Current iGaming Landscape in the USA Overview 2024 – 2025

TLDR & Latest Update Revision to previous post – Oct 5, 2024

Disclaimer: It is advised that you consult with legal experts for the most up-to-date information & verify legislation status through official state government websites or reputable sources. Monitor industry publications and news outlets for updates. This summary is designed to inform and highlight ongoing trends, but it’s important to note that this is not a comprehensive legal guide. We strongly advise individuals and businesses to conduct their own due diligence and consult with legal experts, as regulations are complex and subject to change. This compilation serves as an informal guide to assist you in understanding the current market climate

• Six states with regulated online casino gaming and poker: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut.
• States actively considering online casino gaming: Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Indiana, New Hampshire.
• States focusing exclusively on regulated online sports betting: Nevada, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Tennessee, Virginia, Arizona, New Hampshire, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington D.C., Wyoming, Arkansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Kansas, Maine.
• States where sweepstakes operators do not operate: Michigan, Connecticut, Washington, Idaho, Nevada.

1. Indiana: While online casino legislation stalled, sports betting is legal.
2. New Hampshire: Online casino bill was indefinitely postponed, but may be revisited in 2025.
3. Ohio: Scheduled committee hearings on iGaming and iLottery may pave the way for future legislation.
4. Wyoming: Introduced an online casino bill, with potential reconsideration in 2025.
5. Louisiana: Early discussions around online casino gaming, but significant movement unlikely until 2025.
   

Current iGaming Landscape in the USA Overview 2024 – 2025

The iGaming industry in the United States has experienced significant growth, with various states introducing regulations to permit online casino gaming, poker, and sports betting. Additionally, sweepstakes gaming provides an alternative model in states where traditional online gambling is not fully legal. However, some states have specific regulations that restrict the operation of sweepstakes-style gaming. This article provides an overview of the current landscape, including the states where sweepstakes gaming is not permitted.

6 US States with Regulated Online Casino Gaming and Poker

1. New Jersey: One of the earliest states to legalize and regulate online casino gaming and poker, offering a wide range of games.
2. Pennsylvania: Provides a full suite of online casino games and poker, regulated by the state.
3. Michigan: Offers regulated online casino gaming and poker; however, sweepstakes gaming operations are not permitted in this state.
4. West Virginia: Allows online casino gaming and poker through state-licensed operators.
5. Delaware: Runs online casino gaming and poker through a state-operated system.
6. Connecticut: Recently introduced regulated online casino gaming, poker, and sports betting. The state does not permit sweepstakes gaming operations.
   

The Future of iGaming in the USA

The U.S. iGaming market continues to grow and evolve as more states explore the economic benefits of online gambling. While some states have adopted comprehensive regulations for online casino gaming, others focus exclusively on sports betting or maintain restrictions on sweepstakes models. As the regulatory landscape changes, operators must adapt to meet each state’s legal requirements and provide compliant gaming experiences.

States Actively Considering Online Casino Gaming

1. Illinois
   • Likelihood: 20%
   • Details: Illinois’ latest online casino bill is still active due to the state’s two-year legislative sessions. It has been reassigned to the House Gaming Committee, indicating ongoing discussion. However, strong opposition from retail casino unions and the video gaming terminal industry may continue to stall progress​(Bonus.com).
2. Iowa
   • Likelihood: 0% for 2024
   • Details: Iowa has seen annual attempts to introduce online casino legislation since 2021, but efforts remain stagnant due to a lack of unanimous support from land-based casinos. The Iowa Gaming Association remains neutral, making it unlikely for legislation to progress this year​(Play USA).
3. Maine
   • Likelihood: 30%
   • Details: While previous efforts faced setbacks, there is renewed discussion on introducing online casinos in Maine. A revised approach is under consideration, including adjusting tax rates to align with other forms of gambling expansion​(Bonus.com).
4. Maryland
   • Likelihood: 40%
   • Details: To legalize online casinos, Maryland would require a state constitutional amendment, leading to a public referendum. Although the House passed a bill, it stalled in the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee. With ongoing studies on the economic impact of online casinos, there is potential for forward movement​(Bonus.com).
5. Indiana
   • Likelihood: 0% for 2024
   • Details: Indiana was once at the forefront of iGaming legislation. However, due to corruption scandals and a lack of legislative support this year, discussions are deferred to 2025​(Play USA)​(Play USA).
6. New Hampshire
   • Likelihood: 0% for 2024
   • Details: Due to a procedural move called “indefinite postponement,” New Hampshire’s bill cannot be revisited in 2024. However, it is likely to be brought up again in 2025, indicating a future possibility for legalization​(Play USA).

