bettors might find themselves confused about the sudden shift from being able to bet online legally to facing restrictions. I wonder what will happen to any futures bets that have already been made?
Is Online Gambling Illegal for Players?: Yes
In Georgia, our previous examination of the legal framework still holds:
MISSISSIPPI
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, barely.
- Illegal to Play Offshore: Yes
Key phrases like 'Any slot machine, simulations or variation thereof,' and 'Any video game machine or device operated for any consideration, including poker, Blackjack, or other card games, as well as Keno…' are noteworthy.
The bottom line is that while Georgia law may not directly specify the illegality of online gambling, it does encompass nearly every possible online gambling method. Consequently:
That said, Georgia is making some gradual progress, though minimal, towards legalizing online sports betting. According to recent reports, legislation has been put forth to facilitate this, but thus far, it hasn’t reached the floor for a vote.
We anticipate that it may take a few years before The Peach State sees licensed and regulated sportsbooks operating. Furthermore, it seems quite possible that online casinos may never be authorized due to the resistance from their surprisingly robust Skill Game industry, which would likely lobby against any form of online casino gambling.
Additionally, Georgia currently has no land-based casinos. Generally, when a state approves online casino gambling, it requires that the online platform be directly affiliated with a physical casino within the state. This rule holds true in every state that currently regulates online gambling.
Conversely, several states have legalized online sports betting even without any land-based casinos. Often, these are regulated by the Lottery Department.
The website continues to declare that all forms of online gambling are illegal:
Both state and federal laws deem Internet gambling to be illegal. In Colorado, it is against the law to send or receive gambling-related information using any means. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, enacted in October 2006, prevents online gamblers from utilizing methods like credit cards, checks, or electronic transfers to place or settle their bets. Additionally, the 1961 Wire Act also makes it unlawful to use wire communications in interstate or foreign commerce for making bets or providing information relevant to such bets. one Hold on a second... how is it possible for something to be illegal according to state and federal statutes when you're offering online sportsbooks that are actually regulated by the state? It seems like Colorado might need to revise their webpage.
MISSOURI
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
Furthermore, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act doesn't actually prohibit players from engaging in any activities as you suggest; rather, it bars financial institutions within the United States from knowingly facilitating transactions with offshore online casinos.
In the meantime, according to Fox Moreover, one has to question how the 1961 Wire Act could possibly apply here, especially concerning foreign casinos, considering that online gambling hadn't emerged by the time it was written?
Regardless, being charged with a Petty Offense is hardly significant, and there appears to be no escalation of charges (if you’re just acting as a player) for each incident. Additionally, we haven't found any records of a player at an online casino facing prosecution from the state. Therefore, even though it's technically illegal, we believe that players have little to worry about.
The full text of the bill can be found here Online Casinos: Affirmative (But only two exist)
Online (Offshore) Casinos for Players: We don’t believe so.
MONTANA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, barely.
- If adhering strictly to legal statutes is critical for you, we suggest speaking with a lawyer, though we haven't found evidence of anyone being prosecuted for merely playing online, even prior to Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun obtaining authorization for online casinos.
The previous version of this page asserted:
Connecticut law clearly defines gambling as a crime, specifically a Class B Misdemeanor. Until the State explicitly legalizes online gambling in any form, it remains illegal. However, it’s uncertain how rigorously this law is enforced.
At that moment, we had concluded that online gambling (even just as a player) was overtly illegal, based on the existing laws. However, since online betting at state-regulated casinos and sportsbooks is now permissible, it seems logical that Connecticut may need to enact a specific law stating that players can ONLY participate in online gambling at state-regulated casinos and sportsbooks; we've yet to see evidence of such legislation being introduced.
The two state-regulated operators, DraftKings and Fanduel, have direct affiliations with Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun for official state purposes. It wouldn’t take long to make use of the new player bonuses at just these two casinos, but if you're interested in exploring more options, feel free to consult the listings provided on this webpage.
Online Sportsbook: Affirmative (But none are operating yet)
Offshore Online Gambling's Legality: No
As is the norm, you should consult with an attorney, but our insights suggest that playing at offshore platforms is not prohibited as long as you're not managing an offshore gambling operation yourself. Our previous page highlighted:
Regulated online gambling is legal in Delaware, and there’s nothing in that legislation to suggest that playing on unregulated sites is illegal. However, Delaware law makes it illegal to possess a 'Gambling Device,' a Class A Misdemeanor. Conversely, if they were to broaden the definition of a 'Gambling Device' to include a computer, then players would be barred from accessing their regulated legal sites!
NEBRASKA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Gamble Online: Yes
Thus, prior to Delaware establishing their own online casinos, participating in online gambling would likely have been technically illegal, although we could find no cases of prosecution for such activities. However, Delaware has legalized and put a regulatory framework in place for online casinos and sportsbooks since then, leading us to conclude that players can engage in gambling activities wherever they wish unless a different law specifically forbids it.
Delaware also has a structure for regulating online sports betting, which is allowed, but there are currently no active operators in the state. Given its small size, any operators would require connections to a land-based casino, but since online casino games were legalized first, those platforms are already operational.
