Legal gambling in the United States: where things stand state-by-state
Focus Gaming News reviews which US jurisdictions offer legal sports betting and online casino gambling in 2025.
US.- Legal sports betting and igaming continue to grow in the US, resulting in billions of dollars of direct gaming tax revenue paid to state and local governments.
According to the American Gaming Association’s (AGA) Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker, commercial gaming revenue reached an annual record of $71.92bn in 2024, up 7.5 per cent year-on-year and representing a fourth consecutive year of growth. While brick-and-mortar casinos remain the largest sector, growth was largely driven by sports betting and igaming.
With the inclusion of tribal gaming revenue, which will be reported by the National Indian Gaming Commission later this year, total 2024 U.S. gaming revenue is expected to approach $115bn.
As of writing, 48 out of 50 US states offer some form of legal gambling, which includes lotteries, casinos, charitable gaming, sports betting, or igaming. Only two states still prohibit all forms of gambling: Utah and Hawaii (for now).
The most common forms of legal gambling across the US are state lotteries – legal in 45 states; commercial casinos in 27 states, tribal casinos in 29 states; sports betting in 38 states plus DC (some online-only, some retail); charitable gaming, allowed in most states with restrictions and online casinos fully legal in a few states. Here’s how things stand in each vertical:
Sports betting
As of April 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 US states, as well as in Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Online sports betting is available in 30 of these states.
The states where sports betting is legal are: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
In Mississippi, sports betting is legal at retail locations, with mobile betting restricted to on-premises use at licensed casinos. Last February, the Mississippi House of Representatives approved the Mississippi Mobile Sports Wagering Act, which would legalise online sports betting in the state. The measure now needs Senate approval.
In Montana, sports betting is available through terminals in licensed bars and restaurants; mobile betting is permitted only on-site at these locations.
In Nebraska, sports betting is limited to in-person wagering at licensed establishments; online sports betting is not permitted. Earlier this month, lawmakers advanced a proposal that could allow licensed racetracks in the state to offer online sports betting. LR20CA, sponsored by senator Eliot Bostar, would place a proposed constitutional amendment on the 2026 general election ballot.
In New Mexico, sports betting is offered exclusively at tribal casinos, with no provisions for online wagering. In North Dakota, sports betting is available only at tribal casinos, with no legal framework for online betting, while in South Dakota, sports betting is legal at retail locations in Deadwood and at tribal casinos; online betting is not authorised.
In Washington, sports betting is permitted solely at tribal casinos, with online betting restricted to on-site premises. In Wisconsin, in-person sports betting is allowed at select tribal casinos; online sports betting is not permitted.
In Florida, last October, the Seminole Tribe announced an agreement with pari-mutuel companies to end litigation over a 2021 deal that gave the tribe statewide control over online sports betting. The agreement was reached with West Flagler Associates and its owner Isadore Havenick, Bonita-Fort Myers Corp and Southwest Florida Enterprises. The Seminole Tribe of Florida and West Flagler Associates have agreed to promote jai alai betting on the Seminole’s Hard Rock Bet app.
In Missouri, voters approved Amendment 2 during the 2024 election, allowing for sports betting in the state. According to the legislation, sports betting must launch by December 1, 2025.
Kansas has six sportsbooks, run by BetMGM, Caesars, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and ESPN BET. In April, Kansas lawmakers approved an amendment in the state budget bill that prevents sports betting licence extensions from being considered until next year. The current licences don’t expire until August 31, 2027 so there would still be time for lawmakers to consider legislative changes in next year’s session.
Where sports betting remains illegal
The 11 states where sports betting remains illegal are: California, Texas, Idaho, Utah, Minnesota, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii.
In April, Alabama lawmakers introduced House Bill 490, which would create an Alabama Gaming Commission and establish a framework for electronic games of chance, sports betting and a lottery. The legislative session in Alabama ends on May 15, and the bill’s prospects for passage this session appear slim.
