Casino gambling laws in the United States vary significantly by state. Some states have embraced commercial casinos, tribal gaming, and even online wagering, while others maintain strict prohibitions. Below is a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown, including a summary table and detailed analysis for each state.
Summary Table: State Gambling Laws
The table below summarizes key aspects of casino gambling legality in each state. The columns indicate whether the state has Online Casinos (legal state-regulated online casino games), Local Commercial Casinos (state-licensed non-tribal casinos, including traditional casinos or “racinos”), and Tribal Casinos (casinos operated by Native American tribes under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act). “Yes” indicates the activity is legal/permitted; “No” indicates it is not allowed.
| State | Online Casinos | Commercial Casinos | Tribal Casinos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | No | No | Yes |
| Alaska | No | No | Yes |
| Arizona | No | No | Yes |
| Arkansas | No | Yes | No |
| California | No | No | Yes |
| Colorado | No | Yes | Yes |
| Connecticut | Yes | No | Yes |
| Delaware | Yes | Yes | No |
| Florida | No | No (limited slots) | Yes |
| Georgia | No | No | No |
| Hawaii | No | No | No |
| Idaho | No | No | Yes |
| Illinois | No | Yes | No |
| Indiana | No | Yes | Yes |
| Iowa | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kansas | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kentucky | No | No | No |
| Louisiana | No | Yes | Yes |
| Maine | No | Yes | No |
| Maryland | No | Yes | No |
| Massachusetts | No | Yes | No |
| Michigan | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Minnesota | No | No | Yes |
| Mississippi | No | Yes | Yes |
| Missouri | No | Yes | No |
| Montana | No | Yes (VLTs) | Yes |
| Nebraska | No | Yes (racinos) | Yes |
| Nevada | No (poker only) | Yes | No |
| New Hampshire | No | No (charity only) | No |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | No |
| New Mexico | No | Yes (limited racinos) | Yes |
| New York | No | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | No | No | Yes |
| North Dakota | No | No | Yes |
| Ohio | No | Yes | No |
| Oklahoma | No | No | Yes |
| Oregon | No | No | Yes |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | Yes | No |
| Rhode Island | Yes (2024) | Yes | No |
| South Carolina | No | No | No |
| South Dakota | No | Yes (Deadwood) | Yes |
| Tennessee | No | No | No |
| Texas | No | No | Yes (limited) |
| Utah | No | No | No |
| Vermont | No | No | No |
| Virginia | No | Yes (new 2020 law) | No |
| Washington | No | No | Yes |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | No |
| Wisconsin | No | No | Yes |
| Wyoming | No | No (historic racing) | Yes |
Notes: Some states marked “No” for commercial casinos allow limited exceptions (for example, Florida allows slot machine venues at a few pari-mutuel facilities, Montana permits small-stakes video gambling in bars, Oregon has video lottery terminals statewide but no non-tribal table-game casinos, etc.). Nevada does not have state-authorized online casinos beyond poker, largely to protect its land-based industry. Rhode Island approved online casino gaming in 2023 (launching in 2024), becoming the seventh state with legal iGaming. The District of Columbia (not listed above) has no casinos, allowing only lottery and sports betting.
Below, each state is broken down with details on applicable gambling laws, key dates (e.g., legalization measures), major regulations, notable casino locations/operators, and recent changes or pending legislation. States are listed alphabetically.
Detailed State-by-State Breakdown of USA Online Gambling Laws
Alabama
Casinos: All forms of casino gambling are largely prohibited in Alabama. The Alabama Constitution of 1901 (Article IV, §65) bans lotteries and games of chance. There are no commercial casinos or state lotteries. However, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians operates a few tribal casinos on sovereign land (e.g., Wind Creek casinos in Atmore, Wetumpka, and Montgomery), offering electronic bingo machines (Class II gaming). These exist under federal law (IGRA) since state law does not allow casino gaming. Alabama does allow pari-mutuel betting (horse and greyhound racing at a few tracks, e.g., Birmingham Race Course) under local laws.
Online casinos are illegal, and attempts to legalize any gambling (like a state lottery or full casinos) have repeatedly failed. For instance, bills in 2021-2022 to authorize a lottery and casinos did not pass. Alabama remains one of the strictest states on gambling, effectively only allowing tribal gaming and racing/bingo under narrow circumstances.
Alaska
Casinos: Casino-style gaming is banned in Alaska. There are no commercial casinos, no lottery, and only very limited tribal gaming. Even Alaska’s tribes cannot offer slot machines or traditional casino table games. Tribal gaming is restricted to bingo halls and pull-tab games (Class II), and even those are limited in number. Online gambling is also illegal. Certain unusual contests (like salmon or snowmachine classics) are allowed as exceptions for charitable fundraising.
Overall, Alaska permits charitable gaming and pari-mutuel betting on dog mushing or fishing derbies in specific cases, but not casinos. With a small population and historically low demand, Alaska has not pursued gambling expansion; efforts to start a state lottery or allow video gaming have not been enacted. Thus, no online casinos, no commercial casinos, and only bingo-style tribal gaming are present in Alaska.
Arizona
Casinos: Tribal casinos are legal and flourishing in Arizona, while commercial casinos are not allowed off-reservation. Arizona has over 20 tribal casinos operated under state-tribal compacts, offering slots, table games, poker, and more. Notable tribes operating casinos include the Tohono O’odham, Gila River, Navajo, and others. State law otherwise prohibits gambling unless specifically authorized.
There is a state lottery and pari-mutuel horse wagering, but casino-style gambling is restricted to tribal lands. In 2021, Arizona expanded gambling via new compacts: it legalized sports betting (retail & mobile) and allowed tribes to increase their gaming offerings (and even authorized limited new casinos for certain tribes).
Online casinos remain illegal – no law permits online slot or table games in Arizona, and none of the 2021 changes included iGaming. As of 2025, only social and sweepstakes casino sites operate, as Arizona has not introduced legislation for online casino gaming. Arizona’s constitution would likely require voter approval to allow any non-tribal casinos or statewide online gambling, keeping the status quo of tribal casinos and no online casinos for now.
Arkansas
Casinos: Arkansas went from having no casinos to a limited casino industry in recent years. For decades, gambling in Arkansas was confined to a state lottery (approved in 2008) and pari-mutuel betting on races. In 2018, Arkansas voters approved Issue 4, a constitutional amendment, to authorize four casino licenses. Now, Arkansas has commercial casinos at three sites currently: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort (Hot Springs), Southland Casino (West Memphis), and Saracen Casino Resort (Pine Bluff). A fourth license for Russellville (Pope County) is in process amid legal battles. These casinos offer slots, table games, poker, and sports betting.
Tribal casinos: None – Arkansas has no federally recognized tribes running casinos, so all casinos are state-licensed. Online casinos are not legal; state law prohibits internet gambling within Arkansas. (Arkansas did allow mobile sports betting in 2022 via these casinos, but not online casino games.)
Key regulations: the Arkansas Racing Commission regulates casinos, and casino gaming revenue is taxed (13-20% sliding scale). Recent changes: All four casinos were approved in 2018, with three operational by 2021. The last, in Pope County, has been delayed but is expected in coming years. Aside from that expansion and adding sports betting, Arkansas gambling is still limited – no online casinos and no additional casino venues beyond those four allowed by the constitution.
California
Casinos: California has a unique gambling setup with no commercial casinos (like Las Vegas-style) outside tribal lands, but it has numerous tribal casinos and many licensed card rooms. Tribal casinos: California has about 66 operational tribal casinos run by 60+ tribes. Thanks to tribal-state compacts (enabled by a 2000 constitutional amendment, Proposition 1A), tribes can offer slot machines, lottery games, and banked card games on their reservations. These casinos (e.g., Pechanga, Yaamava’ (San Manuel), Morongo, Thunder Valley, etc.) collectively offer tens of thousands of slot machines and have become major gaming resorts.
Commercial card rooms: California allows non-tribal card clubs where games like poker and certain California-style table games are played, but these card rooms cannot have slot machines or house-banked games. They operate under a loophole where the “player-dealer” rotates (so the house doesn’t bank the game). Examples include Commerce Casino and Bicycle Casino in the Los Angeles area. Lottery and racing: California has a state lottery and pari-mutuel horse racing.
Online casinos: All forms of online gambling (casino games, poker for money) are illegal in California. Numerous attempts to legalize online poker have failed in the legislature, largely due to stakeholder disputes between tribes, card rooms, and racing interests.
Recent developments: In 2022, California voters rejected propositions to legalize sports betting (one for tribal in-person betting, one for statewide online betting) after the most expensive ballot campaign in U.S. history. So as of 2025, California only allows tribal casinos and card rooms in-person, with no online casino gaming authorized. Tribal casinos are regulated via compacts (and tribal regulators), and card rooms by the CA Gambling Control Commission, and any expansion (like sports betting or online wagering) is a contentious issue left unresolved.
Colorado
Casinos: Colorado permits commercial casinos, but only in limited locations, and has a couple of small tribal casinos. By state constitution, casino gambling (“limited gaming”) is allowed only in the historic mining towns of Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek, plus on tribal lands. Colorado voters approved this in 1990; casinos opened in 1991 with initially low betting limits and limited games (expanded by subsequent voter measures in 2008 and 2020). Today, Colorado’s commercial casinos (over 30 of them) in those towns offer slots, blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, etc., with no bet limits as of 2021. Two tribal casinos (Sky Ute and Ute Mountain casinos) operate in southwest Colorado under compacts, offering similar gaming.
Online casinos: Colorado has not legalized online casino games, so they remain illegal. However, Colorado did legalize sports betting in 2019 (online and retail), which went live in 2020. Apart from casinos, gambling in Colorado includes a state lottery, horse racing (limited), and charitable gaming. The Colorado Division of Gaming regulates commercial casinos, and tribal casinos follow IGRA with minimal state oversight.
Recent changes: In November 2020, voters (via Amendment 77) allowed the casino towns to eliminate betting limits and add new games, which they did in 2021 (bringing Colorado’s offerings on par with Las Vegas in terms of games). No current initiatives for iGaming exist, making online casinos still illegal and unlikely until further legislative action.