We envision that a company like DraftKings will eventually enter the state, possibly through one of the existing websites that incorporates a sportsbook, 'Powered by DraftKings' or similar, though that hasn’t yet transpired. For those wanting to place online bets, options include offshore sites, a short trip to a state like Pennsylvania, or asking a friend to manage an account on your behalf.
Online poker is permissible in the state, but based on our knowledge, due to the limited population of Delaware, it can sometimes be challenging to find games at desired stakes.
The three land-based casinos in Delaware are all associated with the state's solitary regulated online casino.
Online Sportsbook: Currently unavailable. (In Litigation-December, 2022)
Florida has some regulated gambling activities, and engaging in any form of unregulated gambling is classified as a Second-Degree Misdemeanor within the state. Consequently, participating in online casinos based outside Florida is clearly illegal. It’s tough to ascertain how rigorously this law is enforced, likely not very much.
That said, we haven’t discovered any instances of individuals being prosecuted merely for playing at online casinos from Florida. KETV There have been some occasions where 'Internet Cafes' faced crackdowns, and arrests made against illegal operators, and occasionally players, over the years, but these situations are quite different. Internet Cafes often function as closed environments where one buys credits for minutes on a device, yet in reality, users are using those devices to gamble. Essentially, their claimed intention is to insist that they aren't actually gambling with cash, which is a rather ludicrous assertion.
The current legal status of Florida’s online sportsbooks is somewhat uncertain, so we suggest conducting your own research if you're curious about the situation. In summary, the Seminole Tribe had been operating an online sportsbook under an assumption of legality, aided by a deal with Governor Ron DeSantis, but that arrangement itself is questioned.
The issue with this agreement is that the Tribal Compact, which is being contested, applies strictly to tribal lands, thus offering an online sportsbook accessible statewide to those of legal age constitutes an illegality. As part of this discussion:
NEVADA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes (And Poker)
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: Yes
“This compact was evidently in violation of federal law from the start,” Wallach stated. “It's governed by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), which oversees gaming on Indian lands and nowhere else.”
The 30-year compact announced by the governor last year essentially granted the tribe control over Florida's gambling domain, yet Wallach argued that the arrangement exceeded what is permitted under IGRA by incorporating online sports betting.
The fundamental question may hinge on whether the betting occurs where the player places the bet or where the servers reside, assuming that the servers are indeed situated on Seminole land.
Regardless, potential gamblers in Florida are likely feeling bewildered at having once enjoyed the possibility of placing online bets and now finding themselves unable to do so. One wonders what will happen with any future bets that were placed before this transition occurred.
Online Gambling for Players: Yes
NEW HAMPSHIRE
- Online Casinos: No
- In Georgia, our previous analysis of the law remains relevant:
- Significant phrases include, 'Any slot machine, its variations or simulations,' and 'Any video game machine or device operated for consideration for games such as poker, Blackjack, Keno, etc.'
The crux of the matter is that while Georgia's law might not explicitly mention online gambling, it effectively addresses nearly every possible avenue through which an individual could gamble online. The outcome:
Nonetheless, the State of Georgia is making some progress, albeit slowly, toward legalizing online sports betting. According to
, there have been efforts to introduce legislation for this purpose, but so far, it hasn’t reached an actual vote.
We anticipate that it may take several years before Georgia permits licensed and regulated sportsbooks to operate, and it’s also quite possible that online casinos will never become a reality. Their comparably strong Skill Game industry would likely push back hard against the state permitting any forms of online gambling.
Additionally, there are currently no land-based casinos operational in Georgia. Typically, when a state allows online casino-type gambling, they require that the websites have direct connections to physical establishments within the state, a principle upheld in every state where online casino games are regulated at present.
Conversely, a few states have allowed online sports betting without having any land-based casinos at all. Usually, such sportsbooks are regulated through the state’s Lottery Department.
At this point, it's uncertain if Georgia has any established framework to oversee online casinos. To implement effective regulations, they would first need to formulate comprehensive gaming laws. However, it seems feasible that they could simply take Nevada's regulations, alter the tax rate to a significantly higher figure, and consider the job done!
Despite the fact that online gambling remains illegal for players in Georgia, we haven't found any documented cases of individuals facing legal action for participating in such activities.
In our previous examination of Hawaii, we made some eye-opening observations:
Hawaii's State Legislature appears to be quite irrational. If I were in charge, I would swiftly legalize every imaginable form of gambling! Considering Hawaii's already stellar reputation as a tourist hotspot, it would surely generate massive revenue. Nevertheless, aside from Social Gambling and Home Games, all forms of gambling currently remain illegal according to Hawaii's statutes. The law explicitly prohibits any wagering in what they classify as 'Contests of chance.'
NEW JERSEY
- Online Casinos: Yes
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Gambling Offshore Illegal: No
Interestingly, I've noted that many Hawaii residents may not be too fond of casinos. After watching various travel documentaries, it seems clear that locals aren't particularly enthusiastic about the influx of tourists! While I can't speak for the political figures, I suspect a number of residents might oppose casinos not only because it could draw even more visitors to the state but for that very reason.
Currently, there doesn't appear to be any momentum behind efforts to legalize online sportsbooks, as the local populace doesn't seem particularly interested in Commercial Gambling. However, it's noteworthy that there are a number of social gambling games, some of which are rather unique, that do attract popularity.
