First and foremost: you can legally gamble online in the USA. Gambling laws are constantly changing on a state-by-state basis, but here’s what you need to remember: while running your own casino, sportsbook, or poker room inside the United States is not legal, individual U.S. residents will not be prosecuted for making online bets. Most importantly, all of GambleOnline’s recommended casinos are licensed, safe and secure.
Since then, online poker games have achieved legal status in three states: New Jersey, Nevada and Delaware. To play online poker legally in the US, one must be physically located in one of those three states. If not, online poker is still illegal. Also, there are only a small number of online poker sites that can legally operate in each state.
In this guide, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about gambling online in the US. Readers will learn about US gambling laws, see an FAQ with common questions answered, and view a timeline of online gambling laws in the USA.
2020’s Best Online Gambling Sites for US Players
GambleOnline.co’s US Online Gambling Informational Quick Menu:
- Best Online USA Casinos: Many sites specialize one aspect of online gambling; casino, sports betting or poker, but what is the best online gambling site that offers all 3 types of online gambling?
- Is Online Gambling Legal in the US? Online gambling legislation can be confusing but we cover that in this section.
- State-by-State Gambling Laws: We provide in-depth US state-by-state online gambling guides for all 50 states.
- Online Gambling USA FAQ: We answer frequently asked questions about the US online gambling industry.
- US Online Gambling History: A quick review of the history of online gambling in the United States.
- Sources: A trusted list of US online gambling resources we used to research for this page.
Best Online USA Casinos
- Bovada — With a great offering of table games, live dealers, sports betting, and poker, Bovada is our top recommended all-in-one gambling site.
- Café Casino — Cafe features a 500%, $5000 welcome bonus for new players and every casino game in instant play form.
- BetOnline – BetOnline offers online slots, poker, eSports, and live in-play sports betting, all with a $1000 welcome bonus.
- Planet7 – Planet 7 Casino has fast payouts with Bitcoin, free spins, VIP promos, progressive bonuses, and all the casino games you want.
- Slots.lv — Slots LV gives players a choice between $1000, 200% welcome bonus and a $1500, 300% Bitcoin bonus along with slots tournaments, table games, and live dealers.
The majority of these casinos accept players from all states, though some state-by-state restrictions apply. Click on the links below to continue reading for specific state-based recommendations for each site. As you can see, you’ll find plenty of good online casinos that accept US players. It’s not quite as easy to find a reliable US online casino that has sports betting and a poker room, though.
State-by-State Online Gambling Laws
A growing number of US states have regulated online gambling. Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey were quick to legalize and license online betting sites. Pennsylvania came later, while California and other states dithered over the process. Most are waiting to see whether the US Department of Justice will ban online gambling. But even states like Texas allow for legal sweepstakes casino like Chumba Casino, so the picture is complicated.
Looking for more information about online gambling in your state? Click on your state below to get an overview of its gambling laws and sites that allow real money gambling from its residents, or see our recommended casino for each state on the right.
Is Online Poker Legal In Us
| State Laws | Recommended Casino |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Bovada |
| Alaska | Bovada |
| Arizona | Bovada |
| Arkansas | Bovada |
| California | Bovada |
| Colorado | Bovada |
| Conneticut | Bovada |
| Delaware | Café Casino |
| Florida | Bovada |
| Georgia | Bovada |
| Hawaii | Bovada |
| Idaho | Bovada |
| Illinois | Bovada |
| Indiana | Bovada |
| Iowa | Bovada |
| Kansas | Bovada |
| Kentucky | Bovada |
| Louisiana | Bovada |
| Maine | Bovada |
| Maryland | BetOnline |
| Massachusetts | Bovada |
| Michigan | Bovada |
| Minnesota | Bovada |
| Mississippi | Bovada |
| Missouri | Bovada |
| Montana | Bovada |
| Nebraska | Bovada |
| Nevada | Café Casino |
| New Hampshire | Bovada |
| New Jersey | BetOnline |
| New Mexico | Bovada |
| New York | Bovada |
| North Carolina | Bovada |
| North Dakota | Bovada |
| Ohio | Bovada |
| Oklahoma | Bovada |
| Oregon | Bovada |
| Pennsylvania | Bovada |
| Rhode Island | Bovada |
| South Carolina | Bovada |
| South Dakota | Bovada |
| Tennessee | Bovada |
| Texas | Bovada |
| Utah | Bovada |
| Vermont | Bovada |
| Virginia | Bovada |
| Washington | Bovada |
| West Virginia | Bovada |
| Wisconsin | Bovada |
| Wyoming | Bovada |
US legislators continue to fight over whether to ban or regulate online gambling. Some states have passed laws to make online gambling illegal. If you’re concerned about the legality of online poker, online slots, or table games in your region, read our state reviews.