Connecticut
Casinos: Connecticut gambling is defined by its two big tribal casinos – Foxwoods (Mashantucket Pequot) and Mohegan Sun (Mohegan Tribe) – and more recently, online gaming through those tribes. There are no commercial casinos off tribal land in Connecticut. The tribes have exclusive casino rights per compacts (in exchange for sharing 25% of slot revenue with the state). In 2021, Connecticut legalized online casinos and sports betting in partnership with the tribes, making it one of the few states with legal online casino gaming. Now, online casinos are legal via two platforms: DraftKings Casino (with Foxwoods) and FanDuel/Mohegan Sun Casino. These launched on October 19, 2021, offering slots, blackjack, roulette, and other games to players 21+ in Connecticut. The CT Lottery also can offer sports betting (and limited online games like Keno), but not online casinos.
Key laws: Gambling is illegal unless authorized by law, which historically limited casinos to tribal lands. The 2021 law and updated compacts modernized this, but still no independent commercial casinos were allowed (an attempt to build a jointly-run tribal casino in East Windsor was scrapped).
Recent changes: The introduction of iGaming and statewide sports betting in 2021 is the major change. Connecticut’s casinos themselves (Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods) have operated since the 1990s. In summary, CT has two tribal casinos (no others), fully legal online casino gaming through those entities, and no commercial casinos beyond the tribal operations.
Delaware
Casinos: Despite its small size, Delaware has been at the forefront of gambling legalization. Delaware has three casinos (Delaware Park, Dover Downs, Harrington Raceway) which are technically pari-mutuel racetracks with casinos (racinos) authorized under state law. These offer slot machines, table games, and poker. Delaware was among the first states to legalize online gambling: since 2013, online casinos are legal in Delaware. The state lottery oversees online casino platforms run in partnership with the three casinos, and Delawareans 21+ can play slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker online within the state. There are no tribal casinos (no recognized tribes in Delaware).
Key regulations: Delaware’s Video Lottery Act (1994) established casino gaming at racetracks using lottery-run slot machines. Table games were added in 2010 legislation. All casino gaming is under the Delaware Lottery’s jurisdiction.
Major operators: The three physical casinos are Delaware Park (Wilmington/New Castle County), Dover Downs (now owned by Bally’s Corporation), and Harrington Raceway (Kent County). Recent changes: Delaware launched full-scale sports betting in 2018 (using its existing law after PASPA fell) and remains active in the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (sharing poker liquidity with NV/NJ). The market is small (under a million residents), but Delaware’s early move into iGaming means online casino play is fully legal and operational there. No new casinos have been added recently, and any expansion would be unlikely without legislation. Delaware illustrates how a state can integrate lottery, casinos, and online gaming into a unified regulatory model.
Florida
Casinos: Florida’s gambling landscape is complex, involving tribal casinos, limited commercial gambling at pari-mutuels, and significant legal battles. Tribal casinos: The Seminole Tribe operates several large casinos (e.g., Hard Rock Tampa and Hollywood), and the Miccosukee Tribe has a smaller casino. Under a 2010 compact (and a 2021 updated compact, currently partially stalled), the Seminoles have rights to slots and certain table games.
Commercial casinos: Florida technically doesn’t have “Las Vegas-style” commercial casinos off tribal land. However, state law allows slot machines at pari-mutuel facilities in two counties (Miami-Dade and Broward), which as of now includes 8 “racinos” (former dog tracks or jai alai frontons) with slot machines and poker but no table games. Outside those counties, no slots are allowed. Florida also has cardrooms at pari-mutuel tracks statewide where poker is played (since 1996, expanded in 2003).
Gambling law: Florida’s constitution forbids casino gambling expansions without voter approval (Amendment 3 in 2018) except for tribal compacts. Lottery and racing: Florida has a state lottery and was known for greyhound racing (now banned after 2020) and remains a major horse racing state.
Online casinos: Fully illegal in Florida – there is no provision for online slot or table play, and even online sports betting (though briefly attempted under the Seminole compact) is currently not operational due to court rulings. Recent changes: In 2021, Florida approved a new compact with the Seminoles to introduce statewide mobile sports betting and add games like roulette/craps at tribal casinos, but a federal court blocked the sports betting portion. As of 2025, sports betting is pending appeal. Meanwhile, the Seminoles continue to offer slots and blackjack at their casinos, and pari-mutuel racinos operate slots in South Florida. Major casino locations: Seminole Hard Rock in Tampa and Hollywood are among the largest, and the Isle Casino (now Harrah’s Pompano), Magic City Casino, etc., serve South Florida. Florida pioneered some gambling like high-stakes bingo and cruise ship casinos (out of ports, in international waters). But with Amendment 3, any non-tribal casino expansion (including online casinos) would require a 60% voter approval, making it challenging. Thus, Florida has tribal casinos + limited racinos and no online casinos, with a cautious eye on legal developments.
Georgia
Casinos: Georgia is one of the least gambling-friendly states. No commercial or tribal casinos exist in Georgia. Casino gambling and pari-mutuel betting are prohibited by state law and the state constitution. The only legal gambling includes the Georgia State Lottery (established in 1992, funding education) and charitable games. Georgia has no federally recognized tribes running casinos.
Charitable and social gaming: Small-stakes home poker games without a “house” profit are tolerated, and charitable raffles/bingo are legal under strict rules. But attempts to legalize casinos or racetracks have repeatedly failed. Online casinos: entirely illegal. Even online sports betting or poker have not been legalized. In recent sessions (2021-2023), casino and sports betting bills were introduced (given interest in tapping Atlanta’s market and keeping gambling dollars in-state) but did not pass. Therefore, Georgians must go out-of-state (to NC or FL) to find casinos.
Recent context: Casino proposals often envision resort casinos in Atlanta or Savannah, but they face heavy political opposition. Similarly, horse racing betting has been debated to help the equine industry, but constitutional barriers (an amendment and referendum required) have been too high a hurdle. So as of 2025, Georgia only has the lottery and some charitable gaming, with no casinos and no online gambling in-state.
Hawaii
Casinos: Hawaii is one of only two U.S. states (with Utah) that bans all forms of gambling. It has no casinos – commercial or tribal – and no lottery, racetracks, or even charitable gambling (except very limited social games). Hawaii’s criminal code outlaws gambling, and even cruise ships cannot open casinos in Hawaiian waters. Efforts to introduce a lottery or casinos (often pitched as attractions for tourists) have consistently failed due to strong cultural and political resistance.
Online casinos: completely illegal. In fact, Hawaii has even considered laws to explicitly ban internet gambling (one such bill was to affirm the illegality of online gambling). Notable allowances: Hawaii allows casual social gambling (private games) if no one profits other than through luck of the game, but this is a narrow exception. Other than that, Hawaii offers no legal betting – sports betting, horse racing, casino games are all absent.
Recent attempts: In 2021, a bill to create a Hawaiian lottery and casino on Hawaiian Home Lands was introduced but died; also bills for sports betting have come up without success. Hawaii’s stance remains very strict, making it a rarity in the U.S. for having zero legalized gambling. Residents or visitors who want to gamble have to fly to Las Vegas (which is humorously dubbed “the ninth island” due to many Hawaiian tourists) or other destinations. As of now, Hawaii stands firm with no casinos and no indication of near-term change.
Idaho
Casinos: Idaho’s constitution bans casino gambling, but it allows tribal gaming under certain limits. Commercial casinos are not legal (no non-tribal casinos). After IGRA, Idaho tribes negotiated compacts to allow video gaming machines that simulate slot play. Today, several tribal casinos operate (Coeur d’Alene Casino, Shoshone-Bannock’s Fort Hall Casino, Nez Perce’s Clearwater Casino, etc.), offering video gaming machines and bingo. However, Idaho’s constitution explicitly forbids slot machines and table games, so these tribal machines are technically electronic “bingo” or “lottery” devices. Live poker and roulette/craps are not permitted. For instance, Idaho tribes can have video poker/slots and off-track betting on-site, but no traditional roulette or sports books (though some tribes seek it via compact amendments).
State lottery & racing: Idaho has a lottery (since 1988) and allows pari-mutuel horse racing. For a period, “historical racing” machines (which mimicked slots using past races) were allowed at tracks, but the legislature repealed that in 2015.
Online gambling: fully illegal in Idaho; no moves to legalize online casinos, and Idaho is one of the few states that disallows daily fantasy sports (the Attorney General deemed it gambling). According to an Action Network analysis, Idaho hasn’t considered online gambling legislation post-PASPA. Recent notes: The state has maintained a hard line – any expansion like full Class III gaming for tribes or a state lottery-run casino would require a constitutional amendment, which is unlikely given voter attitudes. Idaho’s tribal casinos remain limited to electronic games (no live blackjack, etc.), keeping gambling relatively modest. Therefore, Idaho has tribal casinos (limited to video machines), no commercial casinos, and no online gambling.
Illinois
Casinos: Illinois has a well-established gambling industry with commercial casinos, racinos, video gaming, and now sports betting, but no legal online casinos (yet). Illinois legalized riverboat casinos in 1990, leading to 10 casinos by the early 2000s (in locations like Aurora, Joliet, East St. Louis, Metropolis, etc.). A major gambling expansion law in 2019 authorized six new casinos (including one in Chicago) and allowed the existing casinos to move or expand. As of 2025, Illinois has 11 casinos operating and several more in development (Chicago, Waukegan, Rockford, Danville, and the south suburbs). It also allows slots at racetracks (two tracks, Hawthorne and Fairmount, are adding “racinos”). Uniquely, Illinois permits video gaming terminals (VGTs) in bars and truck stops statewide (since 2012), resulting in thousands of small venues with a few slot machines each; this has dramatically increased gambling availability. Tribal casinos: None in Illinois (no federal tribal lands with gaming).
Online casinos: currently illegal – attempts to legalize iGaming in Illinois have failed so far. Illinois did legalize online sports betting in 2019 and launched it in 2020, so the state has mobile sportsbooks but not online roulette/slots.
Key regulations: The Illinois Gaming Board oversees casinos and VGTs. Casinos pay up to 50% tax on gross revenue (graduated scale). VGT revenue is taxed at 34%. The 2019 law (Public Act 101-31) was transformative, also legalizing sports betting. Recent changes: Since 2020, Illinois has rolled out sports betting (mobile and retail) and allocated new casino licenses (the Chicago casino project, a Hard Rock in Rockford (temporary casino opened in 2022), a Full House Resorts casino in Waukegan (temporary opened 2023), etc.). By 2025, a Chicago temporary casino may open. Meanwhile, discussions on legalizing online casinos continue, with pressure from neighboring states. The roadblock has been concern from existing VGT operators and some casinos about cannibalization. In summary, Illinois has a robust casino scene (expanding), ubiquitous VGTs, but no state-sanctioned online casino gaming yet.