If someone were to decide to engage in online gambling and access an offshore casino, we couldn't find any recorded instances of the state taking action against such individuals.
A pertinent question arises regarding who would oversee online sports betting if Hawaii eventually grants it legality. In other jurisdictions where land-based casinos are absent, we've noticed that regulation frequently resides with Tribal Casinos or the state lottery department. However, Hawaii lacks both of these entities!
To revisit an earlier discussion:
NEW MEXICO
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Gambling Online Illegal: Yes
In Idaho, all forms of gambling that are not sanctioned by the state are illegal, and any gambling activity constitutes a Misdemeanor. It's unclear how strictly this is enforced regarding online gambling.
Idaho has yet to permit any regulated or legalized online gambling, keeping its current status illegal. Still, we have found no evidence that anyone has faced prosecution for simply playing at an offshore casino, and I seriously doubt that would happen.
Given the current lack of interest in sports betting, it seems highly improbable that online sports wagering will make its way to Idaho anytime soon, as the Statesman notes that the desire for such activities is minimal. They pointed out:
Several other states previously had sweeping gambling bans that they revised after lawmakers proposed bills in the House or Senate. However, no sports betting proposals have ever been introduced by legislators in Idaho, reflecting little enthusiasm for the idea.
This analysis shows that not a single legislator has advanced a sports betting bill, indicating that Idaho may be one of the last states to embrace online sports betting, if it ever does.
Idaho's population is relatively small, which may prompt them to consider a deal similar to New Hampshire’s arrangement, potentially allowing for a single, exclusive regulated sportsbook to operate in exchange for a high tax percentage on that sportsbook's revenues. We believe that this approach could be the most effective for a state with a smaller population.
As we noted in a previous version of this document, the laws concerning gambling forms not regulated by the state are clearly laid out:
In the Land of Lincoln, any gambling activity outside of State-Regulated forms is explicitly illegal. Engaging in a game of chance or skill for money or items of value is a Misdemeanor under state law, though the enforcement of this law in relation to online gambling remains ambiguous.
The way the law is phrased implies that even if the state had officially sanctioned online casinos, participating in an unregulated one would still be illegal. Interestingly, around a decade ago, there was an attempt to create a law that specifically banned online gambling, but it never made it to a full Senate vote. This was a curious situation since the existing law already makes online gambling illegal.
NEW YORK
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Gambling Offshore Illegal: No
Regardless of the situation, we could not find any examples of players being prosecuted simply for engaging in activities at an online casino.
We once speculated that online gambling would be regulated in the state around 2020, and while that was slightly off, we weren't entirely wrong. Although online casino games are yet to appear, the state has now legalized online sportsbooks, featuring familiar operators found in other states where such activities are permitted.
There's been reports indicating that the state is actively investigating the potential tax revenue from online casino games. They've acknowledged that the anticipated financial influx could be substantial—essentially, 'a significant amount of money.' As a result, we foresee the state licensing and regulating online casinos sooner rather than later, especially given their relatively progressive stance on gambling over the last several decades. They are among the few states that have widely implemented Video Lottery Terminals.
Curiously, the state had already been exploring online poker even prior to the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), yet online poker has still not materialized.
It's important to note that playing on offshore sites isn't expressly illegal; however, any device used to access such platforms could be classified as an unlawful gambling device according to state law. As we learned in our earlier review of Indiana:
NY Sportsday Establishing an online casino in Indiana is ill-advised! For players, engaging in illegal gambling results in a Class B Misdemeanor. Additionally, your device would likely be deemed an illegal gambling device under state law.
Nevertheless, we found no evidence that individual players have ever faced prosecution just for gambling online, which makes us skeptical that such legal actions have occurred.
In the meantime, Indiana has taken steps to permit online sportsbooks and in-person betting at state casinos since our last in-depth review of this topic.
Moreover, state officials are now closely monitoring the potential tax revenue from online casino games and possibly poker as well.
NORTH CAROLINA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Online Betting Illegal: Yes
To date, no bills regarding this issue have successfully passed out of committee. The earliest a relevant bill could theoretically be approved is in 2023; if that happens, implementation would be relatively quick, especially as many sportsbook operators already facilitate online casinos in states like Pennsylvania.
Thus, we strongly suspect that the regulation of online casinos in Indiana could very well unfold within the next few years, possibly as soon as next year.
Gambling offshore is technically illegal: Yes - Potential Felony
Upon conducting the initial iteration of this page, we found the following:
Iowa has some of the most stringent laws regarding online gambling. Outside of regulated forms, it is a crime to place any bet under Iowa law, and penalties can escalate to a felony depending on the amounts involved. Additionally, any earnings from online gambling may be subject to confiscation, as would be any funds tied to other illegal gambling activities within the state. It is unclear how often these laws are enforced. Charlotte Observer . Quoting, in part:
The legislation clearly stipulates that only gambling activities sanctioned by the state are allowed, encompassing only operators licensed within Iowa for both sports betting and casino gambling.
One concern that arises is that online gambling could potentially be classified as a felony, depending on the stakes involved. While we found no documented cases of individuals being prosecuted just for being players at offshore casinos, it might be advisable to tread carefully regarding activities that could lead to felony charges.
