When it comes to gambling online, the legal landscape in the United States is rather varied. While some states have embraced iGaming and have opened the doors to sports betting, other jurisdictions have yet to follow suit. The state of Wyoming, for example, is one of the few that still has not made online casino play or poker games legal. While that may change in the future, for now players will have to travel to a neighboring state in order to indulge in their favorite online gambling activities.
Legal gambling online is a very complex issue, and each state regulates its iGaming industry in different ways. While some states have opted to allow sports betting only, others have chosen to allow all types of online casino games and other gambling options. In addition, some states have banned certain forms of gambling altogether while others have prohibited specific games or activities such as poker. While the federal government has passed laws preventing certain types of gambling, it is up to individual states to decide whether or not to offer that form of gaming.
New Jersey was the first state to open its doors to online casino games and sports betting after PASPA was struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018. Other states such as Nevada, Delaware, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and more have followed suit and now host a variety of gambling websites that welcome residents from around the country.
Despite being one of the most populous states, California has failed to make any progress in allowing online casino gambling for its residents. Several bills have been introduced, but they have failed to pass. Despite this, experts believe the California legislature will eventually make its way to the iGaming table.
The state of Arkansas is another interesting case, as it only allows sports betting at its brick-and-mortar casinos. The state voted to legalize sports betting in 2022, but it did not include online casino gambling as part of that bill.
It is also worth noting that the state of Alabama does not have any legal gambling options, including online casinos. While the state does have international cruise ships that carry gambling, Alabama’s constitution prohibits lotteries and gambling. While the state could possibly introduce legislation to allow online gambling in the future, it would require a constitutional amendment.
In addition to online casino gambling, the state of Kentucky offers a unique opportunity to gamble via its Churchill Downs horse race track. This unique aspect of the Bluegrass State makes it difficult to compare its legal gambling status to other states. The state of Louisiana is even more confusing, as it splits its online sports betting into parish-by-parish issues.