Online Gambling USA FAQ
Is online gambling legal in the US?
Many US residents are confused over the legality of US online casinos — and for good reason. The United States is a patchwork of federal, state, and local gambling laws. The answer varies depending on where you live. Currently, states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New Hampshire are suing the US Department of Justice to determine whether the federal government can ban online casinos, poker rooms, and lottery sites.
Which states have legal online gambling sites?
States such as Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey have already begun offering legal USA online gambling, and many more states will soon follow. You will not be prosecuted for betting at an offshore online casino. You cannot run your own online casino in the United States, and betting at US-based online casinos varies by state laws. However, you are definitively good to go in terms of betting at offshore online casinos.
How long will it be until the United States has legalized online gambling?
JPMorgan Chase believes as many as 20 US states will have legal online gambling by 2025, though the US’s largest financial institution adjusted this prediction down since then. to read our updates for the latest in legal US online casinos and poker.
What are the age requirements for online betting?
Each state and jurisdiction has a different requirement, but most online casinos have an age limit of 18 and over.
Can I register with more than one casino or sportsbook?
Absolutely. Many players test multiple casinos or sportsbooks before settling on a favorite. Some players shop for welcome bonuses, so they join dozens of online casinos.
Where can I play online casino games for free?
You can play online casino games for free anywhere in the United States. Create a players account, download the casino software, and play in practice mode if you want to enjoy free US online casino games.
Is online gambling as safe and fair as land-based casinos?
If you play at online gambling sites licensed in the UK, Gibraltar, Malta, Kahnawake, or a few other countries, the games are as safe and fair as any brick-and-mortar casino. It’s important that you find safe and fair online gambling sites. Read our recommendations on the best online casinos and poker sites.
History of Online Gambling in the United States
September 13th, 1961 | Federal Wire Act Passed
President John F. Kennedy signed into law the Federal Wire Act of 1961, which was intended to target illegal bookies. However, the US government has (incorrectly) tried to say this law applies to online gambling as well.
October 28, 1992 | PASPA Becomes Law
President George H.W. Bush signed into law the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA), a sports betting ban.
October 13th, 2006 | UIGEA Becomes Law
George W. Bush signs into law the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). UIGEA makes it illegal for banks or credit card companies to process any online financial transactions for the purpose of Internet gambling.
Friday, April 15th, 2011 | Black Friday Rocks US Online Poker
Dubbed Black Friday, the FBI and Department of Justice seized major gambling sites’ domains and indicted 11 executives with money laundering, fraud, and violating the UIGEA.
December 23rd, 2011 | US Justice Department Reverses Wire Act Opinion
The US Department of Justice reversed their opinion of the Wire Act stating that the Wire Act only applied to online sports betting. Online poker, fantasy sports betting, and real money casino games are deemed legal.
June 28th, 2012 | Delaware Legalizes Online Gambling
Delaware passed the Delaware Gambling Competitiveness Act to become the first US state to legalize online gambling.
February 22nd, 2013 | Nevada Legalizes Online Gambling
Nevada’s Governor Brian Sandoval signed an online gambling bill, legalizing online poker.
November 26th, 2013 | Delaware Legalizes Online Gambling
Online gambling became legal in New Jersey on this day making NJ the third US state to legalize gambling online. Gov. Chris Christie signed into law online casinos and poker sites.
October 26th, 2017 | Pennsylvania Legalizes Online Gambling
The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill to legalize online casino games, online poker, online sports betting and daily fantasy sports. PA became the fourth state to legalize online gambling.
May 14th, 2018 | Supreme Court Repeals PASPA
The United States Supreme Court ruled to repeal PASPA.
January 23, 2019 | US Justice Department Reverses Wire Act Decision
The US Department of Justice reversed its December 23, 2011 opinion on online gambling and the Wire Act. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein told states and gaming companies to comply by June 14, 2019. New Hampshire and New Jersey sued the DOJ.
March 29, 2019 | Illinois Legalizes Sports Betting
Illinois legalized sports betting with the “Sports Wagering Act”.
May 6, 2019| Montana Legalizes Sports Betting
Montana legalized sports betting. Gov. Steve Bullock’s veto failed to override the House and Senate votes.