On a more positive note, the state has legalized both in-person and online sports betting, with the operators functioning within the state's regulations being similar to those elsewhere.
NORTH DAKOTA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Gamble Online: Not Really
Reports indicate that Iowa may be cautious about expanding its gambling laws and has instituted a two-year pause on licensing new commercial casinos. If this holds for online gambling, it might be at least three years before the state considers legalizing and regulating online casinos.
Finally, our earlier investigation revealed broad gambling laws in Kansas, stipulating that any unregulated gambling is illegal:
Kansas law is quite expansive, making placing a bet a Class B Misdemeanor unless it falls under state-sanctioned gambling. Enforcement of these laws is likely rare, if it occurs at all.
Consequently, gambling at unregulated websites would be considered a Misdemeanor, yet we found no instance of anyone being charged under this statute.
According to KFYRTV Currently, we are uncertain whether Georgia has established any mechanisms to oversee online casinos. The state would first need to create comprehensive gaming regulations; they could potentially borrow ideas from Nevada's framework, modify the tax rate to a substantially higher figure, and consider it finished!
Regardless of the circumstances, while online gambling remains prohibited within the state, we have found no incidents of individuals facing legal action merely for participating as players.
From our earlier investigation into Hawaii, we learned the following:
OHIO
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, Coming in 2023
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No
The Legislature in Hawaii appears to be making some questionable decisions. If it were my choice, I'd push to legalize all types of gambling right away! Combining that with Hawaii's esteemed reputation as a travel destination would turn it into a significant revenue generator. Unfortunately, aside from Social Gambling and Home Games, all other gambling activities are outright illegal according to Hawaii's laws, which bans betting in, \"Contests of chance.\"
Interestingly, I've come to understand why locals might have reservations about casinos: through travel vlogs, I've noticed that Hawaiians generally don't seem fond of tourists! While I can't comment on the views of political figures, it's likely that some locals would oppose casinos not solely because of the influx of visitors, but perhaps because they would prefer fewer tourists overall.
Nevertheless, any movement toward legalizing online sportsbooks seems to have come to a halt. It seems the residents of Hawaii have little interest in Commercial Gambling, although there are reports of various unique social gambling games that are quite popular.
For those looking to play at online casinos, we have not identified any situations where the state has prosecuted an individual for simply playing online.
Should Hawaii ever decide to permit online sports betting, a pressing question arises: who will oversee the regulation? In states without traditional casinos, this responsibility typically falls to Tribal Casinos or the lottery department, but Hawaii lacks both! Akron Beacon Journal To summarize from our previous writing:
In Idaho, all types of gambling, except those sanctioned by the State, are strictly forbidden, and engaging in gambling is considered a Misdemeanor. It's unclear if this law is ever applied to online gambling.
Since the state has not allowed for any type of legal and regulated online gambling, it remains prohibited. However, we've not found any instances of individuals being prosecuted solely for the act of playing at offshore casinos and doubt that such prosecutions would ever occur.
Thus far, it appears highly improbable that sports betting or online sports betting will be established in Idaho in the near future, as reports indicate that residents lack enthusiasm for it. As noted:
OKLAHOMA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
There have been similar blanket gambling bans in many other states, which were later amended when bills were proposed in the House or Senate. However, no sports betting legislation has been introduced by Idaho lawmakers, indicating a lack of interest.
This suggests that Idaho may be one of the last states to authorize online sports betting, if it ever comes to fruition.
Idaho's population is relatively small, placing it in the bottom third, so they might need to negotiate something akin to New Hampshire's arrangement, allowing one exclusive regulated sportsbook to operate in exchange for a significant share (tax) of the sportsbook's revenue. We believe this approach could be effective for smaller states. The Ada News As we highlighted in the earlier section of this page, the laws governing unregulated forms of gambling are quite explicit:
In Lincoln's Land, aside from state-regulated gambling, participating in any game of chance or skill for monetary gain is clearly illegal. This constitutes a Misdemeanor, but it is hard to determine how rigorously the law is enforced concerning online gambling.
The legal language suggests that even if the state were to regulate online casinos, playing at an unregulated one would still be prohibited. Curiously, there was an attempt roughly a decade ago to pass legislation specifically banning online gambling altogether, but it never reached a full vote in the Senate. This would have been paradoxical since the current regulations already rendered it illegal.
Nevertheless, we have found no evidence that any online casino players have faced prosecution for simply engaging in their activities.
We anticipated that by 2020, online gambling would have been regulated within the state. Although we weren't completely correct, we were somewhat on track. While online casino games aren’t yet available, online sportsbooks are operating, featuring many familiar operators you would recognize in other states where such activities are legalized.
There are reports indicating that the state is carefully considering the potential tax revenues that online casino-style gambling could bring. Early assessments suggest that the financial benefits could be substantial, and we anticipate that the state will soon implement licensed and regulated online casinos. This is particularly likely since they have been one of the most permissive states in gambling over recent decades, even featuring a limited number of Video Lottery Terminals across the state.
OREGON
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, One.
- Interestingly, discussions around online poker had begun before the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), but online poker itself has yet to be realized.
