πŸ“Œ Quick summary: Online sports betting: 38+ states legal. Online casino (slots, blackjack, roulette): only 8 states. Many states legalized sports betting without expanding to full iGaming β€” the two are separate legislative decisions.

States with BOTH sports betting AND online casino

StateSports bettingOnline casinoOnline pokerGuide
New Jerseyβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalNJ β†’
Pennsylvaniaβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalPA β†’
Michiganβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalMI β†’
West Virginiaβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalWV β†’
Delawareβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalDE β†’
Connecticutβœ“ Legalβœ“ LegalLimitedCT β†’
Rhode Islandβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ— NoRI β†’
Maineβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβœ“ Legalβ€”

States with sports betting ONLY (no online casino)

StateSports bettingOnline casinoOur guide
New Yorkβœ“ Legalβœ— Not yetNY β†’
Coloradoβœ“ Legalβœ— NoCO β†’
Ohioβœ“ Legalβœ— NoOH β†’
Arizonaβœ“ Legalβœ— NoAZ β†’
Marylandβœ“ Legalβœ— NoMD β†’
Massachusettsβœ“ Legalβœ— NoMA β†’
Illinoisβœ“ Legalβœ— NoIL β†’
Virginiaβœ“ Legalβœ— NoVA β†’
Indianaβœ“ Legalβœ— NoIN β†’
Tennesseeβœ“ Online onlyβœ— NoTN β†’
North Carolinaβœ“ Legalβœ— NoNC β†’
Kentuckyβœ“ Legalβœ— NoKY β†’
Iowaβœ“ Legalβœ— NoIA β†’

States where neither is legal

Utah and Hawaii prohibit all forms of gambling β€” no sports betting, no casino, no lottery. Idaho, Wisconsin, South Carolina and Alabama have not legalized sports betting. Alaska, Georgia, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas are in various stages of consideration but have not passed legislation as of June 2026.

Why did so many states legalize sports betting but not online casino?

After the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in 2018, states moved quickly on sports betting because it was seen as less controversial than full casino gaming. Sports betting has strong public support and is closely tied to existing professional sports franchises. Online casino gaming (slots, table games) faces stronger opposition from land-based casino operators who fear cannibalisation of their revenue. Many states are happy to take sports betting tax revenue without opening the broader casino debate.

FAQ

How many states have legal online sports betting?

As of June 2026, 38+ states plus Washington DC have legal online sports betting. The number has grown rapidly since the Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018.

How many states have legal online casino?

Eight states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine. New York is considered the most likely next state to legalize.

Can I play online casino games while visiting a legal state?

Yes. Licensing is based on physical location, not residency. If you are physically present in New Jersey, you can legally play at any NJ-licensed online casino β€” even if you live in a state where it is not legal.