Alabama
While Alabama doesn’t regulate online casinos, residents can still play at reputable offshore sites due to the state's grey market status. These platforms, licensed in trusted jurisdictions, offer safe, secure gaming for Alabamians despite the lack of local oversight.
Alaska
Alaska doesn’t regulate online casinos and shows little interest in developing a state-controlled market, largely due to its small population and limited gambling infrastructure. Still, residents can play at reputable and licenced offshore sites, making online gaming a viable option in this US state.
Arizona
The state of Arizona has strict laws against operating online casinos, but there are no rules preventing residents from playing at offshore sites. While the state doesn’t license or regulate online gambling, Arizonians can still enjoy games at reputable, international casinos that welcome U.S. players.
Arkansas
Arkansas shows little interest in regulating online casinos, and ongoing debates over land-based gambling make legislative progress unlikely. Still, residents can legally play at offshore online casinos, as state laws target operators, not individual players—making Arkansas a typical grey market state in the U.S.
California
Online casinos aren’t regulated in California yet, but you can still legally play at offshore sites that welcome players from the state. Since there are no laws stopping you from gambling online, Californians can safely enjoy real money games at trusted international casinos while the state continues to debate future regulation.
Colorado
Colorado has become an appealing destination for gamblers, with around 40 licensed casinos now offering a wide range of games and higher stakes, especially in towns like Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek. While online casinos aren't currently licensed in the state, players can still access offshore platforms that accept Colorado residents. With legal online sports betting already in place, many hope this signals more gaming options to come.
Conneticut
Connecticut is home to two major Native American resort casinos, but unlike some neighboring states, it hasn't yet licensed any online casinos or real money sports betting. Players in Connecticut can still access international gambling sites, which offer a wide variety of games, though not always from top U.S. developers. While there's been interest—especially from the tribes—movement toward licensed online gambling remains slow.
Delaware
Delaware was one of the first states to launch fully licensed online casinos, offering slots, table games, and poker through its three racetrack casinos under the state lottery. While the market hasn't generated huge revenues—mainly due to the state's small size—players can still enjoy regulated options as well as access to offshore sites. Poker remains a challenge due to low player numbers, but online casino games continue to see steady growth.
Florida
Online gambling is hugely popular in Florida, but real money online casinos aren't licensed or regulated by the state. While residents can visit land-based casinos, online play falls into a gray area—locals aren't banned from playing at offshore sites, but no operator can be based in Florida. That said, many players still safely enjoy games through international platforms, even though Florida-based online casino apps are extremely limited.
Georgia
Georgia doesn’t have any land-based casinos or a regulated gambling industry, but online gambling is still possible through offshore sites. While the state hasn’t taken steps to license or regulate online casinos, residents can play at international platforms offering a wide range of games. There’s ongoing talk of expanding gambling—possibly even building a major resort in Atlanta—but for now, Georgia remains firmly in the grey market.
Hawaii
Hawaii has no legal gambling of any kind—no casinos, no lottery, not even racetracks—making it one of only two states with such strict laws. While there's been some talk over the years about introducing online gambling or a state lottery, none of it has gained traction. Despite this, residents can still play at offshore online casinos, as there are no laws stopping individuals from accessing these international platforms.
Idaho
Idaho may not have a flashy gambling scene, but several Native American casinos keep the industry alive in the state. While online casinos aren’t regulated locally and there’s little interest from lawmakers to change that, residents can still legally access offshore sites offering a wide range of games. With no restrictions on individuals playing online, many Idahoans enjoy virtual casinos through trusted international platforms.
Illinois
As of 2024, Illinois has not regulated online casino gaming, but residents can legally play at offshore sites. While intrastate online casinos remain illegal, Illinoisans have access to legal sports betting, horse racing, poker rooms, and the state lottery both in-person and online.
Indiana
Indiana offers legal land-based gambling and online sports betting, but online casinos are not yet regulated. Still, residents can access offshore casino sites, and analysts believe the state is well-positioned for future iGaming expansion due to its strong casino infrastructure and projected revenue potential.
Iowa
Iowa has a long history of gambling, with legal casinos, racinos, and a state lottery, but online casinos remain unregulated. While early legislative interest hinted at potential online poker legalization, momentum has since stalled, and residents currently rely on offshore sites for online gambling.
Kansas
Kansas has legalized land-based gambling but remains staunchly opposed to regulating online casinos. While playing at offshore sites is not off the table, attempts to regulate or ban online gambling have mostly failed, signaling that legal online casinos likely won’t come to Kansas anytime soon.
Kentucky
Kentucky has a rich gambling history rooted in horse racing, with Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby as iconic staples. While online betting on horse races is legal, the state remains strongly opposed to online casinos, with past lawsuits against offshore operators. Still, future regulation isn’t off the table—especially if it aligns with the interests of the racing industry.
Louisiana
Louisiana doesn’t currently regulate online casinos, but residents can still access offshore sites without legal risk. Lawmakers have shown interest in exploring regulation, acknowledging the lack of player protections and lost state revenue. Given the state’s widespread acceptance of land-based gambling, legal online casinos may eventually follow.