While you might think playing at offshore sites is outright illegal, the reality is that the device you use to play could be considered an unlawful gambling device under state law, as we discovered in our investigation of Indiana:
Operating an online casino in Indiana is a risky endeavor! For players, engaging in illegal gambling is classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. Additionally, your gambling device would most likely be designated as an illegal gambling device under state law.
However, we could not find any records of individual players facing prosecution solely for the act of gambling online and doubt anyone has ever been charged under such regulations.
In the meantime, Indiana has legalized both online sports betting and in-person wagering at its casinos since our last comprehensive update.
Moreover, state officials are closely examining the potential tax revenues from online casino and poker offerings.
However, no relevant legislation has yet advanced past the committee stage. The earliest a bill could theoretically be passed is 2023; if it were to succeed, implementation would likely proceed swiftly, as many sportsbook operators also run online casinos in other states, like Pennsylvania.
Therefore, we suspect that regulating online casinos in the state is imminent, with developments possibly occurring as soon as next year. here .
Naturally, the tribes Engaging in Offshore Gambling is classified as Illegal - Potential Felony .
During our previous review of this topic, we found the following:
PENNSYLVANIA
- Online Casinos: Yes
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No
Iowa appears to have some of the strictest regulations regarding online gambling. Other than sanctioned gambling activities, it is considered a crime to, \"Make any bet,\" per Iowa law, with penalties that can escalate to a Felony based on the amounts involved. Additionally, any funds gained from online gambling can be seized, along with any proceeds from other illegal gambling activities in the state. The law's enforcement frequency remains uncertain.
This legislation explicitly states that only regulated gambling activities are permissible, which limits participation to operators licensed within the state for both sports betting and casino gaming.
RHODE ISLAND
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, One
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No
Our primary concern is that online gambling could potentially be classified as a felony, depending on the stakes involved. While we have not come across any instances of casual players being prosecuted for playing at offshore casinos, it may be best to avoid any potential felonies.
On a positive note, the state does permit both land-based and online sports betting, with the operational sites being the same as those found in other jurisdictions.
However, reports suggest that Iowa is now slowing its gambling expansions, instituting a two-year hiatus on new commercial casino licenses. Assuming the same holds true for online gaming operators, we do not foresee Iowa permitting or regulating online casinos for at least the next three years.
Firstly, we need to clarify, as indicated in our earlier findings, that Kansas laws broadly state that any form of gambling not regulated by the state is illegal:
The law in Kansas is broadly defined, as any betting constitutes a Class B Misdemeanor unless it falls under state-approved gambling forms. In practice, these laws are seldom enforced.
Under these circumstances, participating at an unregulated online site would be classified as a Misdemeanor; however, we found no evidence suggesting that anyone has actually faced charges under this statute.
SOUTH CAROLINA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Gamble Online: No
At this point, it's unclear if Georgia has any established guidelines that would allow it to oversee online casinos. They would first need to create comprehensive gaming regulations. Although, it might be simpler for them to replicate Nevada's regulations, modify the tax rates to be significantly higher, and call it a completed task!
Regardless of the situation, even though online gambling is not permitted in the state, we have not found any reports of individuals facing charges for participating in it.
Our earlier exploration into the Aloha State revealed some insights:
The Hawaiian State Legislature seems to have lost touch with reality. If I were in charge, I would immediately legalize every conceivable type of gambling! Given Hawaii's reputation as a leading tourist destination, this decision could generate substantial revenue. Instead, apart from Social Gambling and Home Games, all other forms of gambling remain strictly illegal according to Hawaiian laws. These laws prohibit any betting activities categorized as 'Contests of chance.'
Through my exploration, I realized why some residents might be hesitant about the idea of casinos: based on travel videos, it appears that Hawaiians actually prefer to avoid crowds of tourists! While I cannot represent the views of the politicians, I believe many locals might oppose casinos, not just because they attract more visitors, but for that very reason. Fox54 , such is not the case.
Currently, the movement toward legalizing online sportsbooks appears to have reached a standstill. It seems that the islanders aren't particularly interested in Commercial Gambling; however, various social gambling activities, some of which are quite distinctive, seem to be flourishing among the locals.
In the meantime, if someone chooses to sit at their computer and enter an online casino, we found no evidence of the state prosecuting anyone for that action.
SOUTH DAKOTA
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
One question that arises should Hawaii ever permit online sports betting is who would be in charge of its regulation? In states without physical casinos, this responsibility typically goes to tribal casinos or the lottery department, yet Hawaii lacks both these entities!
Revisiting a topic from our last piece:
In Idaho, any gambling form not explicitly authorized by the government is forbidden and is classified as a Misdemeanor. It's unclear if this law is ever enforced in cases of online gambling.
Since the state has not sanctioned any regulated online gambling options, it remains illegal. Nevertheless, our investigation found no evidence of players being charged simply for gambling online at an offshore site, and we are skeptical that any such charges would occur. Dakota News Now It appears quite improbable that Idaho will see any sports betting legislation, let alone online sports betting, emerge in the near future, as the Statesman reports a lack of interest among the populace. To illustrate this point:
Many other states previously imposed similar total bans on gambling, which were modified after legislators presented bills in the House or Senate. However, in Idaho, no such sports betting bill has ever been proposed, and the interest level appears to be minimal.
