State Gambling Laws

California has a complex gambling landscape — hundreds of tribal casinos and licensed card rooms operate legally, but online casino gambling and sports betting remain prohibited despite repeated ballot measure attempts.

Alabama has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. While tribal gaming offers limited options and charitable bingo is permitted, the state has no commercial casinos, no lottery, and no legal sports betting. This guide breaks down exactly what you can and can't do.

Alaska has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. The state has no commercial casinos, no tribal casinos with Class III gaming, no state lottery, and no legal sports betting. The only legal gambling options are charitable gaming (bingo, pull-tabs, raffles), social gambling with specific restrictions, and dog mushing/prior-sanctioned races. Online gambling remains illegal, and the minimum age for permitted activities is 19. This guide explains exactly what you can and cannot do under current Alaska law.

Arizona has some of the most active gambling markets in the Southwest, with 25 tribal casinos, legal online and retail sports betting since 2021, a state lottery, and daily fantasy sports. However, Arizona gambling laws prohibit commercial (non-tribal) casinos, and online casino games remain illegal. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, and 21 for lottery tickets. This guide covers everything you need to know about legal gambling in Arizona, including licensed operators, recent changes, and the risks of using offshore sites.

Arkansas allows casino gambling at four licensed locations, legal sports betting (retail and online), a state lottery, and charitable gaming. Online casino games remain illegal. The minimum gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, 18 for lottery. Issue 4, passed in 2018, authorized casino gaming and sports betting at licensed facilities.

Colorado offers one of the most comprehensive legal gambling landscapes in the United States, with regulated sports betting, casino gaming in three historic mountain towns, and a state lottery. This guide covers everything from online wagering to tribal casinos and explains current age requirements.

Connecticut offers one of the most comprehensive legal gambling landscapes in the United States. Online casinos, online sports betting, two major tribal casinos, and a state lottery are all available to residents 21 and older. Here's what you need to know: - **Legal gambling age**: 21 for casinos and sports betting, 18 for lottery - **Online gambling**: Legal online casinos and sports betting launched in October 2021 - **Tribal casinos**: Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino operate under federal tribal compacts - **Sports betting**: Available online and at retail locations through licensed operators - **Lottery**: Connecticut Lottery Corporation offers draw games, scratch tickets, and keno

- Delaware has some of the most permissive gambling laws in the US, with legal online casinos, sports betting, and three licensed racino facilities - The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, 18 for lottery - Delaware was the first state to launch legal online casino gaming in 2013 and among the first for sports betting in 2018 - All legal gambling is operated through the Delaware Lottery, which oversees casinos, online gaming, and sports betting - Offshore gambling sites are illegal and offer no consumer protections under Delaware law

Florida has a complex gambling landscape shaped by tribal compacts and state law. While casinos, lottery, and pari-mutuel betting are legal, sports betting remains in legal limbo. Here's everything you need to know about gambling legally in the Sunshine State.

Georgia has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. The state lottery is the only legal form of gambling available to residents, with no commercial casinos, tribal casinos, sports betting, or online gambling currently permitted. The legal gambling age is 18 for lottery participation. Despite multiple legislative attempts to expand gambling, Georgia remains one of the most restrictive states for gambling activities in 2026.

Hawaii is one of only two US states (along with Utah) that prohibits virtually all forms of gambling. There are no casinos, no state lottery, no legal sports betting, and no licensed online gambling options. Social gambling with friends has limited exceptions, but commercial gambling of any kind remains illegal under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712.

Idaho has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. The state constitution explicitly prohibits most forms of gambling, with narrow exceptions for the state lottery, tribal gaming, charitable bingo and raffles, and pari-mutuel horse racing (though no active tracks currently operate). There is no legal sports betting, no commercial casinos, and no online casino gambling in Idaho. The legal gambling age is 18 for lottery and tribal casinos, though individual tribal facilities may set their own age at 21.

Illinois offers extensive legal gambling options including commercial casinos, video gaming terminals, sports betting (retail and online), poker, and a state lottery. The state has been steadily expanding gambling since 2019, with new casinos opening and online sports betting thriving.