June 4, 2019 | Tennessee Legalizes Sports Betting
Tennessee legalized sports betting with the “Tennessee Sports Gaming Act”.
June 12, 2019 | New Hampshire Legalizes Sports Betting
New Hampshire legalized sports betting when Governor Chris Sununu signed the bill into law.
July 26, 2019 | North Carolina Legalizes Sports Betting
North Carolina legalized sports betting on tribal casino lands with Gov. Roy Cooper’s signature.
August 27, 2019 | Oregon Legalizes Sports Betting
Oregon became the 11th state outside of Nevada to accept a legal single-game sports bets.
August 29, 2019 | West Virginia Legalizes Sports Betting
West Virginia legalized sports betting and online wagering. DraftKings and FanDuel launch sportsbooks.
September 23, 2019 | Senate Pushes Forward on Federal Sports Betting Bill
Senator Mitt Romney and Senator Chuck Schumer are reportedly working to reintroduce a federal sports betting bill
November 5, 2019 | Colorado Voters Approve Legal Sports Betting
Colorado becomes the 18th state to officially legalize sports betting since May of 2018
Sources:
There are several common reactions to learning that a person is a professional poker player:
“Oh wow! That’s interesting!”
“Have I seen you on TV?”
“Isn’t online poker illegal?”
This is the place to help address that last question.
When the United States Department of Justice issued a ruling on the Wire Act in 2011, it made clear that the law’s prohibitions did not apply to online gaming and lotteries. The reading of the decision clarified that each state in America could legalize and regulate online poker, casino games, lotteries, and other forms of online gambling as they deemed appropriate.
That opened the doors for Nevada and Delaware to legalize online poker, and New Jersey,Pennsylvania and Michigan followed in subsequent years. Other states have debated this as well and considered bills, with several states likely to legalize online poker in the coming year.
Online Poker Still Booming in America
There is no doubt that states can legally offer real-money online poker. The federal government has yet to take a stand on the issue because some people still consider poker a form of gambling rather than a game favored by skill. As legislators on the state and federal levels begin to learn more about the true skill-involved nature of poker, organizations are helping to inform them and push for bills that officially legalize the game.
One poker site, www.Betonline.com, has accepted player deposits for over 15 years because they are licensed to accept players in the all 50 states. Their stance is that poker is legal on the internet, and they are licensed for global jurisdiction. This is not a criminal matter, rather one of freedom and individual rights. So is BetOnline legal? Yes.
BetOnline isn’t the only site that operates in the USA either with Bovada.lv, Ignition and America’s Cardroom all accepting deposits from US players.
The Poker Alliance, former Poker Players Alliance (PPA), is the strongest lobbying force in the poker industry. The organization promotes legal live and online poker, ensuring that any lawmakers around the country who discuss any type of online gaming or sports betting also consider that online poker offers a bigger skill component and should be legal in the United States.
Poker Alliance is working closely with many states. Illinois, and Massachusetts are the states with pending legislation that could still pass in the near future. While those are the three states currently giving online poker the most serious consideration, others like New York, Connecticut, California, and Washington have advanced bills in the past and could easily do so again.
Is it Legal to Play Real Money Online Poker?
The answer to this a definite “yes,” as it is perfectly legal to deposit for online poker in USA, for all different types of poker games. Players in the United States are not in any legal jeopardy for playing poker online, and there have been no instances of the US government – or even state governments – trying to penalize players.
To the best of our knowledge, there are no federal laws that make it illegal to deposit or play online poker from the US. There are some states that have inserted somewhat harsh language about the operations of online gaming aimed at their residents, with Utah being the most anti-gambling state in America, but most laws are either convoluted or ambiguous at best.
Of course, we’re not attorneys, nor do we come from a legal background. Licensed and legal professionals should always be consulted when an actual situation arises in which someone may be (or feel they are) in legal jeopardy.
Specific State-by-State Laws
Alabama – Arizona – Arkansas – California – Colorado – Connecticut – Georgia – Idaho – Iowa – Kansas – Maine – Maryland – Massachusetts – Michigan – Minnesota – Mississippi – Montana – Nebraska – New Hampshire – New Mexico – North Carolina – North Dakota – Ohio – Oklahoma – Pennsylvania – Rhode Island – South Carolina – Tennessee – Vermont – West Virginia – Wyoming
Didn’t the US Ban Online Poker in 2006?
No. The US government did pass the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act in 2006 (UIGEA for short), which made it illegal for banks and financial institutions to aid in the processing of “illegal” online gambling transactions.