Maine
Maine doesn’t currently regulate online casinos, though discussions have occurred, most notably in 2012. Still, residents can legally access offshore sites, making it a grey market state. With a modest but growing land-based gaming industry—including two casinos and a lottery—future regulation of online gambling remains a long-term possibility, though tribal casino disputes currently take legislative priority.
Maryland
In the mid-20th century, southern Maryland briefly rivaled Las Vegas with a booming slot machine scene, generating millions before the state outlawed slots in 1968. The appetite for gambling persisted, leading to the Maryland Lottery in 1973 and, decades later, the return of casinos with slots and table games through voter-approved referendums. Today, Maryland's gaming industry continues to grow, with major resorts like MGM National Harbor and potential expansion into online gambling on the horizon.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts currently has no regulated online gambling, but residents can still access offshore sites due to the state's "grey market" status. While efforts to regulate Internet gaming have been minimal so far, the state's focus has been on expanding live casinos under the 2011 Expanded Gaming Act. With major resort projects like MGM Springfield and Wynn Everett underway—despite delays and legal hurdles—the future of both online and land-based gambling in Massachusetts remains active and evolving.
Michigan
Michigan is poised to become the Midwest’s online gaming leader after legalizing online casinos through the Lawful Internet Gaming Act in 2019. While full regulation is still being finalized, players can already access offshore sites legally, and all of Michigan’s land-based casinos—including tribal venues—are eligible to apply for licenses. With a long history of gambling from horse racing to Detroit’s commercial casinos, Michigan’s inclusive approach signals a bright future for its online casino landscape.
Minnesota
Minnesota has a long history with gambling, starting with charitable gaming in 1945 and expanding to horse racing and tribal casinos in the 1980s. While the state has added features like a lottery and electronic pull tabs, it has been hesitant to embrace online gambling, even attempting to block access in 2009. Despite this, Minnesotans can legally play on offshore casino sites, as the state is considered a grey market with no laws prohibiting individual participation.
Mississippi
Mississippi’s modern gambling industry began with the 1990 Gaming Control Act, leading to a boom in dockside casinos and a surge in revenue known as the “Mississippi Miracle.” While the state still lacks a lottery, it has embraced land-based gaming, and could be among the first in the Deep South to consider legalizing online casinos in the future.
Missouri
Missouri’s modern casino industry began with the 1991 riverboat gambling law, later expanded to include all games of chance after voter approval in 1994. While the state now boasts 13 casinos and a thriving lottery, lawmakers show little interest in regulating online gambling, leaving residents to access overseas sites without legal repercussions.
Montana
Montana has a long gambling history, with modern regulation beginning in the 1970s and expanding to include video gaming machines and a state lottery. While the state has no commercial casinos, tribal casinos and licensed venues with video gaming devices offer a variety of legal gambling options under strict limits.
Nebraska
Nebraska has traditionally taken a cautious approach to gambling, with limited options like horse racing, charitable games, and a state lottery gradually approved over decades. While tribal casinos operate under strict rules, commercial casinos and online gambling remain largely off the table, with little legislative momentum to change that.
Nevada
Nevada is a pioneer in legal gambling, famous for Las Vegas and being one of the first states to allow online poker and mobile sports betting. However, online casinos remain unregulated, so players must rely on reputable offshore sites for real-money games.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire allows limited online gambling, such as lottery ticket purchases and horse race betting, but online casinos and poker remain unregulated. Despite this, residents can still play real money games through offshore sites, as there are no laws prohibiting individuals from doing so.
New Jersey
New Jersey is a leader in both live and online gambling, with Atlantic City serving as the East Coast’s premier gaming hub. The state's regulated online casinos, including Borgata and Caesars, have seen success, despite competition from offshore sites. The launch of PokerStars in 2016 helped boost online poker, although the market remains competitive.
New Mexico
New Mexico's gambling industry began in 1946 with parimutuel horse racing and expanded to tribal casinos in the 1990s after successful compacts. Today, over 20 casinos operate in the state, alongside the New Mexico Lottery offering games like Powerball and Mega Millions. Despite a lack of interest in regulating online gambling, many New Mexicans play at overseas casino sites without legal consequences.
New York
New York offers a growing gambling scene, with a mix of commercial casinos, racinos, and a booming lottery industry. While online gambling is not yet legal in the state, New Yorkers can still access offshore casinos without legal repercussions. The state has approved seven commercial casinos, with four already operational, and there's growing momentum for online gambling regulation.
North Carolina
North Carolina has strict gambling laws, with only two tribal casinos and limited legal gambling options. Online casinos are not regulated, but residents can legally play at offshore sites. Despite national trends, the state has shown little movement toward legalizing online gambling.
North Dakota
North Dakota showed early interest in online gambling with a 2005 proposal to legalize online poker, but the effort was overwhelmingly defeated in the Senate. Since then, no serious attempts have been made to regulate online gambling, leaving the state a grey market where offshore sites still accept players. Tribal casinos dominate the land-based gambling scene, while state-regulated online options remain unlikely in the near future.
