Online gambling makes placing bets simpler than ever from the comfort of your own home, with legality varying depending on which state it’s legal in. More states are passing legislation permitting citizens to gamble legally with licensed operators; to help get you started this article explores which states allow online gaming and what kinds of gaming options exist in each one.
Most states ban online gambling and betting with some notable exceptions; most commonly these include pari-mutuel horse racing and advance deposit wagering through certain platforms. Daily fantasy sports are prohibited by most state laws but some major operators are still able to provide services through “gray areas,” without violating state laws.
New Jersey stands as an illustrative state that legalized online gambling, and continues to lead the market. On Sept. 1, 2021 – just ahead of NFL kickoff – its sports betting market officially launched and was one of the earliest ever seen anywhere. Thanks to an operator-friendly market and state monopoly of retail sportsbooks, New Jersey set records and gained new players.
Michigan also embraced sports betting early and continues to lead the nation, though not as dominantly. While Michigan does not yet allow mobile wagering, its regulated operator system and competitive pricing should ensure it remains at the top of the list for years.
Ohio is becoming a strong competitor when it comes to legalized gambling in the Midwest region, boasting an expanding sportsbook market and new casino options. Pennsylvania recently joined this competitive mix by debuting an igaming market with sports betting apps and sites – offering competitive prices with user-friendly systems, challenging Delaware for first place.
Mississippi remains a conservative Southern state when it comes to gambling, with strong opposition among politicians. Yet in March 2020, Mississippi approved a statewide lottery which brought Intralot as its sole operator for sports betting and other games. Unfortunately, its limited launch and in-person wagering requirements have limited the sports betting market within Mississippi; though further retail locations and mobile betting may open up further down the line.
Oklahoma may one day legalize sports betting as its lawmakers have expressed interest. Unfortunately, two bills proposed during the 2023 session died and no action will be taken on this issue soon – though residents can legally spit in the grass and send someone else to get married on their behalf if valid reasons exist.