Indiana has some of the most developed gambling laws in the Midwest, with 13 commercial casinos, legal retail and online sports betting, a state lottery, and regulated poker rooms. However, online casino games remain illegal for real money. Here's what you need to know to gamble legally in the Hoosier State.

Iowa has some of the most gambling-friendly laws in the Midwest. The state allows commercial and tribal casinos, legal sports betting (both retail and online), a state lottery, and pari-mutuel wagering. Online casino games remain prohibited, but mobile sports betting has been fully legal since 2021. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, while lottery tickets can be purchased at 21.

Kansas offers a mix of legal gambling options including four state-owned casinos, tribal casinos, a state lottery, and legal sports betting that launched in 2022. However, online casino gambling remains illegal. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, 18 for lottery and bingo. Here's what Kansas residents need to know about gambling laws in 2026.

Kentucky has some of the most unique gambling laws in the country. Sports betting launched in 2023 with an unusually low age requirement of 18, but the state still has no commercial or tribal casinos. The Kentucky Lottery has operated since 1989, and horse racing remains the backbone of the state's gambling culture. Here's what you need to know before placing any bets in the Bluegrass State.

Louisiana has some of the most permissive gambling laws in the South, with legal commercial casinos, tribal casinos, sports betting (retail and online), video poker, horse racing, and a state lottery. However, the legal landscape is complicated by a parish-by-parish system where local voters decide which forms of gambling are allowed in their area. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, and 18 for lottery and pari-mutuel wagering.

Maine offers legal gambling through two tribal casinos, retail and online sports betting (launched 2023), and a state lottery. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, 18 for lottery. Online casino games remain illegal, and commercial casinos are not permitted—only tribal gaming exists. Sports betting is regulated by the Gambling Control Unit under the Department of Public Safety.

Maryland has embraced several forms of legal gambling while maintaining restrictions on others. Sports betting launched in 2021-2022 both in-person and online, joining the state's six commercial casinos and robust lottery system. However, online casino games remain illegal despite ongoing legislative discussions. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, while lottery tickets can be purchased at 18. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone looking to gamble legally in the Old Line State.

- **Sports betting is legal** in Massachusetts for ages 21+ at retail sportsbooks and through licensed mobile apps since March 2023 - **One commercial casino** (Encore Boston Harbor) and **one tribal casino** (MGM Springfield operates commercially; First Light Resort & Casino is the tribal facility under construction) - **Online casino gambling is NOT legal** — only licensed sports betting apps are permitted - **Lottery is available** at 18+, while all casino gambling and sports betting requires age 21+ - **Offshore gambling sites are illegal** and offer no consumer protections under Massachusetts law

Michigan offers one of the most comprehensive legal gambling markets in the United States, including commercial and tribal casinos, fully legal online casino games, sports betting, poker, and a state lottery. This guide covers everything you need to know about gambling legally in the Great Lakes State.

Minnesota allows tribal casino gambling, lottery, charitable gaming, and licensed card rooms, but sports betting and online casino games remain illegal in 2026. The legal gambling age is 18 for most activities, though some tribal casinos require guests to be 21 in areas serving alcohol. The state has no commercial casinos—all 23 casinos are tribally operated under federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act compacts. Despite multiple legislative attempts, sports betting bills have failed to pass due to complex negotiations between tribal nations and lawmakers.

Mississippi has some of the most permissive casino gambling laws in the United States, with 26 licensed commercial casinos and 3 tribal casinos operating legally. However, the state has NO online gambling, NO mobile sports betting outside casinos, and remains one of only 5 states without a lottery. Sports betting is legal but only at licensed casino properties. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting.

Missouri allows riverboat casino gambling, a state lottery, charitable gaming, and daily fantasy sports, but has not yet legalized sports betting or online casinos. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and 18 for lottery and bingo. The Missouri Gaming Commission regulates 13 licensed riverboat casinos.

Montana has some of the most unique gambling laws in the country, allowing video gambling machines in bars and taverns while prohibiting traditional commercial casinos. The state operates its own sports betting platform through the lottery, permits tribal casinos, and allows various forms of charitable gambling. The legal gambling age is 18 for most activities.

