The state of Texas has strict anti-gaming regulations, with just one slot parlor in the state and little else in the way of legal gambling. As a consequence, illegal game rooms are extremely popular. These are essentially rental spaces outfitted with games known as “eight-liners,” which are eight-payline slot games. As of this writing, Delaware, New Jersey, and Nevada all have state-based online poker available, and both Delaware and New Jersey also offer state-regulated online casino gambling as well. At this moment in time, individual states are not eligible to provide state-regulated sports betting online due to current federal legislation blocking such access.

States With Legal Online Sports Gambling
Is Online Gambling Legal In Us
States That Have Legal Online Gambling
Legal Internet Gambling United States

An Overview of Gambling Laws in Various US States

Though the United States federal government has its own set of laws governing the legality of gambling and plenty of restrictions therein (more on all of that below), most states have their own legislation that addresses everything from age limits to whether you have friends over for a friendly game of poker on a Friday night. Most states have gambling codes that reflect the values of the population: states in the Bible Belt trend towards the most conservative end of things while Nevada and New Jersey are consistently pushing the boundaries of progress.

Each individual state page, linked below, delves into the details of state statutes that define relevant gambling terms and shape how residents can risk their hard-earned wages. Some laws seem more reasonable than others and the loopholes are numerous (and in some cases quirky almost beyond belief). We also take a look at the still hazy laws outlining internet gambling. With technology still on the rise, regulations often lag behind and online poker players are caught between federal decrees and hazy laws in their home states. The answer? Often its offshore virtual casinos but that’s another story.

One thing is for sure – gambling law in the United States is an ever-evolving thing and it pays (sometimes literally) to stay on top of each and every change.

Gambling Rules State by State: A Brief Introduction

Alabama: Welcome to the confusing gambling laws of the Bible Belt! As a conservative state, Alabama takes a fairly negative stance towards gambling, but they defy their own disapproval by allowing pari-mutuel betting and e-bingo. Combine that with tribal casinos (though game offerings there are depressingly limited) and you may have more options for betting in Alabama than you thought.

Alaska: You can’t do much in the way of traditional gambling in Alaska but if you get the itch to place a bet in The Last Frontier state there’s always charity betting on dog mushing or pull-tab games. That counts, right?

Arizona: Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, and that has made the state a jackpot for anyone interested in visiting a tribal casino. From bar poker to blackjack, gambling is alive and well in this hot, southwestern state, and that includes both pari-mutuel betting and the lottery.

Arkansas: If you love Atlantic City and Las Vegas, you would’ve gotten a kick out of Hot Springs, Arkansas, when the city was in its gambling heyday. Unfortunately, today’s gambling opportunities in the state are limited to a couple casinos, some bingo halls, and a few other interesting exceptions.

California: When western expansion and fortune hunting sent thousands racing to California in the 1840s, gambling become almost a way of life. Not much has changed, although these days games mostly take place in tribal casinos and thriving legal poker rooms, with online sites potentially on the horizon.

Colorado: Colorado’s Brown Saloon might be the first legal casino to have opened in the U.S., but it took Colorado a century and a half to open another. Luckily, that second spot was just the beginning and gamblers in the Centennial State now have their pick of everything from roulette to charitable raffles.

Connecticut: Connecticut might not seem like a gambler’s paradise but tribal casinos in the Constitution State are every bit as big and thriving as the ones in Sin City. Outside the casinos, though, it’s another story – and that story may or may not include wagering on duck racing…

Delaware: Delaware has several casino complexes, sports betting, and a state lottery, but its biggest claim to fame is that it was the first state to legalize online gambling.

Florida: Florida gives its residents plenty of spots to gamble at top-notch tribal casinos – the Hard Rock has several homes here – but bet outside the lines (as in outside those casinos) and you could set yourself up from some stiff penalties.

Georgia: If there was a contest for the state least likely to legalize gambling, Georgia just might win. These peach enthusiasts have all but banned commercial gambling and charity games, the lottery, and “just for fun” poker leagues are about as far as the fun goes.

Hawaii: Want to gamble in Hawaii? You’re better off heading to the islands for a lei and a luau because gambling is a major no-go here. Casinos are banned, as is almost everything else. The one exception? Social games, and you’ll have to check out the restrictions on those before anteing up.

Idaho: Gambling laws in Idaho were once done on a town-by-town basis, but these days the state has the final word and that word is often “no”. From the height of gambling back in the days of gold speculators to today’s infinitely more restrictive climate, we’ve got the history, the current legislation, and a look at the future.

Illinois: You don’t want to get caught operating an online gambling site in Illinois but you might get a pass for just playing – maybe. There are also gambling boats, race tracks, and lottery tickets on offer, and that’s not half bad.

Indiana: A friendly home poker game in Indiana could cost you, but fear not – step outside the confines of your house and you can legally bet everywhere from riverboat casinos to racinos. AS for online poker, that still seems like a dodgy prospect (you can blame those casinos).

Iowa: In Iowa, it’s a major case of “if you can’t pay the fine, don’t do the gambling crime”. Consequences for illegal gambling are no joke, but there are plenty of riverboat and land-based casinos that offer legal opportunities for poker and slot play so you can have fun instead of facing charges.

Kansas: Who remembers Dodge City? Those smoky saloons may be a distant memory but gambling in Kansas is alive and well. There are casinos in the state as well as pari-mutuel betting and the lottery, but expansion into online gaming seems dicey at best.

Kentucky: Kentucky is mostly known for two things – bourbon and the Kentucky Derby. It’s no surprise then that the state has a thriving pari-mutuel scene but beyond that, gambling isn’t quite the popular pastime you might have expected from such a boozy and fun-loving state.

Louisiana: Louisiana might be the land of bayous and crawfish, but put down the gumbo for a minute or two and you might hear the ding of slot machines through all that incredible jazz music. There are a couple casinos here and, if you like video poker, you’re going to love it here in Sportsman’s Paradise.

Maine: There are only two casinos in Maine and few other opportunities for gambling. On the positive side, the lobsters and blueberries are delicious and pari-mutuel betting and the lottery are still perfectly legal.

Maryland: One of the 13 original colonies, Maryland has a long and complex history with gambling. The state was once called “Little Vegas” thanks to a proliferation of slot machines in the 1950s, but these days new laws are pushing Maryland towards the forefront of legalized gambling.

Massachusetts: Casino gambling is a new development in Massachusetts as the state tries to be more competitive with its more lenient neighbors. Will this spell success for current pro-internet gambling initiatives? We wonder…

Michigan:Tribal casinos rule the roost in Michigan, and tourists from neighboring states know it. Head to the big mitten to enjoy everything from poker

States With Legal Online Gambling