Indiana
Casinos: Indiana is a mature casino state with 13 commercial casinos (riverboat and land-based) and one tribal casino, plus legalized sports betting, but no online casinos as of 2025. Indiana authorized riverboat casinos in 1993; now there are casinos in Hammond, East Chicago, Gary (Hard Rock Northern Indiana, opened 2021), Evansville, Lawrenceburg, and others. Two racetrack casinos near Indianapolis (Hoosier Park and Indiana Grand, now Horseshoe Indianapolis) offer slots and table games. In 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed tribal gaming in Indiana for the Pokagon Band, who opened Four Winds South Bend – initially Class II, now full Class III under a 2021 compact (making it effectively a tribal casino with slot machines and tables). So Indiana has a mix of commercial and one tribal casino.
Online casinos: currently illegal, though Indiana has tried to pass iGaming bills in 2022 and 2023 without success.
Sports betting: legalized in 2019 (retail and statewide mobile) and successfully implemented. Indiana’s Gaming Commission regulates the industry and is open to iGaming, but lawmakers haven’t approved it yet. Notable operators: Caesars, Hard Rock, Penn, Bally’s and others run Indiana casinos.
Recent changes: A new casino is being built in Terre Haute (Queen of Terre Haute, expected 2024) to use a relocated license. The state lifted bans on live dealers at racinos in 2020. The tribal Four Winds South Bend expansion (adding table games and a compact) was significant in 2021. As regional competition grows (Ohio, Illinois, Michigan all have casinos, and MI has online gaming), Indiana is eyeing online casinos to stay competitive. But until legislation passes, online casino gaming remains unlawful. Overall, Indiana’s gambling is quite permissive with widespread casinos and sports betting, lacking only online casino play.
Iowa
Casinos: Iowa was a pioneer in riverboat casinos (first in 1991) and now has 19 commercial casinos and 2 tribal casinos. Casinos are legal and spread across the state, regulated by the Iowa Racing & Gaming Commission. Tribal casinos (Meskwaki Casino and WinnaVegas) also operate. Iowa has no online casinos yet (illegal), but it was among the first to legalize sports betting (2019).
Commercial casinos: These include riverboats in Council Bluffs, Davenport, etc., and several land-based casinos (Altoona’s Prairie Meadows racino, Waterloo, etc.). Iowa has no caps by law beyond requiring county referendums – multiple counties host casinos, making gambling fairly accessible.
Tribal casinos: Meskwaki (Class II with some Class III) is unusual as it operates without a formal compact (federally overseen); WinnaVegas (owned by the Nebraska Winnebago Tribe) operates under a compact. Online casinos: Illegal, though Iowa legislators have considered iGaming (an online casino bill nearly advanced in 2023). It faced opposition and did not pass. Other gambling: Iowa has a state lottery, and was early in legalizing pari-mutuel wagering and even DFS (fantasy sports).
Recent changes: Iowa removed in-person signup for mobile sports betting in 2021, boosting usage. The Racing & Gaming Commission placed a two-year moratorium (2022-2024) on new casino licenses after approving a new one in Cedar Rapids, to study market saturation. As neighboring states expand iGaming, Iowa might revisit online casinos. For now, Iowans enjoy many brick-and-mortar casinos and legal sports betting, but online casino games remain prohibited until the law changes.
Kansas
Casinos: Kansas employs a unique model: state-owned casino gaming. Four large “commercial” casinos exist, but legally they are operated by private companies on behalf of the state lottery. These are in Dodge City, Mulvane (Wichita area), Kansas City (Kansas Speedway), and Pittsburg. No other commercial casinos are allowed (each was tied to a specific gaming zone under the 2007 Expanded Lottery Act). Kansas also has five tribal casinos (e.g., Prairie Band, Kickapoo, Sac & Fox, Iowa Tribe) per IGRA compacts.
Online casinos: not legal in Kansas (the state only recently legalized sports betting in 2022). Key points: The Kansas Constitution once banned lotteries/casinos, but was amended to allow a state-run lottery, which the legislature interpreted to include casino gaming if state-owned. Thus, Kansas Lottery owns the gaming and the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission regulates the private managers.
Tribal gaming: tribes operate casinos on reservations (like Golden Eagle, 7th Street, etc.) but Kansas has fewer tribes than some states. Recent changes: In 2022, Kansas legalized sports betting (including mobile) through the state casinos. No move yet on iGaming. Also, the lottery’s monopoly on casinos has been tested by attempts to reopen greyhound tracks with slots (which have failed to date). Summary: Kansas has a moderate casino presence (4 state-run casinos, 5 tribal casinos), no independent commercial casinos, and no online casino gaming. The focus has been on successfully implementing sports wagering and ensuring the viability of existing casinos rather than expanding to online casinos.
Kentucky
Casinos: Kentucky has no traditional casinos – commercial or tribal – as casino-style gambling is not authorized. Kentucky is famous for horse racing and allows extensive pari-mutuel wagering at racetracks, but efforts to add casinos have long been stalled. The state does have historical horse racing (HHR) machines at racetracks, which function like slot machines, but these are legally considered pari-mutuel wagering on past races. Facilities like Derby City Gaming in Louisville have hundreds of these machines, essentially making them quasi-casinos without table games.
Lottery: Kentucky has a lottery (since 1989). Tribal casinos: None (Kentucky has no federally recognized tribes). Online casinos: illegal. Kentucky only recently (2023) legalized sports betting, which launched in late 2023 (retail at tracks and mobile). Also notably, Kentucky led a legal fight against offshore online poker in the 2000s, showing its historically tough stance online (though that was largely to recoup damages).
Recent changes: In 2021, Kentucky explicitly legalized HHR machines after a court challenge, solidifying the slot-like gaming at tracks. In 2023, Kentucky legalized sports betting (one of the last in the region to do so). Still, casino legislation requiring a constitutional amendment has not passed – gambling bills often die due to a mix of moral opposition and concern for racing interests. As of 2025, aside from HHR slot parlors and lottery, Kentuckians have no casino gambling. Casinos would require voter approval via constitutional change. Therefore, Kentucky remains a state with no full-fledged casinos, no iGaming, and gambling centered on racing, lottery, and limited video gaming at tracks.
Louisiana
Casinos: Louisiana has a broad gambling scene with commercial casinos (riverboats & one land casino), tribal casinos, video poker, a lottery, and sports betting. Louisiana and Nevada are unique in having statewide casino gambling (though Louisiana requires local parish approval).
Commercial casinos: Louisiana has 15 riverboat casino licenses (now allowed to operate on land near water) in places like New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Shreveport, etc., plus the Harrah’s New Orleans land-based casino (the only one off water, authorized by a special law), and four racetrack casinos (slots at Delta Downs, Evangeline Downs, Fair Grounds, Louisiana Downs).
Tribal casinos: Three main tribal casinos (Coushatta, Paragon, Cypress Bayou) operate via compacts. Video poker: Widely available at truck stops, bars, and OTBs in parishes that approved it in the 1990s (making gambling accessible even outside casinos).
Online casinos: not legal in Louisiana; however, Louisiana did legalize online sports betting in 55 of 64 parishes (launched 2022). Online casino gaming has not been authorized and would likely require a new law and parish-by-parish approval. Recent changes: In 2018, the law changed to allow riverboat casinos to move up to 1,200 feet onshore, prompting upgrades like the Isle of Capri Lake Charles moving ashore (reopening as Horseshoe). In 2021, a 30-year casino license extension deal for Harrah’s New Orleans included a plan for major upgrades. The introduction of sports betting (both retail at casinos and online/mobile in approved parishes) has been very successful. No significant push for iGaming yet, but analysts say Louisiana might consider it in coming years given its gambling-friendly stance. For now, Louisiana offers extensive land-based gambling (commercial & tribal) but no online casino games. Two parishes (West Feliciana and Caldwell) remain completely gambling-free by local choice, but otherwise most of the state has some form of legal gambling.
Maine
Casinos: Maine has two commercial casinos and no tribal casinos (despite several tribes in the state). Commercial casinos: Hollywood Casino Bangor (opened 2005 as a racino) and Oxford Casino (opened 2012) are the only two casinos, authorized by statewide voter referendums. They offer slots and table games. By law, any new casino requires voter approval; attempts to add a third casino (including proposals for tribal casinos) have failed in referendums.
Tribal gaming: Maine’s tribes (Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, etc.) have been hindered by the unique 1980 Settlement Act that subjects them to state law, meaning they cannot open casinos without state approval. So, no tribal casinos exist in Maine. Online casinos: illegal in Maine. In 2022, Maine legalized sports betting, granting online sportsbook rights to tribes as a form of economic benefit, but that is sports only, not casino games.
Lottery and racing: Maine has a lottery and allows harness racing with off-track betting. Recent changes: The big news was the 2022 sports betting law which, while focused on sports, indicated Maine’s attempt to improve tribal relations (giving tribes mobile sports betting monopolies). Implementation of sports betting has been slow (expected live in 2024). There’s also ongoing political discussion about amending the Settlement Act to give tribes more autonomy, which could open the door to tribal casinos in the future. For now, Maine’s casino gambling remains limited to the two existing casinos. Those casinos are regulated by Maine’s Gambling Control Unit, taxed (Oxford pays 46% on slots to various funds), and have notably low competition (nearest out-of-state casinos are in NH (charity casinos) or Canada). With no online casinos and reluctance to expand further, Maine’s gambling growth may center on sports betting rollout and potentially iGaming if New England neighbors spur interest – but currently, it’s not legal.
Maryland
Casinos: Maryland rapidly introduced commercial casinos starting in 2010. There are 6 casinos (5 full casinos and 1 slots-only facility) authorized by constitutional amendment votes in 2008 and 2012. These include big venues like MGM National Harbor, Live! Casino & Hotel, Horseshoe Baltimore, as well as Hollywood Perryville, Ocean Downs (racetrack casino), and Rocky Gap. They all offer slots (VLTs), and since 2013 all have table games too. Tribal casinos: None – Maryland has no tribal gaming operations (no federally recognized tribes with casinos). Online casinos: not legal in Maryland; the state has not yet moved to authorize online slot or table gaming.
