Gambling Laws & Regulations
Is gambling legal?
Yes, it is! But there’s a catch. While federal law says gambling is okay, each state gets to set its own rules. That means what’s legal in New Jersey might not fly in another state. As of December 2025, only Utah and Hawaii have outlawed all forms of gambling.
What is online gambling?
Think casinos, poker, and sports betting – all from your phone or laptop. But here’s a twist: sweepstakes, DFS (daily fantasy sports), and social casinos don’t count as gambling under U.S. law since they either involve skill or don’t use actual money.
Is online gambling legal in the US?
Yes, in a growing number of states! As of December 2025, the following states allow some form of regulated online gambling:
- Arizona: Online sports betting, regulated by the Arizona Department of Gaming
- Colorado: Online sports betting, regulated by the Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission and the Colorado Division of Gaming
- Connecticut: Online casinos & sports betting, regulated by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection
- Delaware: State lottery online casinos & sports betting provided by BetRivers, regulated by the Delaware State Lottery
- Illinois: Online sports betting, regulated by the Illinois Gaming Board
- Indiana: Online sports betting, regulated by the Indiana Gaming Commission
- Iowa: Online sports betting, regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- Kansas: Online sports betting, regulated by the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
- Kentucky: Online sports betting, regulated by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Louisiana: Online sports betting, regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board
- Maine: Online sports betting, regulated by the Maine Gambling Control Unit
- Maryland: Online sports betting, regulated by the Maryland State Lottery & Gaming Control Agency
- Massachusetts: Online sports betting, regulated by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- Michigan: Online casinos & sports betting, regulated by the Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Minnesota: Online sports betting, regulated by the Minnesota Gambling Control Board
- Nevada: Online sports betting, regulated by Nevada Gaming Control Board and Commission
- New Jersey: Online casinos & sports betting, regulated by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement
- New York: Online sports betting, regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission
- North Carolina: Online sports betting, regulated by the North Carolina State Lottery Commission
- Ohio: Online sports betting, regulated by the Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Oregon: Online sports betting, regulated by the Oregon Lottery Commission
- Pennsylvania: Online casinos & sports betting, regulated by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Rhode Island: Online casino (Bally’s) & sports betting, regulated by the the Rhode Island Lottery
- Tennessee: Online sports betting, regulated by the Tennessee Sports Wagering Council
- Vermont: Online sports betting, regulated by the Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
- Virginia: Online sports betting, regulated by the Virginia Lottery
- Washington D.C.: Online sports betting, regulated by the Office of Lottery and Gaming
- West Virginia: Online casinos & sports betting, regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission
- Wyoming: Online sports betting, regulated by the Wyoming Gaming Commission
States not included in the list above have not legalized or regulated online gambling.
Which state gambles the most?
The number one gambling state is, to no surprise, Nevada. Other major gambling states are Pennsylvania and New Jersey, while New York stands out as one of the biggest sports betting states.
What is the legal gambling age in the U.S.?
Most states require you to be 21 to gamble online but some states let you play DFS or buy lottery tickets at 18. Check the full list on our gambling age by state guide.
Can I gamble online for real money?
Absolutely – if you’re in a legal state. Our list above is your go-to guide.
Are online casinos legit?
Yep. If they’re licensed by your state, they’re held to super-strict standards for security and fairness. Always scroll down to the footer to double-check the license info.
If you come across an online casino claiming to accept players from all states, you’ve encountered a non-licensed operator. Regulated online casino platforms can only be accessed from within the state they’re operating in.
Can I gamble online in a state where I’m not residing permanently?
You can! You just need to be physically located in the state where gambling is legal at the time of play.
Is DFS legal?
Yes, DFS is legal in most states. A few states either don’t allow DFS or regulate it heavily. States that don’t allow DFS at all are Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Washington.
Is online poker legal in the U.S.?
It sure is in Delaware, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. CT and WV have legalized it, but are still working on launching platforms.
