πŸ“Œ Current status: 8 states have legal online casinos: NJ, PA, MI, WV, DE, CT, RI, ME. New York is the most likely next state. No new states are expected to launch before end of 2026 β€” but legislative activity is high in NY, IL and IN.

States with legal online casinos (active)

StateLegal sinceTop operatorsOur guide
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ New Jersey2013FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars, Golden NuggetNJ Guide β†’
Pennsylvania2019BetMGM, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, BetRiversPA Guide β†’
Michigan2021BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, PokerStars MIMI Guide β†’
West Virginia2020DraftKings, BetMGM, FanDuel, Caesars, BetRiversWV Guide β†’
Delaware2013DraftKings, BetMGM, CaesarsDE Guide β†’
Connecticut2021DraftKings (Foxwoods), FanDuel (Mohegan Sun)CT Guide β†’
Rhode Island2024BetMGM (state partnership)RI Guide β†’
Maine2026Newly launched β€” limited operatorsβ€”

States closest to legalization in 2026

πŸ—½ New York β€” Most likely next

Senator Joseph Addabbo's iGaming bill would allow commercial and tribal casinos, plus licensed sportsbooks, to offer online slots, poker, table games and live dealer. New York's online sports betting market already generates over $1.5 billion in annual revenue β€” iGaming could add an estimated $3-4 billion more. The bill faces opposition from land-based casino interests but has significant legislative support. Status: Bill introduced, committee review ongoing

πŸ™οΈ Illinois β€” Bills introduced, no clear path

Illinois allows online sports betting but has repeatedly stalled on iGaming legislation. Bills SB-1963 and HB-3080 were introduced in February 2025 but made no progress. The state's fiscal challenges make tax revenue from iGaming attractive, but land-based casino opposition remains strong. Status: No clear path in 2026

πŸ‘ Georgia β€” Failed 2026, possible 2027

Georgia has neither online sports betting nor online casino. SR 131 proposed a constitutional amendment for gambling expansion in 2025 but failed. Georgia requires a constitutional amendment β€” a higher bar than simple legislation β€” making near-term legalization unlikely. Status: Failed 2025-26 session

🌽 Indiana β€” Sports betting only, iGaming pending

Indiana has legal online sports betting. iGaming bills have been introduced but not passed. The state's existing casino industry is well-established and supportive of regulated online expansion. Indiana is considered a possible 2027 candidate. Status: Watching

States unlikely to legalize anytime soon

FAQ

How many US states have legal online casinos?

Eight: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maine (launched early 2026). Several more states have legal online sports betting only.

Is New York close to legalizing online casinos?

New York has active legislation (Senator Addabbo's iGaming bill) and strong fiscal motivation. It is considered the most likely next state, though opposition from land-based casinos could delay passage past 2026.

What is the difference between online sports betting and online casino?

Online sports betting is legal in 38+ states. Online casino (slots, blackjack, roulette, poker) is only legal in 8 states. Many states legalized sports betting without expanding to full casino gaming.