Sports betting: legalized by referendum in 2020, launched retail Dec 2021, and mobile in Nov 2022, now active with several apps. Key regulations: The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency regulates casinos. Casinos contribute a hefty portion of slot revenue to an Education Trust Fund (initially 48-61% of VLT revenue went to the state, though the tax on table games is only 15%). Maryland’s 2008 and 2012 voter referendums locked in casino gaming, and any expansion (like additional casinos or maybe online gaming) could require another referendum.
Recent changes: The introduction of mobile sports betting in 2022 was a big step, making Maryland one of the more gambling-rich states (casinos + sports apps). There have been discussions in 2023 about possibly allowing online casino gaming to keep up with neighbors (as WV, DE, NJ, PA have it), but no legislation has passed yet. For now, Marylanders must go to a physical casino for casino games or use the state’s growing sportsbook options for sports. The six casinos have stabilized, bringing in record revenues in 2022. Any new casino would require state approval (none planned). Thus Maryland’s status: 6 commercial casinos, no tribal, sports betting allowed, online casinos not yet legal.
Massachusetts
Casinos: Massachusetts legalized commercial casinos in 2011 and now has 3 facilities: Encore Boston Harbor (Resort Casino), MGM Springfield (Resort Casino), and Plainridge Park (slots-only racino). A potential fourth casino (the Region C license in Southeast MA) remains unawarded, partly due to a possible tribal casino.
Tribal casinos: None open yet. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe’s planned First Light Casino in Taunton has faced legal challenges with its land-in-trust status; the Aquinnah Wampanoag have plans for a small Class II casino on Martha’s Vineyard (still in development). Massachusetts law reserved the southeast region for a possible tribal casino, but because of the uncertainty, that region’s commercial license was on hold.
Online casinos: not legal in Massachusetts as of 2025. The state did, however, legalize sports betting in 2022 (retail and mobile launched in early 2023) after the Supreme Court allowed states to do so. Lottery and other games: Massachusetts has one of the nation’s most successful state lotteries. Charitable gaming and daily fantasy (de facto allowed) also exist. Recent changes: Encore (near Boston) opened in 2019, completing two of the three resort licenses. Sports betting has been implemented swiftly – by March 2023, numerous mobile sportsbook apps were live.
Future outlook: There’s interest in legalizing online casino gaming; some lawmakers suggest it could be considered soon, especially as neighboring Connecticut has iGaming. Also, what happens with the Mashpee Wampanoag casino could influence if Massachusetts issues a commercial license for Region C (Southeastern MA). For now, Massachusetts gambling includes major commercial casinos, no operational tribal casinos, sports betting, lottery, but no online casinos (except the lottery exploring online sales). The Massachusetts Gaming Commission oversees the casinos and sports betting, ensuring a tightly regulated market.
Michigan
Casinos: Michigan has a large gambling sector with 3 commercial casinos in Detroit, over 20 tribal casinos statewide, and full online casino gaming legalized. Commercial: Detroit’s three casinos (MGM Grand Detroit, MotorCity, Hollywood Greektown) opened under a 1996 referendum allowing casinos in Detroit.
Tribal: 12 tribes operate 24 casinos across Michigan under compacts, from the Upper Peninsula (e.g., Ojibwa Casino) to the Lower (e.g., Soaring Eagle, FireKeepers, Little River, Four Winds, etc.). These have slots, table games, poker.
Online casinos: Michigan legalized online casinos and online poker in late 2019, launching them in January 2021. Thus, online casinos are fully legal and active in Michigan, with many operators (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, etc.) partnering either with Detroit casinos or tribes. Sports betting: also legalized in 2019 and launched 2020 (retail) and 2021 (online).
Regulation: The Michigan Gaming Control Board oversees Detroit casinos, online gambling, and sports betting; tribal casinos are also participating in online gaming via state licenses (a collaborative model). Recent changes: The 2019 laws dramatically expanded Michigan gambling, putting it among the most permissive states. By joining the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement in 2022, Michigan players can now play online poker against those in New Jersey, Nevada, etc. Detroit’s casinos are significant economic contributors, taxed at 19% (10.9% to city). Michigan’s approach is notable for integrating tribal casinos into online gaming: each tribe can have an online casino platform, so coverage is statewide.
Summary: Michigan stands out with extensive brick-and-mortar casinos (tribal & Detroit) and legal online casinos/poker, making it a leading state in gambling options.
Minnesota
Casinos: Minnesota does not allow commercial casinos, but it has many tribal casinos – 19 casinos run by 11 tribes. These operate under compacts signed in 1989; they offer slot machines and blackjack (the only table game explicitly in compacts). Other table games like roulette or craps aren’t authorized, though some tribes use electronic versions.
Commercial gambling: The only non-tribal casino-style gaming in Minnesota are the two “racetrack card rooms” at Canterbury Park and Running Aces, which can spread poker and some unbanked card games, but no slots. There is no provision for commercial casinos with slots off reservations.
Online casinos: illegal; Minnesota has not legalized online gambling. Lottery and charitable gaming: The state lottery exists, and Minnesota has very active charitable gambling (pull-tabs, bingo) – notably, electronic pull-tabs have become widespread in bars, which tribes argue infringe on their casino exclusivity by mimicking slots.
Sports betting: not yet legal as of 2025; legislative efforts ongoing, with tribes insisting on control of any sportsbooks (a bill nearly passed in 2022 and 2023, granting tribes exclusivity over mobile betting, but stalled in the Senate).
Recent context: Minnesota’s tribal casinos range from small (machines in convenience stores on reservations) to large resorts (Mystic Lake). Compacts don’t have revenue sharing with the state, which has made renegotiation less appealing to tribes. The state is considering giving tribes mobile sports betting as an incentive to modernize agreements. Until then, Minnesota remains a tribal-casino-only state for casinos, with card clubs at racetracks as the only other casino-like venues, and no online casino gambling allowed. Gambling expansion is a sensitive negotiation with tribes holding significant sway.
Mississippi
Casinos: Mississippi was an early adopter of casino gambling in the South. It has 26 commercial casinos (primarily along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River) and 3 small tribal casinos, making it a major casino state. Commercial casinos (initially riverboat-based, now mostly on land near water) began in 1992 in places like Biloxi, Gulfport, Tunica, Vicksburg. They offer a full array of slots, tables, poker, and have no bet limits.
Tribal casinos: The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians runs two casinos near Philadelphia, MS (Pearl River Resort’s Silver Star and Golden Moon) and one smaller one (Bok Homa). The Choctaw casinos have Class III gaming and even opened a sportsbook in 2018.
State lottery: Mississippi started a lottery in 2019 – notably late, as it was long one of a few states without one. Online casinos: illegal; Mississippi has not authorized iGaming. Mississippi did legalize sports betting quickly after 2018, but only for on-site betting at casinos, not statewide mobile (mobile wagers must be placed on casino premises). Several attempts to allow mobile sports betting or online gaming have not advanced.
Video gaming: Outside casinos, Mississippi generally bans slot machines (though “eight liner” type amusement machines exist in gray legal areas, the state has cracked down on illegal video poker).
Recent changes: Mississippi’s focus has been managing competition and natural disasters (Katrina’s aftermath saw allowing on-land rebuilds). The lottery launch in 2019 and the success of sports betting at casinos (though limited without mobile) were key. With nearby states (Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana) adopting mobile betting, Mississippi casinos may push for statewide mobile betting to stay competitive, and possibly online casinos in the future. As of 2025, Mississippi remains a strong casino state on land, but online casino gambling is not permitted. All gambling is regulated by the Mississippi Gaming Commission (casinos) and the Lottery Corp; the Choctaw have their own regulatory commission.
Missouri
Casinos: Missouri allows commercial casinos (originally riverboats). It has 13 casinos located on the Mississippi or Missouri Rivers (or on artificial moats), including in the St. Louis and Kansas City regions. These casinos have slots and table games. Missouri does not have tribal casinos (no reservations in the state with compacts).
Online casinos: illegal. Missouri has not legalized internet gambling. Gambling law quirks: Initially, Missouri casinos had to cruise and had $500 loss limits per excursion, but cruising ended in 1999 and the loss limit was repealed by voters in 2008. Now casinos operate 24/7 like in other states. The state constitution still technically requires them to be “on or adjacent to” water, but many are effectively on barges permanently docked (e.g., in St. Charles, rivers have receded leaving some “boats in moats”).
Video lottery/grey machines: Missouri is currently grappling with thousands of unregulated video gaming terminals in gas stations; efforts to legalize and tax these as Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) have stalled amid controversy.
Sports betting: Missouri has attempted to legalize it (nearly every year since 2018) but failed, often due to disagreements over VLTs being tied into the bills. So as of 2025, sports betting remains illegal in Missouri, even as all its neighbors have it.
Recent changes: No new casinos since 2013 (Cape Girardeau). In 2021, the Gaming Commission permanently revoked a dormant license, capping casinos at 13. The focus now is resolving sports betting and potentially video lottery. For now, Missouri has a robust casino market (famous venues include Ameristar, Lumière Place, Horseshoe, etc.), a state lottery, and charitable gaming – but no online casino or sports betting options. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos (18 for lottery/bingo).
Montana
Casinos: Montana doesn’t have big resort casinos; it has a decentralized system of small-scale gambling in bars/casinos. Thousands of bars, taverns, and convenience stores have video gambling machines (video poker, keno, etc.) under state license. These are often called “casinos,” but they are limited to 20 machines per location and offer no live table games besides poker.
Tribal casinos: Several exist (e.g., Northern Winz, Grey Wolf Peak) but are limited by compacts mostly to Class II gaming or the same machines as allowed in the rest of Montana. They’re relatively small operations. Commercial casinos: Montana law doesn’t allow typical commercial casinos with unlimited slots or table games; instead, any licensed liquor establishment can have gambling machines, and that’s how “casinos” exist — essentially as casino-style bar/grills.
Lottery: Montana has a state lottery. Pari-mutuel betting: allowed on horse racing but live racing is scarce; there is also legal simulcasting and fantasy sports. Online casinos: illegal – Montana even prohibits internet gambling explicitly in law. Montana did legalize a form of sports betting in 2019, but it’s only offered via the state lottery’s Sports Bet Montana terminals on-premises at licensed locations (no statewide mobile).
