USA Online Casinos 2024: The Next US States to Legalize Online Gambling
Keen online casino watchers that we are at PokerNews, we're always on the lookout for the next region to legalize online casino gambling, especially in the US...
So, what are the likely States looking to make real money casinos legal in 2024? Read on to find out what we know so far.
Online Casinos in the US: Current Legal Situation in 2024
The current legal situation as far as online casino gambling in the US is concerned, is a complex question to answer, and largely depends on which state you live in. Here's our breakdown for what's legal right now:
Playing at a Real Money Online Casinos in the US
Legal in some states: Currently, real money online casino gambling is only legal in a handful of states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut.
Many licensed and regulated online casinos are currently operating in these regions, including some of the big names like FanDuel Casino, PokerStars Casino, BetMGM Casino and PartyCasino.
Illegal in most states: In most other states, there are no legal online casinos, although it's worth noting that the situation differs from state to state, and the situation is changing all the time.
Our handy US online casino map shows a clear picture of the state-by-state legal position:
We suggest taking a look at our full US Online Casino Guide for further details on playing real money casino games in the US.
If you don't have access to real money casino gaming where you are, jump straight to our section on social casinos to find some accessible gaming.
As far as the current legal situation goes, that's it in a nutshell. However, there are some important things to remember before you embark on playing online casino games:
- Even real money states have different gambling laws: Even states that have already legalized online casinos can also use specific regulations and age restrictions that differ from other states.
- Don't take risks with illegal gambling: Black market gambling does exist in some states where online casinos are illegal, but this is extremely risky and could lead to a fine or worse.
- Check before you play: You should always be aware of specific regulations and the law before you play at any online casino, whether it is a realm money casino or a social casino site.
Which States Will Make Online Casinos Legal in 2024?
So we've covered the situation right now - but which states are looking to make online casino gambling legal in 2024?
Throughout 2023, a number of states made tentative steps toward legalizing online casinos, although without much success. However, this does clue us into looking at which states are next in line to move to real money casinos being able to operate online for residents of their state.
Online Casinos in Maine
First off the blocks in the new year is Maine, and renewed efforts to legalize online gambling in the state via LD 585, which has been proposed by Rep. Laura Supica.
These moves towards online casino gaming come hot on the heels of the legalization of sports betting back in 2022, although it remains to be seen how attractive this appears for casino operators, given the size of the state, and the fact that so far, only Draft Kings and Caesars Sportsbook have launched a sportsbook platform in the state.
Looking at the proposals in detail, this legislation is limited to exclusive licenses for tribes based in Maine, without the possibility of transferring regulation to any of the bigger online brands, so it will be interesting to see the specific casino offering if the legislation does pass.
Online Casinos in New York
The Empire State was seemingly the most likely of the non-regulated states to move into real money casino gaming in 2023, however, it wasn't meant to be, and legislation ground to a halt just as it felt like some momentum had been generated.
Two NY lawmakers (Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. and Assemblyman J. Gary Pretlow) made moves to force through two bills that would legalize online poker and casino gaming in 2023, but these bills fell flat when introduced last year. However, both men remain optimistic that 2024 will be the year New York residents get access to online gambling and a lottery product.
Potential budget deficits could be the key to getting legislation passed, as the introduction of online gaming products would help to bring more revenue into the state, which is currently being enjoyed by neighbors in PA and NJ. Until the legal situation changes, NY players have a plethora of social casino sites to enjoy.
Online Casinos in California
Often seen as the 'white whale' of US casino gambling, due to its size and the potential revenue available, California will be one state that all casino fans will be keeping an eye on in 2024.
However, due to previous movements towards legal igaming in the Golden State, it may actually be sports betting which gets over the line first. Two separate initiatives are seeking to garner enough votes to force a statewide ballot on sportsbook gambling this November, and again, this legislation is being presented with support from tribal bodies in CA.
If sports betting gets the green light, this could pave the way for online casino legalization, despite current concerns around safer gambling issues and underage betting.
Online Casinos in Maryland
Given that near-neighbours Delware have had some form of online gambling for over 10 years, it's maybe no surprise that Maryland is looking at potential casino legislation and all the revenue it would bring into the state.
Once again state senator Ron Watson is the driving force behind the bill, following his 2023 bill, SB0267 which proposed regulation of online poker and casino gambling, but ultimately failed to get any movement in the statehouse.
The 2024 bill does include some interesting amendments, not least an increase in the tax that potential operators would be liable for, but it would double the licenses available to 12 online casino sites, with a slightly higher license cost.
The passing of any legislation would still be in the balance, but given that MD residents have voted to expand gaming legislation three times in the last 16 years, the signs look good, although even if any bill is passed, it's unlikely to take effect until 2025 at the earliest.
Online Casinos in New Hampshire
One of the smaller states in the Union, New Hampshire nonetheless, seemed like one of the safer bets to move into the online casino market last year.
Online sports betting was introduced in 2019, and since then there have been slow, steady moves towards legalizing online casino gambling, culminating in Senate Bill 104, which was introduced by Republican Senator Timothy Lang in January 2023. This bill intended to establish regulated online casinos in the state and then, curiously, direct casino revenue to a community college education fund for NH residents.
However, despite being passed in the NH Senate, the bill was killed when presented at an executive session of the House Ways & Means Committee in April. By this point, online slots had already been removed as a concession, but concerns about cannibalizing the revenue of retail casinos proved to be the tipping point.
A further committee meeting in May moved to 'indefinitely postpone' SB104, although five committee members spoke in support of the bill, with six voting against.
Ready for even more US online casino content?
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PLAY NOWAlternatives to Real Money Casinos in the US
If you're not lucky enough to be resident of a state that has already allowed real money casino gambling, and it doesn't look like it is arriving too soon, then playing free casino games at a social casino is a great option.
We've provided some information on these sites below, as well as our recommended social casino sites:
Playing at Social and Sweepstakes Casinos in the US
Legal in most states: These casinos use specific 'coins' or 'tokens' for their casino games instead of real money, and they are generally legal in most states due to this system of gameplay. Some sites allow players to exchange coins or tokens for real money prizes once they have accumulated a certain amount.
Less regulation: Generally, social and sweepstakes casinos face less regulation compared to real money online casinos, but it is still always important to read and understand the terms of a specific social casino site or app before signing up to play.
Our recommendations for social casinos include names like Chumba Casino, Luckyland Slots, Pulsz Casino, and Slotomania. If you favor online poker, sites like Global Poker and PokerStars Play offer a free-to-play version that is well worth investigating.
