Which States Allow Online Gambling?
Gambling in the US is generally legal as long as it doesn’t violate federal law, although some states prohibit real money casino gambling altogether.
Arkansas, for example, takes an anti-gambling stance although sports betting and charitable bingo are allowed; however, online casino play is prohibited within their borders.
New Jersey
New Jersey, most famous for its Atlantic City casinos, is widely acknowledged to have one of the least restrictive laws regarding online gambling laws. Regulated gambling sites operating within its boundaries are permitted to offer mainstream table games, an expansive selection of slots and live dealer tables; pari-mutuel wagering on horse races as well as sports betting are allowed by state regulation.
New Jersey-licensed gambling websites accept various banking and payment options, such as credit cards and e-wallets, along with secure connections and rigorous security measures to safeguard customer safety and comply with gaming regulations.
Concerned players who need help can turn to resources within the state, including 1-800-Gambler’s confidential helpline and website as well as Gamblers Anonymous – an independent fellowship that offers support to problem gamblers nationwide.
Michigan
Michigan followed New Jersey’s lead and legalized online casino gambling, poker and sports betting by passing legislation that regulates these activities late 2019. Representative Brandt Iden led this push while Representative Robert Kosowski had been working tirelessly towards legalization since 2021.
The 12 federally recognized tribes in Missouri may partner with online operators and offer up to three online casinos each (one for casino, poker and sports). The Missouri Gaming Control Board oversees this industry and requires players be at least 21 years old to play.
Sports betting is a highly-popular activity in Michigan State, drawing particular interest during college football and basketball seasons at Michigan University and Michigan State. Michigan also provides betting opportunities on soccer, golf, UFC fights and other niche events.
Minnesota
Minnesota does have some land casinos; however, no legal online gambling websites exist here. Minnesotan gambling remains focused on tribal-operated local casinos for now.
Minnesota does have its own state lottery and an extensive charitable gaming industry featuring bingo, pull-tabs, raffles and more. Furthermore, Minnesota boasts 13 riverboat casinos offering pari-mutuel horse race betting.
However, because most states’ gambling laws only target providers rather than individual gamblers – leaving players to find legal gambling options outside of its borders. That being said, gamblers can feel confident gambling on out-of-state sites; especially when betting sports.
South Carolina
South Carolina does not permit casino-style gambling, but residents still take pleasure in enjoying regulated online gambling sites and daily fantasy sports betting options available there.
However, no change will likely come soon to South Carolina’s anti-gambling laws despite nearby states having already seen millions in tax revenue generated through sports betting.
The 1770s and 1800s saw many settlers engaging in gambling activities ranging from cockfighting to dog fighting events, while today people can still get in trouble for playing poker or roulette at home or for possessing unlawful gaming tables. Furthermore, states ban sports betting on Sundays. Although the Supreme Court recently overturned PASPA (Prohibited Act for Sports Betting on Sundays) there remain state lawmakers opposed to it.
Tennessee
Tennessee does not permit land-based casinos or licensed online casino operators accepting players from within its borders; however, residents can play at sweepstakes casinos such as Funzpoints or real money slots sites like Chumba for real money slots gaming experiences.
In 2019, California passed legislation legalizing DFS and March Madness brackets; however, other forms of gambling remain prohibited. Later in 2020, local sportsbooks became legal; this decision has generated millions in tax revenue for the state.
Tennessee residents are allowed to gamble legally at licensed offshore sites that provide an array of games. These sites are overseen by their governments and will safeguard player data while being easily found with an internet search.