Unique games: Montana permits some social betting in bars like shake-a-day, heads/tails pool tabs, etc. Recent changes: Not much structural change recently; sports wagering via lottery started in 2020, but limited. A few tribes have updated compacts to possibly offer sports betting or more machines, but nothing major. Montana’s distributed model means nearly every town has multiple small “casinos” (e.g., Town Pump gas stations with casinos). Table games are illegal (except non-banked poker), so you won’t find blackjack or roulette legally in Montana, making it unique. In summary, Montana features widespread video gambling but no large casinos, and no online casino play (and likely no push for it, given the focus on local businesses).
Nebraska
Casinos: Nebraska historically banned casinos, but in 2020 voters approved casino gaming at the state’s licensed horse racetracks. Now, Nebraska is in the process of establishing commercial “racetrack casinos” at up to 6 tracks. Temporary casinos with slot machines opened at Lincoln Race Course (WarHorse Lincoln) in 2022 and at Grand Island (Fonner Park) in 2023, with full casinos under construction. Others in Omaha, Columbus, South Sioux City, and potentially Hastings are planned.
Tribal casinos: Nebraska has a few small tribal casinos: e.g., Winnebago (Iron Horse), Santee Sioux (Ohiya Casino), Omaha Tribe (Lucky 77). These have Class II gaming and some Class III under compact (limited scope). The new state casino law likely means tribes could renegotiate for similar games.
Online casinos: illegal; Nebraska has not moved to allow online gambling. Lottery and racing: Nebraska has a lottery and a strong history of horse racing (which is why racetrack casinos got support). For years, Nebraskans would drive to Council Bluffs, Iowa for casinos, but now they’re building their own. Recent changes: The key change was the 2020 constitutional amendment (Initiative 429) that legalized “all games of chance” at licensed racetrack enclosures. Following that, Nebraska created the Racing and Gaming Commission to regulate these new casinos. In 2021-2023, rules were set (e.g., 20% tax on gross gaming revenue). Sports betting is allowed in these casinos (retail only; first sportsbook opened June 2023) . The first casinos have generated revenue (WarHorse Lincoln’s first year saw millions in taxes).
Future outlook: Within a couple years, Nebraska will have several full casinos at tracks (WarHorse Omaha, Harrah’s in Columbus, etc.). But no standalone commercial casinos outside tracks can open unless law changes, and online casino gaming hasn’t been discussed in depth yet. In sum, Nebraska is transitioning from no casinos to a handful of racetrack casinos (commercial) plus existing small tribal casinos, and no online casino gambling. As of 2025, the industry is just taking off under the new law.
Nevada
Casinos: Nevada is the nation’s gambling capital – commercial casino gambling is legal statewide (Nevada has hundreds of casinos).
Tribal casinos: None in the traditional sense (Nevada tribes operate a few small casinos under IGRA, but those are minimal compared to the state-regulated casinos). Nevada legalized casino gambling in 1931 and has by far the most developed casino industry (Las Vegas, Reno, etc.).
Online casinos: Interestingly, despite its gambling prevalence, Nevada has not legalized online casino games except poker. Nevada legalized online poker in 2013 but deliberately excluded online slots/table games to protect its brick-and-mortar casinos. So, online casino (slots/roulette/etc.) play is not permitted in NV, though internet poker sites (like WSOP.com) operate under state law.
Lottery: Nevada is one of the few states without a lottery (prohibited by its constitution to protect gaming revenues). Sports betting: Nevada had legal sports betting since 1949 and enjoyed a monopoly until 2018; it remains fully legal (retail and mobile statewide). Key regulations: The Nevada Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission are gold standards in casino regulation. Casinos are ubiquitous – in urban centers, rural towns, and as slots in supermarkets and bars. Clark County (Las Vegas) and Washoe County (Reno) host the largest ones, but even small towns may have a few slots in a tavern.
Recent changes: Nevada’s industry continues evolving with technology (cashless gaming, skill-based slots). The big change externally was losing the monopoly on sports betting in 2018, but Nevada’s sports handle still grows. There’s been little movement on online casinos; the casino industry lobbies against full iGaming, preferring people visit in person.
Summary: Nevada allows virtually unlimited in-person casino gaming statewide, but paradoxically no full online casinos (only online poker). It’s one of two states with no lottery, focusing on casino gambling and sports betting for revenue.
New Hampshire
Casinos: New Hampshire does not have traditional commercial casinos or tribal casinos, but it does allow a unique form of charitable casino gaming. Dozens of establishments (often called “charity casinos” or poker rooms) offer table games and poker, but profits go to charity (with operators taking a limited share). These venues, like those in Manchester, Hampton, and Lebanon, are not full casinos with slots – until recently, slot machines were illegal. In 2021, NH legalized historic horse racing machines (HHRs) which are now being installed in some charitable gaming venues, bringing slot-like gaming.
Tribal casinos: None (no federally recognized tribes in NH). Lottery and racing: NH has one of the oldest lotteries (1964) and allows pari-mutuel betting (former greyhound and horse tracks now focus on simulcasting).
Online casinos: illegal in NH – no iGaming except the lottery offers some online games (e.g., e-Instant games that feel slot-like, which blurs the line somewhat).
Sports betting: NH legalized sports betting in 2019, but granted DraftKings an exclusive partnership (monopoly) for mobile betting statewide. Retail sportsbooks are limited to a few locations.
Recent changes: Besides implementing sports betting (which has been successful, with revenue for education), NH’s 2021 approval of historic racing machines is significant – places like Filotimo Casino & Restaurant in Manchester have added these, effectively bringing electronic casino gambling to NH under a charity model. Still, NH doesn’t license any for-profit casino. All gaming (beyond lottery and sports) must benefit charity by law.
Summary: No traditional commercial casinos in NH, but an active charitable gaming scene stands in (players can play blackjack, roulette, poker, etc., at charity casinos). No online casinos for real money (except the lottery’s limited offerings). NH’s approach is modest: moderate in-person gaming for charity, a state-run lottery and sports betting, but no large casinos or tribal gaming.
New Jersey
Casinos: New Jersey famously has commercial casinos in Atlantic City and was the first state outside Nevada to legalize casinos (1976 referendum, casinos opened in 1978). Today Atlantic City has 9 casinos (e.g., Borgata, Caesars, Hard Rock, Tropicana). Casinos are only allowed in Atlantic City by state constitution.
Tribal casinos: None in NJ. Online casinos: New Jersey was an early adopter – online casinos have been legal since 2013, making NJ one of the most robust iGaming markets. Residents and visitors (21+) can play slots, poker, and table games online through numerous brands (DraftKings, BetMGM, etc.) partnered with AC casinos.
Sports betting: NJ spearheaded the legal battle that overturned PASPA; it has legal sports betting (retail at casinos/tracks and mobile statewide) since mid-2018. Key regulations: The NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and Casino Control Commission regulate AC casinos and online platforms. All online operations must be tied to an Atlantic City casino licensee.
Recent changes: The Atlantic City casino industry has seen closures and rebirths (e.g., several casinos shut down around 2014; two reopened under new names in 2018). Online gambling has grown dramatically; by 2024, NJ’s online casino revenue rivaled physical casino revenue at times. A 2016 referendum to expand casinos to North Jersey was defeated by voters, so for now gambling stays AC-centric.
Summary: New Jersey offers in-person casinos in Atlantic City and full online casino gambling statewide, plus sports betting. It is considered one of the most gambling-friendly states, often second to Nevada in total gaming revenue (especially when including online).
New Mexico
Casinos: New Mexico has numerous tribal casinos and a few commercial racetrack casinos (racinos), but no stand-alone commercial casinos. Tribes including the Navajo Nation, Pueblo tribes, Mescalero Apache, etc., operate about 20 casinos with slots, tables, and poker under compacts. Additionally, New Mexico has 5 racinos (at horse tracks in Albuquerque, Ruidoso, Farmington, Hobbs, Sunland Park) that offer slot machines (but no table games) under state license.
Online casinos: illegal – NM has not legalized iGaming.
Sports betting: Not legalized by state law yet for non-tribal, but in 2018 the Pueblo of Santa Ana tribe launched a sportsbook at its casino, interpreting that sports betting is allowed under its Class III compact. A couple of other tribes followed, so sports betting exists at a few tribal casinos in NM even absent state legislation. Off-reservation sports betting or mobile betting is not authorized.
Key laws: Gambling is illegal unless in tribal casinos or at state-licensed racetrack casinos (which were authorized by 1990s legislation alongside the lottery). Lottery: NM has a lottery. Recent changes: NM’s focus has been limited. Attempts to expand racinos or add new ones often meet opposition due to a state cap and tribal compact agreements (tribes get a share of racino revenue in exchange for limited competition). No serious push yet for online casinos or state-run sports betting. In 2023, a bill to allow online sports betting died, leaving the odd status quo of only some tribes offering retail sports betting.
Summary: New Mexico features tribal casinos statewide and slot-only racetrack casinos, with no online casino gaming. Gamblers can find casinos near Albuquerque, Santa Fe, etc., mostly on reservations. Table games only at tribal casinos, not racinos. Online gambling (aside from off-shore use) is not legally available.
New York
Casinos: New York has a mix of tribal casinos, commercial casinos, racetrack VLT casinos, and a newly authorized plan for downstate casinos.
Tribal: Three tribes (Seneca, Oneida, Mohawk) run big casinos in upstate NY under compacts (e.g., Seneca Niagara, Turning Stone, Akwesasne Mohawk) with slots and tables.
Commercial: A 2013 constitutional amendment allows up to 7 commercial casinos. Four upstate commercial casinos opened 2016-2018 (Resorts World Catskills, Rivers Schenectady, del Lago, Tioga Downs) with full gaming. In 2022, NY began the process to award 3 commercial casino licenses for the NYC/downstate area. Those are expected to be sited by 2024-2025 (likely involving existing racinos like Resorts World NYC and Empire City Yonkers, plus possibly a new Manhattan casino).
Racetrack casinos: NY has 8 “racinos” at horse tracks (e.g., Aqueduct’s Resorts World, Yonkers Raceway’s Empire City) that have video lottery terminals (VLTs) and electronic table games, but no live dealers. These have been operating since early 2000s under the lottery. Online casinos: not legal yet – New York has not legalized iGaming as of 2025, though there is interest.