Ohio
Ohio currently exists in a legal “grey area” for online gambling, meaning players can use offshore sites without legal consequences, though no state-regulated platforms are available yet. With a growing population and interest in tax revenue, lawmakers are considering regulation, especially as they watch neighboring states like Pennsylvania succeed. While legal changes may be on the horizon, Ohioans can safely access reputable international casinos in the meantime.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has a rich gambling history, and while online gaming isn’t currently regulated within state borders, tribal efforts have made some headway internationally. Though past attempts like PokerTribes.com were halted, recent legal wins for tribes could spark a resurgence of international-facing online gaming. Still, residents remain in a legal grey zone, freely accessing offshore sites with no penalties.
Oregon
Online gambling in Oregon operates in a legal grey zone—players can freely access offshore sites, but the state hasn’t regulated its own online casinos yet. Still, Oregonians have plenty of safe, reputable options through internationally licensed sites offering secure payments and fair games. Meanwhile, land-based tribal casinos and betting venues continue to thrive across 18 cities.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has become a leader in online gambling since legalizing casino games, poker, and sports betting in 2017 through House Bill 271. The state launched these services between May and November 2019, quickly growing into one of the top gaming markets in the U.S. Its success now serves as a blueprint for other states exploring online gambling legislation.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s gambling history began with its state lottery in 1973 and expanded with Twin River Casino’s evolution from a racetrack to a full casino. Though online gambling discussions have occurred, no regulatory progress has been made, and players use offshore sites legally. Future expansion may hinge on voter approval for a new casino in Tiverton amid regional competition.
South Carolina
South Carolina has a very limited gambling scene, with no casinos and only a small lottery and charitable bingo. The Catawba Indian Nation operates a few bingo halls, but the state's conservative stance on gambling makes it unlikely for any significant expansion. Online gambling is also not regulated, leaving residents to rely on offshore sites.
South Dakota
South Dakota's gambling scene is centered around Deadwood, where casinos have been legal since 1989, attracting tourism with its Wild West history. While the state offers a lottery and limited horse racing, online gambling has seen little interest, with officials fearing it could hurt Deadwood's tourism. Though there's no regulation of online gambling, many players in the state use offshore sites to access real money games.
Tennessee
Tennessee has resisted most forms of gambling, with no casinos or horse racing allowed, and only a state-run lottery since 2004. Charitable gaming is very limited, and Native American tribes have not pursued gambling operations in the state. While there's no regulation of online casinos, many Tennesseans play on offshore sites without facing legal consequences.
Texas
Texas has yet to regulate online gambling, and real money sites for casino games and sports betting remain illegal. The state has a history of anti-gamblig sentiment, with only limited legal gambling options, such as the state lottery, horse racing, bingo, and poker clubs. Efforts to legalize online gambling have been made, but for now, players can access offshore sites safely, though the state's stance on the matter is still unclear.
Utah
Utah is one of the most anti-gambling states in the U.S., with no legal gambling options, including lotteries, casinos, or horse racing, due to its deeply religious and conservative nature. The state has passed laws that make even playing online gambling a misdemeanor, though enforcement is rare. Given Utah's stance, it's unlikely that gambling, including online gaming, will be legalized or regulated in the foreseeable future.
Vermont
Vermont has a limited gambling scene, with no casinos, horse racing, or Native American resorts. The state does allow a lottery, which funds education, and charitable gaming events like raffles and bingo. While there has been some discussion about regulating online gambling, it has not progressed, leaving Vermont as a grey market for online gaming, where residents can play without facing legal repercussions.
Virginia
Virginia is expanding its gambling industry with legislation allowing casinos in five cities and legalized online lottery sales. Sports betting launched in 2020, but online casino regulation is still pending. Virginians can currently access overseas online casinos without legal issues, while horse racing remains popular in the state.
Washington
In Washington, while there are no legal online casinos, residents can still play at offshore sites, though the state has stringent laws against online gambling. In 2006, Washington made online poker a Class C felony, though enforcement has been rare, and players generally face no legal consequences. The state has a strong gambling culture with card rooms, Native American casinos, and a state lottery, but has not progressed towards legalizing online casinos or sports betting.
West Virginia
West Virginia has a rich gambling history, with parimutuel racing starting in 1933 and casinos integrated into race tracks in the 2000s. While online casino gambling isn't yet regulated, there is potential for future legalization, as key stakeholders in the state show interest in the opportunity. In the meantime, residents can play at overseas online casinos, as there are no laws preventing it.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s casino industry is dominated by Native American tribes, with around 25 venues offering Class III gaming. Online gambling regulation hasn’t been pursued by the state, though the Lac du Flambeau tribe expressed interest in Internet gaming by joining the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance in 2014. Currently, residents can only access overseas online casinos, as local regulation remains absent.
Wyoming
Wyoming has a limited gaming industry, with the state mainly offering parimutuel wagering, a state lottery, and tribal casinos. Online gambling is not a priority for lawmakers, and there’s little evidence of movement towards regulating it in the near future. However, residents can still access offshore online casinos, as Wyoming is considered a grey market for internet gambling.