Getting in trouble for gambling online can have serious consequences. To protect yourself, make sure to play only on regulated sites and have an attorney you trust. The Rodriguez Law Group is here to help. We offer free consultations to discuss your case and can help you get back on track.
Is Gambling Legal in Every State?
While online sports betting is now available in more than 30 states, the nascent world of iGaming has seen slower progress for online casinos. This article will sift through the laws of each state to let you know if you can gamble legally on the Internet.
Connecticut
The first US state to pass an iGaming law, Connecticut was one of the earliest states to allow its residents to wager on online casino games and online poker. However, unlike some of the other states that launched in 2021 and 2022, only two operators are licensed to accept players in the Constitution State: DraftKings and FanDuel Casino. Hopefully, additional options will come to Connecticut in the future.
Michigan
Michigan’s iGaming landscape is similar to Connecticut’s, with just a few online casinos to choose from. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation in late 2019 to allow the state’s residents to gamble at licensed sites, with online blackjack and slots the most popular options.
Mississippi
Mississippi is another state that waited a while to launch iGaming, with only two regulated casinos available as of January 2023. The state is home to Churchill Downs, the most famous horse racing track in the U.S., and is expected to be a big driver for online gaming in the future.
Texas
The Lone Star State has not yet opted to regulate online casinos, although they did make sports betting legal in 2019. It’s likely that the state will wait and see how the iGaming market develops before addressing the issue again.
Illinois
Illinois is another state that is still waiting to legalize iGaming, with the last attempt failing in 2023. The main roadblock is the state’s prohibition on video game terminals (VGTs), which are used to facilitate sports betting.
Iowa
In 2019, Iowa legalized sports betting but remains one of the few states to not pass an iGaming bill. It’s possible that the state could take up the issue again in 2023, though online poker would have to be removed from any new legislation to ensure it doesn’t run afoul of the federal Wire Act.
Montana is another state that hasn’t regulated online casinos, but they do have sports betting on the table. While this is a step in the right direction, it’s likely that the state will continue to focus on protecting its land-based casino industry rather than exploring new opportunities for its residents.