States Considering Online Sports Betting and Possible Future Casino Expansion

1. Ohio
   • Likelihood: 0% for 2024, but growing interest for 2025
   • Details: Although there is no current online casino legislation, Ohio will hold special committee hearings this year on iGaming and iLottery, potentially setting up for a bill in 2025​(Play USA).
2. Minnesota
   • Likelihood: 85% for sports betting legalization, setting a precedent for future online casino legislation
   • Details: Minnesota came close to legalizing sports betting, which is viewed as a first step towards future iGaming expansion. There is active work to reach agreements with various stakeholders, possibly paving the way for casino gaming​(Play USA).
3. Wyoming
   • Likelihood: 50% for 2025
   • Details: An unexpected candidate, Wyoming introduced an online casino bill modeled after its sports betting regulations. While the bill did not advance in the current short session, there are plans to revisit in 2025​(Play USA).

States Where Discussions Are in Early Stages

1. Louisiana
   • Likelihood: 20% for 2025
   • Details: Louisiana is engaging in early discussions around online casino gaming. However, significant movement is not expected until at least 2025​(Play USA).
2. North Carolina
   • Likelihood: 10%
   • Details: Following the legalization of sports betting, some push for expanding iGaming. Yet, strong cultural opposition within the state makes it unlikely in the near future​(Play USA).
3. Colorado
   • Likelihood: 15%
   • Details: Conversations between lawmakers and industry stakeholders are ongoing. Legalization of online casinos will require voter approval, adding complexity to the process​(Play USA).
4. Georgia
   • Likelihood: 40% for sports betting; possible future casino gaming discussion
   • Details: Multiple bills for sports betting will be filed, and ongoing interest suggests potential for future online casino legislation. However, past efforts have been hindered by party politics​(Play USA).

While some states like Illinois, Maine, and Maryland are actively engaging in discussions, the path to legalization varies, with some facing strong opposition. Sports betting expansions in states like Ohio and Minnesota could lay the groundwork for future online casino legalization, while states like Indiana and New Hampshire are deferring discussions to 2025.

States with Regulated Online Sports Betting Only

Several states have chosen to focus exclusively on regulating online sports betting without allowing full-scale online casino gaming:

1. Nevada: Known for its traditional gambling hub, Nevada primarily regulates online sports betting and has strict rules against sweepstakes gaming.
2. Colorado
3. Illinois
4. Indiana
5. Iowa
6. Tennessee
7. Virginia
8. Arizona
9. New Hampshire
10. Oregon
11. Rhode Island
12. Washington, D.C.
13. Wyoming
14. Arkansas
15. Louisiana
16. Maryland
17. Massachusetts
18. Mississippi (Limited to on-site online sports betting)
19. Montana (Limited to on-site online sports betting)
20. New York
21. North Carolina (Limited to on-site online sports betting)
22. Ohio (Pending launch)
23. Kansas (Recently launched)
24. Maine (Pending launch)

States Where Sweepstakes Operators Do Not Operate

Due to state-specific regulations that restrict sweepstakes gaming, operators do not operate in the following states due to cease & desist or other featured news:

1. Michigan: State regulations restrict the operation of sweepstakes-style gaming.
2. Connecticut: Does not permit the operation of sweepstakes gaming within the state.
3. Washington: Has explicit laws prohibiting sweepstakes-style gaming.
4. Idaho: State laws do not allow sweepstakes gaming operations.
5. Nevada: Strict gambling regulations limit the operation of sweepstakes-style casinos.