In March, Alaska representative David Nelson introduced House Bill 145, which proposes the authorisation and regulation of online sports wagering in the state. The bill outlines a regulatory framework for licensing, operating, and taxing mobile sports betting platforms with a target date of January 1, 2026. Under the bill, Alaska would allow up to 10 mobile wagering licences. Operators would be required to pay a $100,000 fee for a one-year licence. They could also be charged a processing fee for initial licences and renewals.
As for California, following the defeat of Proposition 27 in 2022, major sports-gaming companies are now seeking collaboration with Native American tribes to develop a new framework.
In Georgia, the 2025 legislative session concluded without passage of legislation to legalise sports betting. The proposal may be revisited in the next legislative session. Georgia is one of the more restrictive states when it comes to gambling. There is a state lottery, charitable gaming, bingo and raffles, but only run by licensed nonprofit organisations. Coin-operated Amusement Machines (COAMs) are legal, found in convenience stores and truck stops; they offer non-cash prizes (like store credits, lottery tickets, or fuel cards).
In Minnesota, given current legislative priorities, proposals to legalise online sports betting failed to pass the committee stage in February. Previous attempts have stalled due to disagreements between tribes and racetracks regarding operations and revenue distribution.
Multiple sports betting bills are set for floor votes in both the House and Senate in Oklahoma, which remains a potential candidate to regulate sports betting in 2025. As for Texas, governor Greg Abbott has expressed support for legalising sports betting but challenges remain due to constitutional restrictions and opposition from influential conservative figures.
The Hawaii House of Representatives has refused to accept Senate amendments to HB 1308, sending the proposed legislation to a conference committee to resolve differences. Hawaii’s legislative session runs until May 1, leaving little time for an agreement. Governor Josh Green has said that he would support the bill as long as lawmakers included adequate protections.
Online casino gaming
As of April 2025, the following US states have legalised online casino gambling: New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Specific offerings and regulations may vary by state. Nevada allows online poker but has not yet authorised other forms of online casino gaming.
Several US states are considering legislation to legalise online casino gambling. In Illinois, companion bills have been filed in both legislative chambers aiming to legalise online casinos. In Maine, a new bill would allow the state’s four federally recognised tribes to offer online casino games. LD 1164 would give each of the Wabanaki Nations one licence to contract with an operator, the same set-up that they already have for online sports betting.
In Massachusetts, senator Paul Feeney and Rep. Daniel Cahill have proposed legislation seeking to legalise online casino games. SD 2240 and HD 4084 would allow Massachusetts’ three existing land-based casinos to partner with up to two online casino operators (Category 1), while up to four additional operators could receive untethered licences. Category 2 licences would allow non-casino companies to enter the market without a physical presence in the state.
In New Hampshire, senator Tim Lang has proposed an updated version of his online casino bill, incorporating new provisions. Despite potential opposition from charitable gaming entities, Lang anticipates Senate approval. In New York, senator Joseph Addabbo is advocating for online casino expansion through refiled proposals. He told Focus Gaming News that the “legalisation of igaming and ilottery presents a significant potential for New York.”
In Maryland, delegate Vanessa Atterbeary has reintroduced House Bill 17, aiming to regulate online gambling under the Maryland State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission. The bill proposes directing revenue toward educational programs and the state’s horse racing industry.
As for Arkansas, a pair of bills received by the state Senate and House seek to ban sweepstakes and legalise online gambling. SB524 and HB1861 are backed by 14 lawmakers, with Dave Wallace and Matt Duffield taking the lead in the Senate and House, respectively. SB524 began in the Insurance and Commerce Committee and HB1861 has been referred to the Judiciary Committee in the House. They would allow three land-based casinos to operate igaming. Saracen Casino Resort, Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland Casino Hotel already offer online sports betting.
In Indiana, legislative efforts have been postponed until at least 2026, while Virginia and Wyoming have also deferred potential online casino legalisation to 2026 or later.