This indicates that no legislators have attempted to propose a sports betting bill, which suggests that Idaho may be one of the last states to consider legalizing online sports betting, if it ever does.
Idaho's population ranks among the lowest third in the nation, potentially leading them to consider a deal akin to New Hampshire's, allowing only one exclusive, regulated sportsbook in the state that operates in return for a hefty tax on its revenues. We believe this strategy could be beneficial for smaller states.
TENNESSEE
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes
- As previously discussed, the state's laws concerning unregulated gambling forms are rather straightforward:
The state's regulations are explicit: apart from state-regulated forms of gambling, playing a game, whether of chance or skill, for monetarily valuable stakes is outright illegal. This offense is categorized as a Misdemeanor, though it is unclear how strictly these laws are applied to online gambling.
The legal language is such that even if the state had authorized online casinos, playing at ones that are not regulated would still be against the law. Oddly enough, roughly a decade ago, there was an attempt to push a law that would render online gambling illegal, but it never reached a full Senate vote. This would have been quite peculiar since, as we observe, the current legal wording already categorizes these activities as illegal.
Nonetheless, we found no recorded incidents of someone facing prosecution merely for playing at an online casino.
We had predicted that online gambling would be brought under regulation in the state around 2020, and while our anticipation was not entirely accurate, it was partially correct. Online casino games remain unavailable, but the state has authorized online sportsbooks with operations similar to those found elsewhere in states where such activities are legal.
Reports indicate that the state is closely assessing the potential tax revenue from online casino-style gambling. They seem to have discovered that this figure could be significantly high, leading us to believe that licensed and regulated online casinos will likely become a reality soon. This expectation is further reinforced by their long history of being one of the more permissive states regarding gambling, with several limited Video Lottery Terminals operating across the state.
Surprisingly, the state had shown interest in online poker even before the reversal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), yet online poker has not yet launched.
It's technically not against the law to gamble offshore; however, the device used for such gambling could be considered an illegal gambling device under current statutes, as we noted in our previous exploration of Indiana:
Iowa residents should definitely avoid running an online casino! For players, however, participating in illegal gambling is classified as a Class B Misdemeanor. Additionally, your device would most likely be classified as an illegal gambling device based on state law.
Despite this, we found no instances of individuals being prosecuted merely for participating in online gambling, and we seriously doubt any charges have ever been filed under this ruling.
In the meantime, The Hoosier State has legalized both online sportsbooks and in-person wagering at the state's casinos since our last comprehensive review.
TEXAS
- Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Gamble Online: Yes
Moreover, local politicians are also investigating potential tax revenues that could be generated from online casino and poker operations.
Nevertheless, no relevant legislative proposals have emerged from committees. Should such a proposal eventually be made, it could theoretically pass in 2023, but if it does, the implementation would be swift since many of the state’s sportsbook operators are also involved in running online casinos in other regions like Pennsylvania.
Hence, we suspect that the regulation of online casinos is likely to happen within a few years, potentially as soon as next year.
KXAN Offshore Gambling is Prohibited: Yes - Potential Felony
From our initial research on this topic, we discovered:
Iowa seems to have some of the strictest apparent laws regarding online gambling. Absent state-sanctioned gambling forms, engaging in any betting activity is a criminal offense according to Iowa law, with penalties potentially escalating to a felony depending on the amounts involved. Furthermore, any money gained from online gambling can be seized, and the same applies to any funds derived from other illegal gambling activities in the state. The frequency with which these laws are applied remains unclear.
Legally, only state-approved gambling methods are acceptable, which encompasses only operators that are duly licensed within the state for both sports betting and casino gambling.
We have concerns regarding the severity of online gambling laws, as the penalties for gambling activities could classify as felonies, depending on the context. While we’ve encountered no instances of individuals being penalized just for being players at an offshore casino, it's advisable to steer clear of anything that could lead to felony charges.
UTAH
- Online Casinos: Haha, no.
- On a more positive note, the state has permitted both in-person and online sports betting, with platforms operating in a regulated manner, identical to those in numerous other states.
- Reports suggest that Iowa is currently slowing its gambling expansion, having imposed a two-year freeze on the licensing of new commercial casinos. If the same applies to online gambling, we would not expect the state to approve or regulate online casinos for a minimum of the next three years.
To clarify, as stated in our initial assessment, Kansas's gambling laws are quite expansive in that any unregulated gambling activity is classified as illegal:
At least you guys have Jell-O.
The legal framework in Kansas extends broadly, stating that making a 'bet' is categorized as a Class B Misdemeanor unless it involves a form of gambling expressly permitted by the state. In practice, these laws are likely enforced very infrequently, if at all.
As a result, playing on an unregulated website would likely be classified as a misdemeanor; however, we could find no evidence that anyone has been charged under this statute.
Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Gamble Online: Not Really
- According to
- KFYRTV
In a surprising turn of events, Kansas, a state known for its conservative stance, has taken a bold step by legalizing and regulating online sports betting. This move is particularly astonishing given that California has seen significant resistance to similar legislation and neighboring Missouri, which is slightly less conservative, has yet to adopt online sports betting as of December 2022.