Nebraska has significantly expanded its gambling landscape in recent years while maintaining strict controls on certain activities. Sports betting became legal in 2021 following a voter-approved constitutional amendment, though it's limited to in-person wagering at licensed locations. The state has six tribal casinos but no commercial casinos. Online casino gambling and online sports betting remain illegal. The lottery operates statewide, and charitable gambling is permitted under strict regulations. The legal gambling age is 21 for casinos and sports betting, 19 for lottery and bingo.

Nevada has the most permissive gambling laws in the United States, with legal casinos, sports betting, poker, and online poker. The legal gambling age is 21 for most activities. Here's everything you need to know about gambling legally in Nevada.

New Hampshire offers legal sports betting (online and retail) for adults 18 and older, operates one of America's oldest state lotteries, and permits charitable gaming. However, the state has no commercial or tribal casinos, and online casino games remain illegal. DraftKings holds the exclusive mobile sports betting license through 2030.

New Jersey has some of the most comprehensive legal gambling options in the United States. The state permits commercial casinos, online casino games, sports betting (both retail and online), poker, and a state lottery. This guide covers everything you need to know about gambling legally in the Garden State.

New Mexico allows gambling through tribal casinos, a state lottery, and licensed racetracks with slot machines. Here's what you need to know: • **Legal gambling age**: 21 for casinos and racetracks, 18 for lottery • **Tribal casinos**: 25+ Native American casinos operate under federal compact agreements • **Online gambling**: Not legal — no online casinos or online sports betting authorized • **Sports betting**: Limited to in-person wagering at tribal casinos only • **Lottery**: New Mexico Lottery has operated since 1996, with proceeds funding education

New York offers extensive legal gambling options including commercial and tribal casinos, mobile sports betting, lottery games, and horse racing. Online casino gambling remains illegal, though legislation efforts continue. This guide covers everything New Yorkers need to know about legal gambling in the Empire State.

North Carolina has a mixed gambling landscape with significant recent changes. Sports betting became legal in 2024, while casino gambling remains limited to tribal operations on Cherokee lands. The state lottery is widely available, but online casino games remain prohibited. Here's what you need to know about gambling legally in the Tar Heel State.

- **Sports betting is illegal** in North Dakota — no retail or online sportsbooks operate legally - **Tribal casinos are the only legal casinos** — no commercial casinos exist in the state - **Minimum gambling age is 21** for casinos and 18 for lottery and bingo - **Online casino gambling is illegal** — no licensed iGaming platforms operate in ND - **The North Dakota Lottery is legal** and includes Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch tickets

Ohio has rapidly expanded its legal gambling options in recent years, with sports betting launching in 2023 and a mature casino industry. This guide covers everything from the state's four commercial casinos to online sports betting, lottery games, and what remains off-limits.

Oklahoma has 146 tribal casinos operating under federal and state compacts, making it one of the largest tribal gaming markets in the U.S. Sports betting is only available in-person at specific tribal properties. Online casino gambling remains illegal for operators based in the state. The legal gambling age varies: 18 for most tribal casinos, 21 for venues serving alcohol.

Oregon has a unique gambling landscape where the state lottery runs legal sports betting (including online), nine tribal nations operate 10 casinos, and social poker is permitted—but commercial casinos and online casino games remain illegal. The legal gambling age is 18 for lottery and sports betting, 21 for tribal casinos. Here's what Oregon residents need to know about gambling legally in 2026.

Pennsylvania has one of the most comprehensive legal gambling frameworks in the United States, with licensed casinos, fully legal online gambling, regulated sports betting, and a state lottery. The Keystone State permits both retail and online wagering for adults 21 and older.

- **Sports betting is legal** at age 18+ at two casinos and through the state-run Bally Bet app - **Two commercial casinos** operate in Lincoln and Tiverton — no tribal casinos exist - **Online casino games are not legal** — only sports betting is available online - **The Rhode Island Lottery** regulates all gambling in the state - **Offshore gambling sites are illegal** and offer no consumer protections

South Carolina has some of the strictest gambling laws in the United States. The state lottery is the only legal form of gambling, with a minimum age of 18. All casino gambling, sports betting, poker rooms, and online gambling remain illegal with no licensed operators. No legislative changes have passed as of 2026, and offshore gambling sites are both illegal and unprotected under state law.

