Online gambling refers to any form of gambling conducted via the Internet. This includes virtual poker, casinos and sports betting. Although federal laws don’t specifically prohibit it, individual states regulate it differently; some have banned it while others legalized and regulated it. This article gives an overview of which states permit online gambling as well as which gambling varieties exist within each state.
New Jersey stands out as an innovative state when it comes to gambling, offering residents the ability to place bets on sports, horse races, and other events. There are 22 licensed casinos with both online and in-person gaming options for New Jersey residents; nine pari-mutuel facilities as well as off-track sites offer betting opportunities on horse races while daily fantasy sports sites licensed in New Jersey also allow residents to place bets.
Nevada offers fully regulated online gambling, boasting 440 licensed casinos as well as poker, blackjack and roulette on licensed sites in Nevada. However, the state imposes an age restriction and does not permit lottery sales or sweepstakes online.
Arkansas features several licensed casinos, but no online gambling options are available in the state. Arkansas did legalize sports betting in 2021 but did not include online casino play as part of that legislation; it remains legal for residents to gamble online using national iGaming providers such as Pokerstars or Bovada though.
Oklahoma does not permit online gambling; however, residents may participate in various other forms of gambling. Oklahoma boasts over 20 licensed casinos as well as pari-mutuel betting at off-track facilities for horse racing. Furthermore, Oklahoma boasts an established charitable bingo industry and provides daily fantasy sports through registered websites in the state.
Colorado is generally more restrictive when it comes to gambling, with only lottery products and charity bingo legal options. Recently however, Colorado updated their laws regarding video lottery terminals which may lead to increased iGaming options within its borders.
North Carolina has yet to legalize iGaming, although there have been multiple attempts in recent years to do so. With three tribal casinos for residents to enjoy gambling at, there’s a good chance the Tar Heel State could eventually legalize online gaming.
Louisiana stands out as an anomaly in that its regulation of online gambling varies based on parish. While 55 out of 64 parishes have approved sports betting online, some still ban it; this situation could change in due time as lawmakers embrace iGaming more fully.