Sports betting: Allowed at upstate casinos (since 2019) and statewide via mobile since Jan 2022, which quickly made NY the largest sports betting market in the country. Recent changes: The launch of mobile sports betting in 2022 was huge, with high tax rates (51%) yielding large state revenues. The push for online casinos is growing – bills have been introduced to legalize online poker/casino, but none passed yet. The focus for now is on licensing the downstate casinos: applications are in for sites in Manhattan, Queens (Resorts World wants full casino rights), Yonkers (MGM Empire City wants a full license), etc. Meanwhile, existing casinos are doing fine, though the market upstate is somewhat saturated/underperforming.
Summary: New York currently has tribal casinos, 4 upstate commercial casinos, multiple VLT racinos, and soon up to 3 New York City area full casinos. It has embraced mobile sports betting but not online casino gaming yet, which may be “a few short years away”.
North Carolina
Casinos: North Carolina has tribal casinos only – no commercial casinos. The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians operates two large casinos in western NC (Harrah’s Cherokee and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River), and the Catawba Nation (SC-based) opened a small casino in Kings Mountain (near Charlotte) in 2021 under federal approval. These casinos offer slots, table games, and poker.
Commercial gambling: not allowed; NC traditionally banned gambling aside from the lottery (est. 2005) and charitable games. Sports betting: NC legalized in-person sports betting at tribal casinos in 2019. In 2023, NC passed a law to legalize statewide mobile sports betting (and at pro sports venues) effective mid-2024, expanding beyond just tribal lands.
Online casinos: illegal – no legislation for online casino games has passed.
Recent changes: The move to mobile sports betting in 2023 is a significant expansion (it also allows pari-mutuel betting on horse racing online). There’s also talk of possibly allowing “casino nights” in the coastal Plain (the Lumbee Tribe seeks federal recognition and casino rights, for instance). But for now, casino gaming is limited to the Cherokee and Catawba casinos in NC. The Harrah’s Cherokee casinos have been very successful, drawing many from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Summary: North Carolina restricts casinos to tribal lands (no non-tribal casinos), with three tribal casinos operational. No online casinos are legal, and aside from the new sports betting law, gambling expansion is cautious. The state lottery and some charity bingo/raffles are the other legal gambling forms.
North Dakota
Casinos: North Dakota allows tribal casinos (five tribes operate casinos) but has no commercial casinos off reservations. The tribes – Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation (4 Bears Casino), Spirit Lake, Standing Rock, Turtle Mountain (Sky Dancer Casino), and Sisseton-Wahpeton (Dakota Magic on the ND/SD border) – have Class III gaming per compacts, offering slots, some table games, poker.
Commercial gambling: ND does not authorize non-tribal casinos. There is no lottery-run casino or racino. Lottery: ND has a lottery (multi-state games only; no instant games) since 2004. Charitable gaming: North Dakota has very liberal charitable gaming – charitable organizations can operate pull-tabs, blackjack, poker, bingo at many sites (bars, fraternal clubs) across the state, which somewhat fills the niche of small-scale gambling instead of commercial casinos.
Online casinos: illegal. ND has flirted with online poker legislation (the House once passed a resolution to seek a compact with other states for online poker in 2021, but it died in the Senate). No iGaming yet.
Sports betting: Not legalized by state law; bills failed in 2019 and 2021. However, tribes likely can offer it under existing compacts if they amend them (some 2022 amendments added sports betting provisions for tribes pending state law alignment). So far, no public sportsbooks reported.
Recent changes: North Dakota’s 2022 elections saw a constitutional amendment for sports betting fail to make the ballot. Meanwhile, electronic pull-tab machines have exploded in popularity, with thousands installed statewide, generating significant revenue for charities (and controversy due to their casino-like nature). Some lawmakers worry these are essentially mini slot machines in bars. But tribes worry about competition.
Summary: North Dakota’s gambling is characterized by tribal casinos on reservations only, extensive charitable gaming in bars, and no state-licensed casinos or online gaming. The policy balance aims to support charitable causes and tribal gaming while keeping commercial casinos out.
Ohio
Casinos: Ohio was a late adopter; it now has 4 commercial casinos (in Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Toledo) and 7 “racinos” (horse tracks with VLTs), but no tribal casinos (no tribes in Ohio with federal recognition). Voters approved casinos via a constitutional amendment in 2009. The 4 casinos offer slots and table games. The racinos (per 2011 law) have VLTs run by the lottery at tracks (no table games allowed).
Online casinos: illegal in Ohio – not authorized yet. Sports betting: Recently legalized; Ohio launched retail and online sports betting on Jan 1, 2023, after a 2021 law. Lottery and other: Ohio has a lottery and charitable gaming.
Key regulations: The Ohio Casino Control Commission oversees the casinos and sports betting; the Lottery oversees VLT racinos. Ohio’s arrangement has casinos mostly in big cities and racinos in suburban or smaller markets, balancing interests.
Recent changes: The introduction of sports betting in 2023 was huge (with many mobile apps and physical kiosks allowed). Discussions about iGaming are just beginning; some stakeholders predict Ohio could consider online casino legislation in a few years if neighbors do, but nothing yet. Meanwhile, the casinos and racinos seem to coexist well (casinos pay 33% tax on GGR, racinos ~33.5% on VLT revenue).
Summary: Ohio has gone from no casinos to a broad casino/racino industry in a short time, plus sports betting. However, online casino gambling remains illegal (Ohio gamblers have to cross into Michigan or play sweepstakes sites for now). Four full casinos (e.g., JACK Cleveland, Hard Rock Cincinnati) and seven racinos define Ohio’s casino landscape, with no tribal involvement.
Oklahoma
Casinos: Oklahoma has a very large number of tribal casinos (over 130 gaming facilities) operated by dozens of tribes – it’s second only to California in number of tribal casinos.
Commercial casinos: None; Oklahoma does not allow non-tribal casinos. The tribes operate casinos of all sizes, from massive resorts (WinStar World Casino and Choctaw Durant are two of the world’s largest) to gas station casinos, under tribal-state compacts. These offer slots (including Class II bingo machines and Class III slots), table games, and poker. Some compacts had restrictions (for a long time, only ball and card games were allowed as table games, but roulette/craps were added in 2018 compacts).
Online casinos: illegal. Even in tribal casinos, internet betting is not allowed except on-premise mobile.
Sports betting: Not yet legal in Oklahoma (compacts allowing it were disputed; attempts in 2020 by Governor Stitt to authorize it via new compacts were struck down by the state court). In 2023 there was renewed talk of legalizing sports betting via state law but no agreement.
Key context: Oklahoma’s entire casino industry is tribal. The state and tribes have revenue-sharing: tribes generally pay 4-10% of slot revenue to the state. Racetracks: Oklahoma has 2 racetrack casinos (Remington Park, Will Rogers Downs) run by tribes under compact (they are technically just tribal casinos at tracks).
Recent changes: In 2020, Governor Stitt tried new gaming compacts with some small tribes to allow sports betting and more gaming, but this caused a legal fight with larger tribes and was invalidated since legislative approval wasn’t obtained. So, gaming continues under the old compacts. The question of online gaming or sports betting remains tied to state-tribal negotiations. For now, Oklahoma residents enjoy a plethora of in-person tribal casinos but no online casino options (aside from sweepstakes sites). Oklahoma likely has to renegotiate the model gaming compact to allow any new forms of gambling.
Summary: Tribal casinos dominate Oklahoma’s gambling (no state-run or commercial casinos), and online gambling is not permitted. It’s a gambling-rich state in terms of venues, albeit with all revenue sharing flowing through tribal compacts.
Oregon
Casinos: Oregon has tribal casinos (9 federally recognized tribes each operate a casino) and state-run video lottery, but no commercial non-tribal casinos. Tribal casinos such as Spirit Mountain, Chinook Winds, and Seven Feathers offer slots and table games on their reservations.
Commercial gambling: Oregon does not allow traditional casinos, but it has a state video lottery program: bars and taverns host Oregon Lottery video terminals (which include video poker and line games). These are widespread and produce significant revenue for the state, effectively serving some roles of slot machines outside casinos.
Lottery & racing: Oregon has had a lottery since 1984, and it runs sports betting (see below). Pari-mutuel horse racing exists at one track (Portland Meadows closed in 2019; Grants Pass Downs now has some racing and historic horse racing machines as of 2022).
Online casinos: illegal – Oregon hasn’t legalized online casino gaming. Sports betting: Oregon was grandfathered under PASPA with a sports parlay game, and post-2018 the lottery launched “Scoreboard” mobile sports betting in 2019. In 2022 the lottery switched mobile sports betting to DraftKings as the sole app. Tribes also can offer sports betting at their casinos (Chinook Winds opened a sportsbook in 2019).
Recent changes: The introduction of historic horse racing (HHR) machines at Grants Pass in 2022 stirred controversy with tribes (they view it as an unauthorized expansion of non-tribal gambling). Also, in 2021, the legislature rejected a push to allow the last greyhound track to have betting machines. The balance in OR is delicate: tribal casinos vs. state lottery terminals. The state has generally respected a deal not to allow non-tribal table games or full casinos off reservations.
Summary: Oregon gambling includes tribal casinos for full casino gaming, a robust state video lottery (slots/poker in bars), sports betting run by the lottery, and no legal online casinos. The tribes remain protective of their exclusivity to casino-style gaming, while the state lottery capitalizes on widely distributed video gambling.
Pennsylvania
Casinos: Pennsylvania has become one of the biggest gambling states. It has 17 commercial casinos (including 2 resort casinos and satellite casinos) and legalized online casinos and poker in 2017. There are no tribal casinos in PA (no federal reservations). The first casinos opened in 2006 (slots only), with table games added in 2010. Now casinos range from major resorts (Parx, Wind Creek, Rivers, Mohegan Sun Pocono, Hollywood Penn National) to smaller “Category 4” satellite casinos opened recently.
Online casinos: fully legal since 2019 – multiple apps offer slots, table games, and poker to Pennsylvanians. Sports betting: legal since late 2018 (retail and mobile), part of the same 2017 expansion that included iGaming.