South Dakota allows casino gambling in Deadwood and at nine tribal casinos, with a minimum age of 21 for casino entry. Sports betting is legal at retail locations in Deadwood since 2021, but online/mobile sports betting is not permitted statewide. Online casino gambling and online poker are illegal in South Dakota—no licensed operators exist for internet gaming. The South Dakota Lottery is legal for players 18 and older, offering scratch tickets, lotto games, and video lottery terminals. Offshore gambling sites are illegal and unregulated, offering no consumer protections for South Dakota residents

Tennessee has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States, but made history in 2020 by becoming the first state to launch exclusively online sports betting with no retail sportsbooks. The state has no commercial or tribal casinos, prohibits online casino games and poker, but operates a state lottery. Understanding what's legal and what's not in Tennessee is essential before placing any wagers.

Texas has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States. While the state lottery and tribal casinos offer limited options, commercial casinos, online gambling, and sports betting remain illegal despite ongoing legislative efforts.

Utah prohibits ALL forms of gambling—there are no casinos, no lottery, no sports betting, and no legal online gambling.The state constitution (Article VI, Section 27) explicitly bans gambling and lotteries,Utah is one of only two US states (along with Hawaii) that completely prohibits gambling,There is no legal gambling age because there is no legal gambling,Online gambling, including offshore sites, is illegal and carries criminal penalties

Vermont has some of the most restrictive gambling laws in the United States, but recent changes have opened the door to legal sports betting. Here's what you need to know: - **Sports betting became legal in January 2024** — Vermont is one of the newest states to allow it - **There are no casinos in Vermont** — commercial and tribal casinos are both prohibited - **Online casino games are illegal** — no licensed operators exist for slots, table games, or online poker - **The legal gambling age is 18** for lottery and sports betting - **Only 6 licensed mobile sportsbooks** operate in the state as of 2026

Virginia has rapidly expanded legal gambling since 2019. Sports betting is fully legal online and at retail locations for those 21+. The state has approved six commercial casinos, with Bristol and Portsmouth now open and four more under construction. However, online casino games remain illegal. The Virginia Lottery oversees sports betting and gaming operations, while the Virginia Racing Commission regulates pari-mutuel wagering. Virginia has no tribal casinos. Offshore gambling sites are illegal and carry significant risks.

Washington has some of the strictest online gambling laws in the country—it's one of the few states where online gambling is classified as a felony. However, the state has a thriving tribal casino industry with over 30 tribes operating gaming facilities. Sports betting became legal in 2020 but only at tribal casinos, not online. Here's what you need to know: - **Online gambling is a Class C felony** in Washington, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines - **Sports betting is legal only at tribal casinos** — no mobile apps or commercial sportsbooks - **Tribal casinos dominate the market** with 30+ tribes operating gaming facilities across the state - **Legal gambling age is 18 for most gambling**, but 21 for casino table games and alcohol areas - **The state lottery is legal** and includes Powerball, Mega Millions, and scratch tickets

West Virginia offers one of the most comprehensive legal gambling markets in the United States. Here's what you need to know: • **Online casinos and sports betting are fully legal** for residents 21 and older through licensed operators • **Five licensed casinos** operate throughout the state, offering slots, table games, poker, and retail sportsbooks • **The West Virginia Lottery Commission** regulates all gambling activities, including online gaming • **Lottery tickets can be purchased at 18**, but all casino and sports betting requires you to be 21 • **Offshore gambling sites are illegal** and offer no consumer protections under state law

- **Legal gambling age**: 21 for casinos, 18 for lottery and bingo - **Casinos**: 26 tribal casinos operate under federal compact agreements — no commercial casinos exist - **Sports betting**: Not legal in Wisconsin as of March 2026 (no retail or online options) - **Online casinos**: Illegal — no licensed online casino or poker sites operate in Wisconsin - **Lottery**: Wisconsin Lottery is legal for ages 18+ with scratch-offs, draw games, and multi-state jackpots

Wyoming allows sports betting (online and retail) for those 18+, has tribal casinos, a state lottery, and pari-mutuel betting. Commercial casinos and online casino games remain illegal. The state legalized sports betting in 2021, making it one of the few states with an 18+ age requirement for sports wagering.