The big change in online betting in the U.S. came after the big court said yes to letting states make their own rules about it. Now, places like New Jersey are ahead in online betting games. Today, about 40 states have said okay to some online betting, with lots of focus on sports bets.
In this piece, we’ll look at the new spots for online bets, talk about where it’s okay to do it and show off the top picks for many.
States set to legalize online gambling
As more places say yes to online bets, a growing number are getting ready to join the trend.
North Carolina just started its legal bet games in March and plans to kick off online betting soon.
Experts think that Oklahoma and Georgia might allow online bets next, but they see this chance as low, at about 25 percent, for now.
Work is also moving ahead in places like Missouri, Minnesota, and South Carolina, where law-making efforts are ongoing. Still, the path can be slow and hard due to the need for support from both sides among state leaders. Even with these hurdles, there’s a careful hope that online betting will be allowed in these states in the next few years.
On the flip side, people in Alabama, California, and Texas have a longer wait, as lawmakers in these areas haven’t shown an interest in talking about laws for online sports betting.
The first state to legalize online gambling
New Jersey was the first to say “yes” to online bets in 2018. This state fought hard in court to change the old rules, and the top court agreed with them. By June 2018, the leader of the state, Governor Phil Murphy, made it okay to bet in shops and online.
So, if you’re playing online in an NJ Online Casino, know that it’s all good and legal. This made a lot of betting sites rush into New Jersey.
Top legal online gambling options
Online gambling in the United States encompasses a broad range of activities, each presenting unique opportunities and experiences for players. Among the most popular categories are online casinos, sportsbook betting, and online poker.
Online Casinos
Online casinos offer a vast array of games, mimicking the experiences found in their brick-and-mortar counterparts. Players can enjoy classic table games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a myriad of slot machines with varying themes and jackpots. The convenience of playing from home, coupled with the attractive bonuses and promotions that many platforms offer, has contributed to their growing popularity.
Sportsbook Betting
Betting on big sports like the NFL, NBA, and MLB, and even smaller games or world events, has taken off as laws have changed. Now, there’s a lot more you can bet on. With live bets and easy-to-use sites, it’s more fun too.
Online Poker
Online poker keeps its fans too, with more states saying yes to legal poker sites. These sites offer lots of poker games, such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Stud, for all levels. Players can join tournaments or play money games at any time.
Complete list of legal online gambling states
Here is a list of states with legal online gambling as of June 2024:
- New Jersey
- Nevada
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- New York
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Colorado
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Tennessee
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Florida
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Arkansas
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Mississippi
- Montana
- New Hampshire
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
There are a few caveats with certain states. For instance, Florida closed online sports betting for two years due to a legal challenge to its 2021 pact with the Seminole Tribe. It recently reopened, but ongoing legal battles could alter this. South Dakota and Mississippi are also delaying mobile or online sports betting despite legalizing in-person sports betting. It remains to be seen if lawmakers will establish legal routes for sportsbook apps and websites by the end of 2024.