Can I use VPN to gamble online?
Nice try, but no. Licensed sites use geolocation to block VPNs and enforce state lines. Play it safe and legal.
Online Casinos & Sportsbooks
What is the best site for online gambling?
Hard to pick just one! BetMGM is a top all-rounder, while FanDuel and DraftKings are aces for sports. Golden Nugget and Caesars Palace Online Casino are player favorites, too.
What is the best online casino for beginners?
BetMGM is super user-friendly and full of guides. BetRivers also keeps things simple and offers some creative bonuses.
What is the best online sportsbook?
DraftKings and FanDuel are everywhere and offer killer promos. Bet365 is globally trusted and known for stellar live betting options.
How do I recognize a legitimate online casino?
Scroll to the footer and look for a license from your state’s gaming commission. If it’s not there, it’s a red flag.
Many state gaming regulators also have public documents about the operators who have an online gambling license. You can find these documents online on the regulator’s website.
Do online casinos offer gambling across the United States?
No. Real-money online casino games are currently legal in MI, NJ, PA, WV, CT, DL, and RI. You have to be in the state to play.
Can I play with offshore casinos?
You could, but we strongly advise against it. No U.S. license means no protections. Your money (and personal info) could disappear with no recourse. Also, offshore casinor games could be rigged, and even if you won, there’s no guarantee you’d ever be paid your winnings.
What are social casinos?
They look like real casinos but use virtual currency. You can win gift cards or prizes, but not actual money outright. Think of it as casino-style fun, not cash stakes.
Social casinos and sweepstakes casinos are terms often used interchangeably.
Bonuses & Promotions
How do I claim a bonus code?
It’s easy! While details could vary, the general process is as follows:
- Find a valid bonus code for a casino or a sportsbook.
- Copy the bonus code or use a bonus link.
- In the case of a welcome bonus, register a new account as instructed by the platform.
- Insert the bonus code in the indicated field.
- There are usually some requirements that you must meet to claim the bonus, such as making a qualifying deposit or placing a bet. This is always specified in the Terms and Conditions of the bonus, so it’s definitely in your best interest to read the fine print.
Do I need a code to claim a bonus?
Not always – some sites use links instead. We highlight which is which in our reviews.
Why do casinos offer free bonuses?
To get your attention! It’s a low-risk way for you to test the waters. Bet & Get deals, free bonus spins, and no-deposit offers all help players explore without diving in head-first.
What casino bonus has the best value?
Depends on your style. Want to play without spending money? Try BetMGM, Borgata, or Stardust. Looking for max bonus? Caesars has your back. Low-stakes player? Party Casino has you covered.
Why didn’t I get my bonus?
The most probable reason is that you didn’t meet the terms and conditions of the bonus. You could’ve forgotten to opt in, didn’t meet the minimum deposit requirement, missed out on the promotional period, cancelled the bonus accidentally, or used an outdated bonus code.
If you’re sure that you’ve met all the bonus criteria, reach out to the casino or sportsbook’s customer service team. They’ll fix the mistake as soon as possible.
What are bonus wagering requirements?
Simply put, it’s how much you need to bet before cashing out bonus winnings. A 20x requirement on a $20 bonus means you’ll need to wager $400 before you can withdraw. Most sites track your progress for you.
Account
How do I register an account?
Head to the casino or sportsbook site or app, click “Sign Up,” and enter your info. You will be asked for your full name, date of birth, phone number, street address, zip code, the last four numbers of your Social Security Number, and so on.
You will also have to verify your account to place any wagers. This is usually done through a verification link. The casino or sportsbook platform will also ask you to upload official documents as proof of your identity.
Can I have more than one account?
No. Each gambling platform allows only one account per user. Feel free to sign up on different platforms though!
Why do I need to verify my account?
It’s a legal requirement. It confirms you’re old enough, who you say you are, and eligible to play.
I’m requested to upload personal documents to complete account verification. Is it safe?