Lottery: PA has an online lottery (iLottery) too, causing some friction with casinos over overlapping games. Regulation: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board oversees everything. Recent changes:
The 2017 law massively expanded gambling: it authorized online casinos, video gaming terminals at truck stops, mini-casinos, and sports betting (pending federal law changes). Implementation saw online casinos launch mid-2019 (e.g., PlaySugarHouse, FanDuel Casino) and do very well. A few Category 4 mini-casinos opened 2020-2022 (in malls or smaller cities). PA now rivals NJ in online gambling revenue and is second to NV in commercial casino revenue.
Summary: Pennsylvania offers a full menu: numerous commercial casinos, legalized online casinos/poker, sports betting, lottery, VGTs. It’s one of the most expansive states for gambling. No tribal gaming since all casinos are state licensees. The latest horizon might be skill games regulation and possibly online table game live dealers, but overall PA is settled into a mature regulatory regime.
Rhode Island
Casinos: Rhode Island has a state-run casino model with 2 casinos (formerly racetracks): Twin River Lincoln and Tiverton Casino. These are operated by Bally’s Corporation but lottery-controlled. They offer VLTs and table games.
Tribal casinos: None – Rhode Island’s one tribe, the Narragansett, has no casino (efforts were blocked in past referendums and by a Supreme Court decision in 2009).
Online casinos: Rhode Island legalized online casino gaming in 2023, becoming the seventh state to do so. The law (SB 948) allows the Lottery (through Bally’s) to offer online slots and table games to RI residents over 21. The online casino will be run as an extension of the Twin River casinos via the Lottery, likely launching in 2024. This piggybacks on RI’s existing online sports betting app (Sportsbook RI).
Sports betting: RI was an early adopter post-PASPA (sports betting began in late 2018 at casinos, mobile in 2019). It’s run by the state lottery (with Bally’s/IGT as partners).
Key regulation: All gambling is centralized through the RI Lottery. The state’s two casinos were authorized by referendums (Newport’s attempt failed, so Newport Grand slots parlor moved to Tiverton). Table games were added via ref. in 2012 (Lincoln) and 2016 (Tiverton). Now the 2023 law extended that to iGaming, with an initial 5-year exclusivity to Bally’s.
Recent changes: Obviously, online casino legalization in 2023 is major, expected to increase revenue (projected at $93M by 2027). The state structure (lottery-operated monopoly) remains, similar to CT’s lottery plus tribes model but here one operator.
Summary: Rhode Island has two state-sanctioned casinos, legal sports betting, and imminent online casino gaming (monopolized by the state lottery/Bally’s partnership). It’s a small but now quite comprehensive gambling regime, with every vertical (slots, tables, sports, online) covered through a state-run model.
South Carolina
Casinos: South Carolina effectively has no casinos – commercial or tribal – on land. The only casino gambling has been via casino cruise ships that depart from SC ports to international waters. SC is very restrictive: the state bans almost all gambling.
Tribal gaming: The Catawba Indian Nation, though based in nearby NC, opened a casino just over the border in NC (Kings Mountain). Within SC, the Catawba have a bingo hall (Rock Hill) under Class II. The federally recognized Catawba tribe’s attempts for a casino in SC were not fruitful (hence the NC site due to a unique arrangement).
Other gambling: SC has a state lottery (since 2002) and allows charitable raffles (since a 2015 amendment). Video poker was once rampant but was banned in 2000; SC famously outlawed video poker machines that had proliferated (and the ban was upheld as constitutional).
Social gambling: SC’s laws even make home poker technically illegal (enforcement is rare for truly social games). Online casinos: strictly illegal. SC law enforcement has prosecuted owners of illegal gambling machines and internet sweepstakes cafes.
Recent changes: Not much. There are periodic efforts by some lawmakers to consider casino resorts (especially to boost tourism in places like Myrtle Beach) or sports betting, but none have advanced. In 2022, a House committee held hearings on gambling, but the political climate is cautious. In 2019, a bill to allow a referendum on casino gambling in tourist areas failed.
Summary: South Carolina largely prohibits casino gambling – no local commercial casinos, no tribal casinos (aside from electronic bingo), and no online gambling. Residents often travel to NC or GA casino boats or play the lottery as the only legal options. SC and Utah are among the few with no real casino presence, though SC at least has a lottery and charitable gaming.
South Dakota
Casinos: South Dakota has commercial casinos in Deadwood, tribal casinos, and video lottery.
Deadwood: A 1989 amendment legalized limited-stakes gambling in the historic town of Deadwood (Black Hills), paving the way for numerous small casinos (slot parlors) there. Bet limits started at $5, now $1,000 as of 2021, and Deadwood casinos added craps, roulette, keno by a 2020 vote.
Tribal casinos: Several tribes (Oglala Sioux, Rosebud, Standing Rock, Yankton, etc.) operate about 9 casinos on reservations, offering slots and some table games via compacts.
Video Lottery: South Dakota also has a state video lottery (VLT) system since 1989 – bars across the state can have video poker/keno machines. This is a major revenue source.
Online casinos: illegal. SD has not pursued iGaming.
Sports betting: In 2020, SD voters approved sports betting in Deadwood (and by extension, tribal casinos). Retail sportsbooks opened in Deadwood in Sept 2021. Mobile sports betting is not allowed outside casino premises (efforts to expand it statewide failed in legislature in 2022).
Lottery: SD Lottery runs video lottery and scratch/lotto games. Recent changes: The addition of new games and sports betting in Deadwood in 2021 was significant, modernizing Deadwood’s offerings. The state’s narrow sports betting approach (Deadwood only) might expand in the future via referendum if the public supports it.
Summary: South Dakota permits casino gambling in Deadwood and at tribal casinos. Outside those, the populace has access to video lottery terminals in bars statewide. But online casino gaming is not legal, and it’s a fairly conservative environment beyond those established channels. The overall gambling framework is set by the state constitution and statute, requiring voter approval for expansions.
Tennessee
Casinos: Tennessee is unique in that it has no land-based casinos at all (commercial or tribal). Gambling is largely prohibited by the state constitution (except the state lottery, authorized in 2002). Tennessee has no federally recognized tribes, so no tribal casinos either.
Online casinos: also illegal; Tennessee has not legalized any casino-style iGaming.
Sports betting: Interestingly, TN took a unique route – it legalized online-only sports betting in 2019 (the first state to have no casinos but online sportsbooks). Sports betting launched in late 2020 with mobile apps since TN has no casinos for retail books.
Lottery: TN Lottery is active (since 2004) but no video lottery or casino games. Other gambling: Charitable games are limited (bingo/raffles require event-by-event legislative authorization). Social gambling is banned.
Recent changes: Sports betting is now well-established in TN, with many operators and decent revenues. However, attempts in 2022 and 2023 to allow casinos or even regulate skill machines have not advanced – casino legalization would need a constitutional amendment and faces political opposition. Some hope that bordering states (Virginia, North Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi all have casinos) may eventually pressure TN to consider it. But as of 2025, Tennessee stands as a state with no physical casinos and only online sports wagering as its gambling expansion.
Summary: Tennesseans have no local casino gaming options; they rely on the state lottery or drive to other states for casino play. Tennessee’s only legal betting expansion has been in sports (online), and online casinos remain prohibited.
Texas
Casinos: Texas, despite its size, has extremely limited casino gambling.
Commercial casinos: None are legal – the state constitution forbids most gambling.
Tribal casinos: Three federally recognized tribes have sought gaming rights. The Kickapoo Tribe operates Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass (Class II gaming – basically bingo machines) under federal law. The Alabama-Coushatta and Tigua (Ysleta del Sur Pueblo) tribes opened similar casinos but have faced state legal battles; as of 2022, they may offer Class II gaming following a federal court ruling clarifying their rights. However, no Class III (Vegas-style) compact exists with any tribe.
Lottery: Texas has a lottery (since 1992). Racing: Texas allows pari-mutuel wagering at horse and greyhound tracks, though the industry is struggling (the last dog track closed in 2020).
Online casinos: definitely illegal in Texas. Even online sports betting hasn’t been legalized yet (bills in 2021 and 2023 made some progress but did not pass the legislature).
Card rooms: Texas has a novel trend of “social” poker clubs which operate under a loophole (charging membership and seat rental fees, not taking a house rake). These exist in cities like Austin and Houston, semi-legally.
Recent changes: The 2023 legislative session saw heavy lobbying for resort casinos (by Las Vegas Sands) and sports betting by pro teams, but constitutional amendments fell short. It’s possible these issues return in 2025. Public polls show some support for casinos and betting, but the political hurdle is high.
Summary: Texas, culturally associated with gambling in myth, in reality has virtually no casino gambling – just a single Kickapoo slots-only facility and a few slot machines on tribal lands. It’s one of the largest untapped casino markets. For now, gamblers drive to Oklahoma, Louisiana, or Vegas. Online gambling remains banned. Without a constitutional amendment (needing voter approval), Texas cannot have casinos or sports betting, so the status quo persists despite growing interest.
Utah
Casinos: Utah is the nation’s strictest anti-gambling state – it prohibits all forms of gambling by constitution and statute. There are no casinos, no lottery, no pari-mutuel wagering, and even social gambling is generally illegal. Utah’s population (with a large LDS Church influence) has consistently opposed legal gambling.
Tribal casinos: None – there are small tribes in Utah (e.g., Ute tribe) that in theory could under IGRA, but Utah’s refusal to legalize any gambling means tribes cannot offer gaming either (if a state has no class III games to compact over, tribes can only do class II bingo, and Utah even bans bingo and raffles). To date, no tribal casino exists.
Online casinos: completely illegal. Recent changes: None. Utah even has a law that if federal law ever permits internet gambling, it is automatically illegal in Utah. The state stands firmly against gambling.
Notable: Utah is one of only two states with no lottery (the other is Hawaii). Some Utahns do drive to Wendover, NV or Evanston, WY for lottery/casinos. But within Utah, even small things like tavern video games or charity bingo are banned. In 2012, Utah preemptively opted out of any future federal online gambling allowances.
Summary: Utah has a blanket ban: no casinos, no lottery, no gambling period. Don’t expect this to change in the foreseeable future.
Vermont
Casinos: Vermont similarly has no casinos and very limited gambling. Vermont law bans commercial gambling and there are no tribes with casinos (no federally recognized tribes).
