Gambling in online casinos is a popular pastime across the United States, but its legality is still pending in some areas. The betting options are different state by state, with some having legalized all forms, including online casinos, and others having very limited options. With iGaming being a relatively new trend, there are hopes that it will follow the same trajectory that online sports betting did and become commonplace in the coming years.
New Jersey
Currently one of the few states that has totally legalized online gambling, New Jersey is home to a large iGaming market. In fact, NJ was one of the pioneers of online casinos in the US, allowing them to operate from 2013 onwards. The state has over 30 operators serving its citizens, including some of the biggest names in online gambling.
Connecticut
Although Connecticut may be newer to the world of online casinos, the state is quickly trying to catch up. The state legalized online gambling in May 2021, thanks to Governor Ned Lamont passing legislation permitting online casinos, sports betting, and poker. At the moment, there are only two online casino options for residents to pick from, but this is sure to increase as time goes on.
Delaware
Similarly to New Jersey, Delaware was one of the first states in America to legalize online gambling. Governor Jack Markell made wagering legal back in 2012, and the first online casinos were introduced the following year. Residents of Delaware do not have a lot of choice to pick from however, as the few options are all controlled by the state lottery, and are digital versions of their in-person casinos.
Pennsylvania
In late October, 2017, Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill that officially legalized online gambling, including casinos, in Pennsylvania. In the years that have followed, the state has become a haven for those wanting to place their bets, which in turn has provided a huge economic boost for the people of PA. As it stands now, residents are able to play online casinos and take part in other types of online gambling using some of the country’s most well-known providers.
Michigan
The state of Michigan legalized online betting in 2019, but no casinos were able to operate properly until earlier this year, in January 2023. This delay was unfortunate, but luckily now the online gaming market is in full swing! Already, Michigan has over 10 iGaming operators offering casino games to citizens.
West Virginia
Following the path that other states have taken, West Virginia first legalized sports betting, and a year later, in 2019, permitted online poker and casinos. They became the fifth state in the US to make online betting legal. WV already has multiple online casino options for people to pick from, and has partnered with some of the biggest brand names in the business. According to the legislation surrounding casinos in the state, there is set to be a total of 15 licensed online casinos in West Virginia.
The Future of Online Casinos in The US
Whilst only a majority of US states have fully legalized online casinos, it is likely that more and more will follow suit in the future. Those that have are seeing higher numbers of tourists and economic benefits especially if they also embrace other forms of gambling such as sports betting. For now, however, there are only a handful of places where Americans can take part in the activity freely. Those that live in states where online casinos are outlawed must either travel to a neighboring state where it is legal, or make use of offshore casinos.