It's important to note that none of the proposals for regulated online sportsbooks in Kansas address additional forms of gambling such as poker or traditional casino games. Those advocating for online casinos should be prepared for strong opposition, as highlighted by comments from the Kansas Reflector:
"With a staggering number of 65,000 gambling addicts in our state, we are effectively failing them. It feels as if we are dropping a bomb on these families,\" remarked Rep. Pat Proctor, a Republican from Leavenworth who has never purchased a lottery ticket. \"We've essentially created this issue ourselves.\"
OHIO Online Casinos: No This clearly illustrates that not all stakeholders support the notion of sports betting; thus, it raises concerns about the prospect of legalizing online casino gambling, which could prove to be an even more significant challenge.
Should a bill permitting online casinos ever gain approval, its implementation could occur swiftly. This is because Kansas is already home to a number of Tribal casinos alongside commercial establishments like the Hollywood Casino in Kansas City, Kansas.
Referring back to what was initially discussed on this topic:
Online Sportsbooks: Yes, Coming in 2023
- Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No
- Akron Beacon Journal
- Kentucky law prohibits what it terms, \"Advance Gambling Activity,\" applying specifically to operators rather than individual players. Interestingly, Kentucky regulations do not seem to impose penalties on players who engage in gambling activities.
As of now, there has been no indication of any laws that would ban a person from participating in online casino games, and we do not anticipate that such legislation will emerge any time soon.
A proposed bill that would have allowed both online and in-person sports betting at state racetracks successfully passed through the House of Representatives but was ultimately stalled in the Senate. As noted:
"It seems to me this aligns naturally with our longstanding tradition of pari-mutuel betting on horses, which I consider a form of sports betting. However, there is considerable resistance to gambling within this institution,\" said Thayer.
Last week, the Kentucky House of Representatives endorsed the sports betting proposal with a vote of 58-30. This bill, HB 606, introduced by Rep. Adam Koenig (R-Erlanger), is now headed to the Kentucky Senate. If the Senate gives its approval, it will be submitted to Governor Andy Beshear for his signature to become law.
However, it's significant to clarify that the Senate did not formally reject HB 606; rather, it simply never brought the bill to a vote, leaving Kentucky without legalized sports betting.
The financial implications here are considerable, especially if Kentucky were to allow betting on college sports, considering the passionate sports fanbase in the state that could lead to substantial tax revenue influx.
When it relates to online casino gambling, we find it hard to believe that it will gain traction anytime soon. The state's firm opposition to casino-related games suggests that legalization could be at least five years away, if it happens at all.
OKLAHOMA
- Online Casinos: No
- The first step is to reiterate our initial observations:
- This remains true, "Anyone found guilty of Gambling by Computer may face a fine of up to five hundred dollars, imprisonment for no more than six months, or both.\"
This principle still holds, except now online sports betting is legal in the state. In an unfortunate twist, Louisiana has enacted a clause that legalizes sports betting under specific conditions, primarily when it aligns with generating tax revenue.
I was genuinely hopeful that this law would remain unchanged, as I had a rather humorous comment ready regarding the seemingly contradictory nature of education funding in Louisiana along with the simultaneous legalization and illegality of gambling.
In any case, the online sportsbooks available in the state mirror those found across the country. Unfortunately, no proposals permitting online casino gambling have shown any signs of progressing.
There remains a possibility that such a bill could arise in the next few years as state lawmakers observe the revenue achievements of other states. More so, Louisiana has historically maintained a relatively permissive attitude towards gambling, being among the first to establish Commercial land-based casinos.
For now, we have not encountered any cases of individuals being charged under illegal gambling laws in the state simply for playing at an offshore online casino.
Online Sportsbooks: No
- Illegal to Play Online: Yes
- The Ada News
- Online Sportsbook: Yes (But None Exist Yet - December 2022)
As we outlined in our initial review:
While Maine classifies unlawful gambling as criminal behavior, there appear to be no associated penalties for just being a player engaged in online gambling. This lack of penalties essentially renders the act legal.
Consequently, we concluded that players have the freedom to gamble as they wish, provided they aren't operating an illegal online casino in Maine.
Maine has enacted a bill permitting internet sportsbooks. This is a modified version of an earlier bill that imposed a tax rate of 25% on net revenues, a rate that operators would likely find intolerable unless they received exclusivity, similar to New Hampshire's 50% tax. OREGON The sportsbooks are anticipated to be coordinated with the state's Tribal casinos, and regarding financial expectations, a report states:
Champion estimates the state will receive between $3.8 million to $6 million annually from sports betting, based on a 10% cut of gross revenues post payouts to bettors. Additionally, the tribes are set to earn 50% or more of the online revenue, while providers like Draft Kings or FanDuel could keep up to 30-40% for facilitating mobile applications where bets are placed. Furthermore, 0.25% of gross revenues will contribute to federal taxes.
Online Casinos: No
- Online Sportsbooks: Yes, One.
- This revenue distribution seems reasonable, and it's encouraging to see that the tribes will primarily benefit from this gambling expansion. It would be regrettable if the state, which is already doing well financially, ended up taking a larger share than necessary, negatively impacting tribal interests.
- However, the expectations for these sportsbooks to launch aren't set until 2024, which is puzzling. There's no apparent justification for such a lengthy timeline, especially when other states with no land-based casinos have successfully established online sports betting in just months following their bill's passage.