Yes – if you’re on a licensed platform. They use encryption and secure systems to protect your info.
How can I change my password?
Go to account settings and update it there. Forgot it? Use the reset link or contact the casino support team.
Can I delete my account?
Yes. Head to your account settings or reach out to customer support. You can also request a temporary pause if you’re just taking a break.
Mobile Devices
Can I gamble on mobile?
Absolutely. Most platforms have polished apps and mobile-friendly sites that work seamlessly.
What is the best gambling app for real money?
FanDuel’s app is a fan favorite. It’s slick, fast, and accessible even for screen readers.
How do I download a casino app?
Search the App Store or Google Play, or just go to the casino’s site and use their download links or QR codes
Do I have to download a casino app to gamble on mobile?
Not usually, though there are some platforms that are only available as apps. Mobile sites are just as functional, but some promos or games may be app-exclusive.
Payment Methods
Do online casinos pay real money?
Yes, licensed online casinos pay out real money winnings.
Can I play casino games online for free?
Totally! Try our Free Games page or sign up for no-deposit offers to play without spending.
Can I win real money with free spins?
Yes, but the winnings are usually modest. Still, free is free!
Is there an online casino that accepts CashApp?
Nope. CashApp doesn’t allow gambling transactions, and legal casinos won’t accept it.
Are there legal crypto casinos in America?
No legal real-money crypto casinos yet. Some social casinos accept crypto, but that’s a completely different ball game.
How do I make a deposit?
Log in to your casino or sportsbook account. There is usually an option for ‘Cashier’ where you can make deposits. Choose your deposit method and enter the amount you wish to deposit. Follow the steps on the screen, agree to the terms and conditions if applicable, and confirm your deposit.
Most deposit methods are instant, and your funds will show on your account balance as soon as you complete the process.
How can I cash out winnings?
Go to the cashier, choose “Withdraw,” select your method, and confirm. The deposit method you used will be your default withdrawal method as well.
If you’re residing close to a partnered brick-and-mortar casino, cash at cage is the fastest way to get your winnings. After that, e-wallets like PayPal are usually the fastest withdrawal options.
What online casino has the fastest payouts?
Most online casinos are similar in terms of payout speed, but you can look for casinos with fewer wagering requirements and opt for fast payment methods to speed things up.
Are gambling wins taxed?
Yes. All winnings you gain through gambling are fully taxable. The federal tax rate for gambling winnings is a flat 24%, but your state can add its own cut too.
Can I write off gambling losses on taxes?
Yes, but only if you itemize them on the appropriate form and have your winnings and losses on record. You cannot deduct more than your total winnings.
Can I make money by gambling?
It happens, but don’t count on it. The odds always favor the house. Treat gambling like entertainment, not income.
Responsible Gambling
Where can I get help with problem gambling?
If you or a loved one needs help with problem gambling, reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER. The helpline is free and offers help 24/7. You will be connected to a trained professional that specializes in helping, guidance, and resources for gambling-related issues. Contacting the helpline is fully confidential, and your identity will not be disclosed anywhere without consent.
Many states also offer local help and resources for problem gambling. Please find further information about local resources at https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/help-by-state/.
If you or someone close to you is in immediate danger, call 911 or 988.
Is gambling bad for you?
It can be if it gets out of control. Gambling can cause addiction, not unlike substances like drugs or alcohol, which in turn can affect your finances, relationships, or mental health. If it gets to that point, it’s time to take a step back and re-evaluate your relationship with gambling.
Are there ways to prevent problem gambling?
Yes! First, it’s important to be aware of the risks gambling involves. If you’re prone to addiction, just skip gambling altogether. Knowing that gambling can be a highly addictive pastime allows you to use tools like deposit/time limits, self-exclusion, and reminders. Most platforms let you customize these.
Is online gambling worth it?
It all boils down to what you’re looking to gain by gambling. If you’re playing for fun and have money to spare? Sure. But if you’re chasing profits, it’s not worth the risk.
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