Experts on this law have asserted that the bill itself did not create any new laws, and most believe it only complicated internet laws. The 2011 Department of Justice decision regarding the Wire Act ‘clarified’ it enough on the legal level, though, to say that the law does not apply to online poker and other forms of online gambling when the state allows those activities.
Later in 2011 the US Department of Justice indicted several sites that still operating incorrectly in the USA in a misguided move that is referred to as Black Friday by online poker players in the USA. Even Black Friday wasn’t enough to slow the steady growth of online poker in the USA and there are still plenty of options for poker players and organizations like the Poker Players Alliance are fighting to legalize poker in more states.
What About the Wire Act?
As noted above, the interpretation of the 1961 Wire Act was clarified by the 2011 DOJ decision, noting the law only pertained to sports betting, not other forms of online lotteries and gambling.
On top of that, the US Supreme Court ruled on a case that pitted the state of New Jersey against the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and other professional US sports teams. The law in question was the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, better known as PASPA, and the Supreme Court overturned that law to allow all states in America – not just Nevada – to legalize and regulate sports betting. This, in effect, renders the last part of the standing Wire Act irrelevant and unenforceable in the arena of states’ rights.
However, there is a danger to the Wire Act decision in its entirety. Casino mogul and billionaire Sheldon Adelson has made it his life’s mission to ban online gambling of all sorts in the United States. He has spent millions (at least) of dollars in supporting political candidates and lawmakers who are likely to overturn the 2011 Wire Act decision or simply pass a prohibition-style law to ban all online gaming. Of course Adelson has a lot to gain by restricting players so that they can only play in brick & mortar casinos.
The law that Adelson’s friends have tried to pass is RAWA, the Restoration of America’s Wire Act, but those politicians have had no success. Not only is online poker and gaming popular and the wave of the future, it is legal in four states already and more to come. To pass a law like RAWA or to overturn the Wire Act now would create a legal nightmare, as states would challenge the law in court and likely win.
The bottom line in the US is simple: States can legalize online poker, and several have done so. There are no laws specifically outlawing online poker.
Some, like Adelson, have challenged this and will continue to do so, but they are fighting a losing battle in a war of their own creation. You’ll probably see poker and sports betting legalized on a federal level in the next decade.
New State Laws Regarding Online Poker
Nevada took the first step to legalize online poker and paved the way for others to do the same. Delaware followed, legalizing online poker, along with lottery and casino games. New Jersey did all of this on an even larger scale. The latest to join the group was Pennsylvania, which passed its law in 2017 and finally launched regulated online poker in late 2019.
Michigan has passed online poker legislation but won’t launch until late 2020 at the earliest. Other states are seriously considering doing the same. Lawmakers in Illinois and Massachusetts are in the process of seeking final votes to pass gambling expansion bills that will allow casinos and racinos to partner with online poker and gaming sites to expand their businesses and produce additional revenue for themselves and the states. New York and California have been considering the same types of bills, with Connecticut, Louisiana, Washington, New Hampshire, West Virginia, and others starting to explore the issue as well.
These laws, as passed by individual states offer licenses to poker sites online to partner with land-based casinos and racetracks. Licensed poker sites may then offer games to players who are physically located within that state’s borders when playing, and there are many protections to ensure that the players are of legal age and aware of all responsible gambling resources.
The benefit to more states legalizing online poker is also that the states can sign contracts to join their online poker sites. A multi-state network has already begun, starting with Nevada and Delaware offering shared online poker liquidity and joint player pools, with New Jersey joining the network in the spring of 2018. It is very likely that Pennsylvania will do the same at some point in the near future.
What About Online Sportsbooks?
Sportsbooks actually have a lot in common with online poker in the way that they are perceived by legislators. Both games feature elements of luck and skill and both are incredibly popular.
Perhaps the biggest difference is that there’s been a lot more movement on the sports betting side of things with many states quickly moving to legalize and regulate sportsbooks in an attempt to cash in on the rampant betting on US-based leagues such as the NBA, NFL and NBA.
So, is it Legal to Deposit for Online Poker in the USA?
The answer is an emphatic yes. The laws may be confusing, but we tried to break down the individual components of those laws to make it easier to understand. And as things change, we will update these pages with the most current online poker information.
Even so, we recommend talking to a gaming attorney with any specific questions for your particular jurisdiction. In our eyes people are always going to want to play poker and no matter what restrictions lawmakers put in place there will always be a game running for people who truly want it. You can check our poker reviews to learn about potential places to play.
If you’re ready to play online poker, let’s get to it. We’ll see you at the tables!
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