It’s uncertain when Maine will finally permit online casino gambling, but it seems inevitable. Eventually, they will have to recognize the substantial revenue that neighboring states are generating. Additionally, Maine has strong collaborative ties with Native American casino operators, and it’s likely that the tribes would seek a share of online casino revenue as well.
Again, it’s advisable to consult with a lawyer; our previous analysis of Maryland's regulations that seemed to outlaw online gambling was based on this:
According to Maryland Law, both utilizing and possessing a 'Gambling Device' constitutes a crime that could lead to various fines or even a two-year prison sentence for engaging with a gaming device.
Yet, it now appears that a computer or mobile device can be considered a gambling device for players, since mobile sports betting has been legalized in Maryland. Our earlier investigation never revealed any concrete laws prohibiting individuals from playing online, so we operated under the assumption that such devices fell under the gambling device category.
here
- Naturally, the
- tribes
- Kentucky law prohibits what it terms, \"Advance Gambling Activity,\" applying specifically to operators rather than individual players. Interestingly, Kentucky regulations do not seem to impose penalties on players who engage in gambling activities.
Following the passage of a bill to authorize online sports betting in 2020, it became operational in Baltimore by 2021, and by November 2022, it was accessible statewide. Maryland currently has around six regulated online sportsbooks, all mirroring those found in neighboring Pennsylvania.
We project that Maryland will likely legalize and regulate online casino activities within two to three years. Our reasoning is based on a couple of factors:
1.) Maryland Already Has Commercial Land-Based Casinos:
This is significant, as Maryland already features land-based commercial casinos, a characteristic common to states that have permitted regulated casino gaming and poker.
2.) Neighboring States Already Host Commercial Online Casinos:
PENNSYLVANIA
With that, we have updated the status of online gambling, as well as online sports betting, for all fifty states as of December of 2022. It is possible that we will update this page as new developments happen, or more likely, we will update it all at once every year or two years.
Indeed, Maryland is lagging in this area, as its neighboring states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia already offer online sportsbooks and casino-style gaming. Eventually, Maryland is likely to recognize the cash influx that these states are experiencing through taxation and may decide to bring those gambling revenues inside their borders as well.
In any case, those interested in a regulated online casino experience but not in sports betting will likely seek alternatives across state lines until Maryland also embraces online casino gaming.
Is it illegal to gamble offshore? Yes, In Theory
Massachusetts has laws that not only ban unregulated gambling (even for participants) but also prohibit gambling in public spaces. Our earlier iteration of this page referenced:
This essentially means that individuals gambling and winning five dollars or more (excluding state-authorized gambling under Chapter 23K) could face penalties amounting to double the amount they won.
Nonetheless, there are no jail sentences attached, and we’ve also never heard of anyone being prosecuted under this law for playing online, suggesting that while it is technically illegal, the likelihood of facing consequences for such actions is extremely low.
In a surprising twist, Kansas has taken the step to legalize and regulate online sports betting, diverging from its traditionally conservative stance. This move is unexpected, especially when considering that California has seen a strong rejection of such proposals, and neighboring Missouri, which is somewhat less conservative, has yet to adopt similar measures as of December 2022. Online Casinos: Yes Online Sportsbooks: Yes Illegal to Gamble Offshore: No :
RHODE ISLAND
Online Casinos: NoAt least you guys have Jell-O.
View All
- Up to this point, we have not discovered any legislation indicating that simply playing at an online casino is illegal, and we don't foresee such laws being introduced in the future.
- A bill was proposed that would allow for both online and in-person sports betting at racetracks in the state. It successfully passed the House of Representatives but ultimately did not gain traction in the Senate. To quote:
- "In my view, this represents a natural progression from our long-standing tradition ofpari-mutuel betting on horse races, which I consider a form of sports betting. However, there remains substantial opposition to gambling within this legislative body,\" remarked Thayer.
- The Kentucky House of Representatives granted approval to the sports betting legislation with a vote of 58-30 last week. The bill, HB 606, sponsored by Rep. Adam Koenig (R-Erlanger), will now advance to the Kentucky Senate. If it secures Senate approval, it will then be presented to Governor Andy Beshear for his endorsement before becoming law.
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- However, the Senate never actually voted on HB 606, effectively leaving Kentucky without any sports betting options.
- This situation represents a considerable potential revenue loss, especially since Kentucky might not inhibit betting on college sports, attracting passionate fans and a significant influx of tax dollars.
- When discussing online casinos, it's easy to envision a long wait before any progress is made. The state's firm opposition to casino gaming suggests that any possible legislation is likely still over five years away, if it ever materializes.
- Let’s revisit what we noted in our original discussion:
Win A Day Casino
- This succinctly captures the legal landscape, "Anyone convicted of Gambling by Computer could face a fine of up to five hundred dollars, or imprisonment for a maximum of six months, or both.\"
- This statement still holds true except for online sports betting, which has now been legalized in the state. Unfortunately, Louisiana made an amendment that allows for the legality of sports betting in specific scenarios, primarily when it results in tax revenue for the state.
- I was genuinely concerned that they would not change that law. I had a funny anecdote prepared regarding the contradictions surrounding education funding and gambling laws in Louisiana.
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