Legal gambling in the U.S.: A state-by-state breakdown of casinos, sports betting and online gaming
The American gambling industry is larger than ever, but also more complex than at any other time in history. Commercial revenue broke records again in 2024, climbing above seventy-two billion dollars, while tribal operations pushed the total industry figure close to one hundred and fifteen billion. Yet those numbers only tell part of the story. The U.S. is not a single regulated market, but a collection of fifty different jurisdictions, each with its own rules, restrictions, and opportunities. Some states allow nearly every form of gambling, from casinos and sportsbooks to online gaming. Others limit play to tribal venues, lotteries or racinos. And a handful still prohibit all gambling entirely, standing apart in a nation where betting has become mainstream. For operators, suppliers, investors and players alike, knowing where each state stands is essential to navigating this landscape. What follows is the most up-to-date overview of the legal framework across the country, based on official industry data.
States with Broad Legal Frameworks
Nevada: The country’s casino capital, home to more than 400 licensed casinos. Sports betting has been legal for decades, and online poker is regulated. Online slots and table games, however, are not authorized statewide.
New Jersey: A pioneer in online gambling. Land-based casinos in Atlantic City, online casinos, poker rooms, retail and mobile sportsbooks are all regulated and thriving, making it one of the most complete gambling markets.
Pennsylvania: Features a comprehensive system with commercial casinos, racinos, online casinos, poker, retail and mobile sportsbooks. Consistently ranks among the highest-grossing states.
Michigan: Legalized both online casinos and mobile sports betting in addition to its land-based casino sector. Adoption has been strong across all channels.
Connecticut: Tribal casinos dominate, but partnerships with the state allow online casino games and mobile sportsbooks.
Delaware: One of the earliest states to approve online casino gaming. All forms of gambling, including lottery and sportsbooks, are regulated.
West Virginia: Commercial casinos and racetracks anchor the market. The state also allows online casino gaming and mobile sports betting.
Rhode Island: Expanded from retail casinos and sports betting into full iGaming, making it one of the smallest but most complete jurisdictions.
States with Sports Betting but No iGaming
New York: Has become the biggest sports betting state in the country, generating record monthly handle. Casinos operate, but online casinos remain prohibited.
Ohio: Hosts casinos and retail/mobile sportsbooks, but has not approved online casino gaming.
Illinois: Runs commercial casinos and sportsbooks. Online casino legislation has not yet passed.
Indiana: Casinos and sportsbooks are legal, but iGaming has failed to gain approval.
Massachusetts: Sports betting went live recently, with both mobile and retail options. No online casinos authorized.
Maryland: Casinos and retail/mobile sportsbooks generate strong revenue, but iGaming legalization is still being debated.
Virginia: A growing market with commercial casinos and online sportsbooks. No iGaming.
Colorado: Casinos operate in select mountain towns. Sports betting is legal, but online casinos are prohibited.
Tennessee: The only state with an online-only sports betting model. No land-based casinos and no iGaming.
Arizona: Tribal casinos anchor the market, and both retail and mobile sports betting are authorized. Online casino gaming is not legal.
Iowa: Casinos and sportsbooks are legal, but no online casinos.
Kansas: Casinos operate with mobile sportsbooks legalized. Online casino gaming not yet authorized.
Kentucky: Sports betting launched recently, but there is no iGaming. Racetracks remain central.
Louisiana: Casinos and racinos are legal. Sports betting is permitted only in parishes that approved it. No online casinos.
Mississippi: Casinos and retail sportsbooks are legal, but mobile betting is restricted to casino property. iGaming is not permitted.
Maine: Commercial casinos and sportsbooks operate, but iGaming has not passed.
North Carolina: Mobile sports betting launched in 2024. Tribal casinos exist, but no online casinos.
Vermont: One of the newest sports betting states, with mobile wagering only. No casinos or iGaming.
Oregon: The lottery oversees sports betting, and tribal casinos operate. Online casinos are not authorized.
Washington: Sports betting permitted only within tribal casinos. No online casinos.
Montana: Sports betting managed by the state lottery through kiosks. No online casinos.
South Dakota: Sports betting legal only in Deadwood casinos. Online casinos are not permitted.
New Mexico: Tribal casinos offer sports betting under compacts. Online casinos not authorized.
New Hampshire: Sports betting managed by the state lottery. No casinos or online casinos.
District of Columbia: Sports betting legal under the lottery and private operators. No online casinos.
States with Casinos but No Sports Betting Alabama: Limited tribal operations. Sports betting and online casino remain illegal.
Alaska: Small-scale tribal gaming permitted, but no casinos, sportsbooks or iGaming.
Utah: Absolute prohibition of all forms of gambling.
Hawaii: Alongside Utah, one of the two states with a total gambling ban.
States Debating Legalization
California: The largest potential market. Tribal casinos are legal, but sports betting and iGaming remain off the books after failed initiatives.
Texas: No commercial casinos or legal sportsbooks. Legislative debates continue, but no bills passed.
Florida: Tribal casinos operate, and mobile sports betting remains tied up in legal disputes. Online casinos are not authorized.
Georgia: Lottery is the only legal form. Sports betting and casino bills continue to fail.
South Carolina: Lottery is authorized, but no casinos or sportsbooks. Gambling expansion is limited.
Market Trends
Official reports show that in 2024, commercial gaming revenue reached seventy-two billion dollars, up more than seven percent year-over-year. By July 2025, year-to-date commercial revenue was nearly forty-five billion, an increase of eight percent compared to the same period in 2024. July itself set an all-time record, with 6.2 billion generated. Online channels are growing fastest, with iGaming revenue climbing more than twenty-two percent year-to-date and sportsbooks continuing to expand. Land-based casinos also remain strong, with many states reporting record highs.
Final Word
The state-by-state reality of gambling in America tells a story of contrasts. Some states, like New Jersey, Michigan and Pennsylvania, showcase what a full legal framework can achieve in terms of revenue and consumer protection. Others, such as California, Texas and Florida, remain closed markets with enormous untapped potential. Meanwhile, Utah and Hawaii hold firm in banning all forms of gambling.
The takeaway is clear: legal gambling in the U.S. is not one national market, but fifty distinct ones. Success for operators, suppliers, policymakers and even players depends on understanding those differences and adapting to them.
https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/09/28/115555-legal-gambling-in-the-us-a-statebystate-breakdown-of-casinos-sports-betting-and-online-gaming