From Nevada to New Jersey: Exporting U.S. Online Gaming Expertise

Whilst this statement is correct, navigating through the legal system for online gaming in the US is a challenge. You can enjoy some of the best gaming experiences in Nevada, with Las Vegas being the pinnacle. Yet, not all states allow you to play freely. Partial access to gaming or outright bans? Today we explore how different states tackle online gaming.

California

California is one of the biggest states in the US with around 39 million inhabitants. Whilst punters can enjoy social games and tribal casinos, online gaming is still illegal. Fantasy Sports and lotteries are available to wager on, but to date, there are no plans by lawmakers to legalize online casinos.

Tribal casino owners were offered the chance to extend their product to mobile betting. In 2020, the proposal was drafted, yet it was declined by Tribal owners.

Online Gaming Legal: NO

Nevada

Nevada is a popular destination for all its offline gaming practices. You can visit some of the best brick-and-mortar casinos in the world whilst in Nevada. Still, the state has to date not allowed online casino gaming.

Whilst you can play online poker in Nevada and place bets on sports, online casino gaming remains unlawful. Brick-and-mortar site operators are also hesitant about the state allowing online platforms. The latter believe legalizing online gaming will result in loss of revenue for land-based sites.

Online Gaming Legal: NO

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the few American states that allows online gaming freely. Whilst land-based gaming is focused on just two tribal sites, online gaming became legal in 2021. Land-based operators Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun both applauded the introduction of online platforms within Connecticut.

Adopting the same approach of the NZ government, Connecticut legalized online gaming. In the meantime, once the framework was drawn, only a handful of casino licenses were offered. The lifting of restrictions in the state saw the local government net taxes generated by online entertainment. A move that saw the same funds re-invested in the public sector.

Online Gaming Legal: YES

Delaware

Delaware is regarded as the state that is most lenient when it comes to both offline and online gaming. The state is the go-to place if you want to place bets online, visit land-based sites, and explore the latest video slots.

Regarded as the founding father of online gaming in the US, Delaware was the first state to legalize it. The move paved the way for other states to follow in its footsteps, including Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Players wanting to visit and play at legal casinos would need to use online platforms regulated by Delaware. Additionally, players can also enjoy sports betting and visiting brick-and-mortar sites.

When it comes to online platforms, Delaware allows it if the website has responsible gaming tools available.

Online Gaming Legal: YES

Michigan

Michigan wanted to capitalize on the 2021 US moves to legalize online gaming. The state always had a tolerant approach to gaming. Visitors were allowed to visit physical casinos, with over 25 sites to choose from. However, the big change in legislation now allows players to also place online sporting bets and enjoy casino games.

Following the approval of the Lawful Sports Betting Act of 2020, further enhancements were made to wagering. Both mobile betting and in-person wagers were regulated, allowing players to freely place bets without restrictions.

Online Poker was also granted the green light in 2021. The state seems keen to capitalize on the surge in players seeking offshore sites.

Online Gaming Legal: YES

New Jersey

The Garden State might be a small one, yet it boasts one of the biggest online gaming markets within the USA. The gaming-friendly state is visited by many punters annually, wanting to visit the glitzy casinos of Atlantic City.

Players who prefer online platforms can also enjoy gaming in New Jersey. The state was one of the first to legalize online entertainment, dating back to 2013.

Sports betting is also allowed in New Jersey. Both in-person and online betting were regulated in 2018. Following this, land casinos also started offering in-house sports betting on major events.

Whilst the legal age is 21, New Jersey has been pivotal in being a model for other states seeking to make online gaming legal.

Online Gaming Legal: YES

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is another state you would need to visit if you are looking to enjoy legal online casino games. On the 26th of October 2017, the House passed a bill to regulate and legalize gaming. On the 30th of October of the same year, Governor Tom Wolf signed the bill. This allowed the online casino market in Pennsylvania to flourish into what it is today.

Whilst the state saw the initial introduction of online platforms in 2019, sports wagers have been allowed since 2018. Brick-and-mortar sites are also available to visit in abundance. Pennsylvania is home to some of the biggest and smallest establishments in the country. Visitors can also benefit from resort short breaks: eating, gaming, and enjoying some of the finest Vegas-like entertainment.

Online Gaming Legal: YES

Final Thoughts

The US gaming market has gone through significant changes in recent years. The market has seen an overall growth of approximately $5 billion in 2024, with figures projected to hit the $11 billion mark by 2029.

If the initial projections are true, why are other US states not capitalizing on this growing market? Post-pandemic, our lives have shifted. We work from home, shop from home, and enjoy online entertainment from home. Just like the the New Zealand market is legalizing online gambling , so should the United States. Backed by solid legislation and a vetting system, the US could see a budding market flourish further.

We envisage that many countries will follow in the footsteps of New Zealand—making online gaming legal, yet highly regulated. Everyone will benefit!