Lottery: VT has a state lottery since 1978. Charitable gaming: Some limited bingo, raffles, and small-time casino nights for charity are permitted. Online casinos: illegal (Vermont hasn’t legalized any iGaming).
Sports betting: Vermont was among the last states with no sports betting, but in 2023 it legalized online sports betting only (no physical sportsbooks, as VT has no casinos). Mobile sportsbooks are expected to launch by early 2024.
Recent changes: The sports betting law in 2023 is Vermont’s first expansion of gambling in decades. It allows up to 6 online sportsbooks under a lottery-operated model. No talk of casinos has gained traction; VT is small and proximate to NH’s charity casinos and casinos in NY.
Summary: Vermont is essentially a non-casino state – just lottery and charitable games. With sports betting coming online, there’s a bit more, but no land-based or online casinos at all. Culturally and politically, Vermont has shown little interest in casino gambling.
Virginia
Casinos: Until recently, Virginia had no casinos, but a 2020 law authorized up to 5 commercial casinos in specific economically challenged cities (Bristol, Danville, Portsmouth, Norfolk, and one pending for Richmond). Voters in 4 cities approved casinos in Nov 2020 (Richmond voted no in 2021 but may re-vote). As of 2025, temporary casinos opened in Bristol and Portsmouth (and maybe Danville) with full resorts under construction.
Tribal casinos: None yet, but the Pamunkey Indian Tribe is involved in the Norfolk casino project and was separately pursuing federal approval for a casino (which got overtaken by the state’s legalization process).
Lottery: VA has a longstanding lottery and added online lottery games. Historical context: Prior to 2020, VA only allowed betting on horse racing (Colonial Downs, plus historical horse racing machines since 2019) and charitable gaming.
Online casinos: illegal in VA; however, online sports betting was legalized in 2020 and launched Jan 2021. Recent changes: The big change is casino legalization in 2020 – a sea change for Virginia, with multiple casino projects underway. Also, sports betting is thriving with many mobile apps. No move yet to legalize online casinos, but given lottery e-games and new casinos, it could surface. For now, Virginia’s focus is getting brick-and-mortar casinos up and running.
Summary: Virginia is transitioning into a casino state with several commercial casinos coming soon (in historically casino-less territory) and has embraced sports betting, but online casino gaming remains prohibited until further legislative action. In the meantime, many Virginians play in neighboring Maryland or WV casinos or via the robust sports betting apps.
Washington (State)
Casinos: Washington allows tribal casinos (approximately 29 casinos run by tribes) but no commercial casinos outside reservations. Tribal casinos operate Class III gaming via compacts – offering slots, many table games, poker, etc., and even recently some sports betting. Notable large tribal casinos include Tulalip, Muckleshoot, Snoqualmie, and Emerald Queen.
Card rooms: WA also licenses non-tribal card rooms (also called “mini-casinos”) where house-banked card games (like blackjack) can be played, but no slots. About 44 such card rooms exist, limited to 15 tables each. Online casinos: illegal; in fact, WA has one of the strictest laws against online gambling (it’s a felony). Lottery: WA has a lottery.
Sports betting: In 2020, WA legalized sports betting but only on-premises at tribal casinos (no mobile off-reservation). Several tribal casinos opened sportsbooks in late 2021. DFS: Washington also bans daily fantasy sports explicitly.
Recent changes: The sports betting limited rollout was a noteworthy expansion. There’s pressure from some (like card room owner Maverick Gaming) to allow sports betting and possibly other gaming at commercial card rooms, but so far the tribes hold exclusivity for sports and full casinos. Online gambling remains off-limits – Washington has prosecuted operators of online gaming in the past.
Summary: Washington State has a vibrant tribal casino industry and a network of smaller commercial card rooms for table games, but no slot-machine casinos off tribal land and very strict stance against internet gambling. Gamers must visit tribal casinos for slots or use the state lottery, as online casinos are entirely forbidden.
Washington, D.C. (District of Columbia)
The District has no casinos (no tribal land, and Congress would have to approve any casino). DC allows lottery and since 2019 has sports betting (a DC Lottery-run app and some private sportsbooks in arenas). But no casino gambling is legal within DC aside from these. DC residents often go to MGM National Harbor in MD or casinos in West Virginia. Online casinos: not legal in DC. Only online lottery and sports are allowed.
West Virginia
Casinos: West Virginia has 5 casinos (4 racetrack casinos with slots/tables, plus one standalone casino at a resort). These were legalized in the 1990s (slots at tracks) and 2007 (table games). Casinos include Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Mountaineer Casino, Wheeling Island, Mardi Gras Casino (Cross Lanes) – all at race tracks – and The Greenbrier (a private resort with a small casino club).
Tribal casinos: None (no tribes with land in WV). Online casinos: West Virginia legalized online casinos in 2019 (the WV Lottery Interactive Wagering Act), and the first apps launched in summer 2020. Now WV has multiple online casino platforms (DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, etc.), making online casino gaming fully legal for those 21+ in-state.
Sports betting: Legalized in 2018 (one of the first after PASPA) – available at casinos and via mobile statewide. Lottery: WV Lottery oversees casinos, VLTs, and traditional lottery games.
Video Lottery: WV also has limited video lottery terminals in bars (up to 5 machines per bar, 10 per fraternal club), a system in place since 2001, separate from the casinos.
Recent changes: WV was proactive in iGaming – only the 4th state to launch it, and it’s been growing. The state’s racetrack casinos have stable action, though competition from nearby PA and OH exists.
Summary: West Virginia is a small state that offers racino casinos with full gaming, an exclusive resort casino, plus legal online casinos and poker. It punches above its weight in gambling availability, being one of only a handful of states with legal iGaming.
Wisconsin
Casinos: Wisconsin has tribal casinos (no commercial casinos). 11 tribes operate about 26 casinos across Wisconsin. Under 1991-92 compacts (amended subsequently), tribes offer slots, poker, and some table games (original compacts excluded craps/roulette, but these were added via dice and wheel game amendments around 2018).
Notable tribal casinos: Ho-Chunk (several locations), Potawatomi (Milwaukee casino), Oneida (Green Bay casino), Menominee, St. Croix, etc.
Commercial gambling: None – state law prohibits gambling except for compacts and charitable games. Lottery: WI has a state lottery and some bar video lottery games in the form of video pull-tabs (limited).
Pari-mutuel racing: used to exist (dog tracks in the 90s), but all tracks have closed; betting on races is now defunct in WI.
Online casinos: illegal. Wisconsin’s compacts do not authorize online gaming, and the state has not pursued it.
Sports betting: Through a creative legal route, Wisconsin has allowed sports betting at certain tribal casinos via amended compacts (the Oneida Nation opened the state’s first sportsbook in Nov 2021 at their Green Bay casino, followed by others). No state legislation was done; instead, tribes negotiate with the governor to add sports wagering. Mobile sports betting is only on-reservation (e.g., within a few miles of the casino geofence).
Recent changes: Sports betting introduction by compact amendment is new (and ongoing tribe-by-tribe). The Ho-Chunk are building a new casino in Beloit (approved by DOI in 2021, awaiting compact). The legislature hasn’t shown interest in commercial casinos or iGaming.
Summary: Wisconsin has a thriving tribal casino industry (22 casinos) and no commercial casinos. Online casino gambling is not allowed, and any expansion goes through tribal compacts (sports betting being the latest example). The Potawatomi Casino in Milwaukee is one of the largest, effectively serving the state’s biggest city. For now, no push for online casinos is evident; the state seems comfortable with tribal gaming as the primary casino avenue.
Wyoming
Casinos: Wyoming has a few tribal casinos and no commercial ones. The Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone tribes run 3 casinos on the Wind River Reservation (e.g., Wind River Hotel & Casino). These offer Class III gaming (slots, some tables) under a compact. Beyond that, WY doesn’t allow casino gambling off-reservation, except historic horse racing terminals and charitable gaming.
Pari-mutuel betting: WY has horse racing and in recent years introduced historic horse racing (HHR) machines at off-track betting sites, which are essentially slot-like devices (this was legalized in 2013, struck down in 2015, then re-legalized in 2017 with new regulations). So, bars in places like Casper and Cheyenne have HHR parlors, which to some extent emulate racinos.
Lottery: Wyoming started a state lottery in 2014 (draw games only). Online casinos: illegal; Wyoming has not authorized online casino play.
Sports betting: Wyoming legalized online sports betting in 2021 (mobile-only, no retail sportsbooks as there are no commercial casinos). A few online sportsbooks (DraftKings, FanDuel, etc.) now operate statewide. This made WY the second state (after TN) to have online-only betting.
Recent changes: Sports betting (2021) was the latest expansion. There’s interest by at least one tribe to renegotiate compacts for sports betting and possibly more games. But Wyoming’s small population may not warrant a big push for iGaming, although the state has been tech-forward with crypto (it allows sports betting deposits in crypto). As of now, gamblers in WY either go to tribal casinos or OTBs with HHR machines, or play the legal online sports platforms.
Summary: Wyoming permits tribal casinos on reservation and has historic racing terminals in certain counties, but no traditional commercial casinos beyond that. Online casinos are not legal, and only sports betting online is the internet exception. Given regional dynamics, significant changes seem unlikely soon.
3. Sources and References
This report draws on official and authoritative sources, including state statutes and constitutions, gaming commission reports, and reputable analysis of state gambling laws. Key references are cited in-text using the format 【source†lines】:
- American Gaming Association – “State of Play” & State Fact Sheets – Overviews of state gaming statutes.
- State Statutes & Constitutions – e.g., Alabama Const. §65 gambling ban, Nevada’s 1931 legalization, etc.
- State Lottery and Gaming Commission sites – e.g., Colorado gaming history, Kansas Lottery Act info.
- Legislative analysis and news – e.g., RI iGaming law 2023, Florida compact disputes.
- Wikipedia “Gambling in X” (with caution for cross-verification) – provided structured legal status tables.
- Industry reports – e.g., Action Network’s state-by-state online casino status.
Each state summary references specific details from these or similar sources for verification. For detailed statutes and regulatory information, one may consult the state codes or gaming control board publications. The citations ensure factual accuracy as of the current date.
Greg has been an avid gambler for over 15 years. He loves slot machines and betting on football. He’s been writing on the subject for close to a decade now and knows everything there is to know about video slots, jackpots, and slot sites in general! He has been writing for GamblersPro.com for over five years now.
