If you are wondering can you gamble online legally, you should know that the answer depends on state law. Each state determines what types of gambling are legal within its borders, where and how that gambling can take place, and what the minimum age for gambling is. The state also decides whether or not it will regulate the gambling industry, including whether or not to permit online casinos.
Some states have banned online casinos altogether, while others have made them a part of the iGaming landscape. New Hampshire, for example, only has a small number of licensed online sportsbooks that are overseen by the state lottery. However, this might change in the future. A bill to allow for regulated online casinos in the state has been introduced and could come to a vote next year.
Similarly, Rhode Island is set to launch its first legal online casino sites in 2024. The state’s residents will be able to wager at several brands, including DraftKings, FanDuel, and Caesars, which are already operating in neighboring states. Other major operators may follow suit once the state sees how these brands perform.
In addition, New York has made it possible for its residents to play at several iGaming sites that are licensed by the state’s gaming commission. The only catch is that players must be 21 years of age to play in the iGaming platforms. This could be changed in the future, though, as the state has been considering lowering the minimum age for online gambling.
Maryland and Pennsylvania have also regulated their iGaming markets, allowing their residents to bet on a variety of casino games, sports, and more online. These platforms are backed by some of the biggest names in the gaming industry, including BetMGM and Caesars. The two states are hoping to create a robust online casino market that will rival those of neighboring Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey.
Meanwhile, Oregon has only recently launched its sports betting offerings, but is likely to consider a full online casino in the near future as well. The state’s laws currently only prohibit iGaming from certain tribal casinos, and it would make sense for the Beaver State to join its neighbors by regulating its own iGaming offerings.
The state of Washington has a more restrictive stance on online gambling, as it only legalizes sports betting at tribal casinos and does not allow for social casinos. However, this could change in the future, as top operators like FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars have partnered with tribes to offer their services. Finally, Utah is another highly restrictive state when it comes to gambling, with no legal online casinos or even sports betting available for its residents. This is expected to remain the case for some time to come.