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United States
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Accepts US players Showing 10 of 29 casinos
The US has a complex mix of online gambling laws that change from state to state. There is no single federal license for online casinos. Instead, eight states have their own legal frameworks for regulated iGaming. About 38 states have legal sports betting after a 2018 Supreme Court ruling. In most other states, "sweepstakes casinos" operate as a legal workaround. This guide explains how federal and state laws interact, lists the rules for each state, and provides resources for responsible gambling.
Related: Slots · Live dealer.
USA Federal-level facts. State-level facts live on each state page.
Legal age
21
Regulated iGaming states; sweepstakes states use 18
Currency
USD
Native at every US-licensed and sweepstakes operator
Regulator
State-by-state
DGE (NJ), PGCB (PA), MGCB (MI), and others per state
Tax on winnings
Federal + state
Reported on W-2G; deductible losses available if itemising
Real-money coverage
5 states
NJ, PA, MI, WV, DE - state-licensed operators in our index
Sweepstakes coverage
11 states
Federal sweepstakes-promotion framework; 18+ access
Top payment method
ACH / Cards
Bank-to-bank ACH and Visa/Mastercard; PayPal at many operators
Helpline
Responsible Gambling Support Helpline and resources for players seeking help with problem gambling. Free, confidential, 24/7 in most jurisdictions.NCPG federal helpline; Gamblers Anonymous in most cities
In the US, individual states have the power to license gambling. Federal laws, like the Wire Act and UIGEA, focus on money transfers and commerce rather than licensing. After a 2018 Supreme Court decision, sports betting spread quickly to over 38 states. However, online casinos have been slower to launch because they require separate state laws.
Because of this, the US is split into three main types of markets:
To see which rules apply to you, check the directory below. We track the legal status and primary regulator for each state we cover.
Select a state to see its full guide. You will find info on local regulators, how to check a license, tax rules, and help for problem gambling.
New Jersey
Regulated
NJ DGE
iGaming since 2013
Pennsylvania
Regulated
PGCB
iGaming since 2019
Michigan
Regulated
MGCB
iGaming since 2021
West Virginia
Regulated
WVLC
iGaming since 2020
Delaware
Regulated
DE DGE
iGaming since 2013
Connecticut
Sweepstakes
iGaming limited
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
New York
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Maryland
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Florida
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Texas
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
California
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Illinois
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Georgia
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
North Carolina
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Virginia
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Arizona
Sweepstakes
No state-level iGaming
Sweepstakes coverage in our index
Sweepstakes casinos follow federal sweepstakes laws instead of state gambling laws. They use two types of virtual currency. You buy "Gold Coins" for fun play. When you buy them, you get free "Sweeps Coins" as a bonus. You use these Sweeps Coins to enter games where you can win prizes. This is similar to buying a soda and getting a sweepstakes code on the cap.
What this means for you:
Sweepstakes casinos are a great option for players in states without legal online gambling. The experience feels very much like a regular online casino, but with a different way of handling money and prizes.
Help for problem gambling comes from both federal and state levels. There is a national helpline that connects you to local programs. Regulated states also fund treatment using money from casino fees. Peer support groups like Gamblers Anonymous meet in most major cities.
NCPG National Helpline
1-800-522-4700Free, 24/7 service. It connects you to help in your specific state. It is the best place to start if you or someone you know needs help.
Gamblers Anonymous
A support group for people with gambling problems. Meetings in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, plus online meetings.
State helplines (NCPG directory)
Use this directory to find the specific helpline for your state. States with legal iGaming have their own funded programs. Other states use national resources.
Gam-Anon
Helps the family and friends of people with gambling problems. Offers support for those affected by a loved one's gambling.
BetBlocker
A free tool that blocks gambling sites on your phone or computer. It works for both regulated and sweepstakes sites.
For the best protection, we recommend using several layers. Set limits on how much you can deposit at each site. Install BetBlocker on your devices. Use state self-exclusion lists if they are available. Most importantly, reach out to the NCPG at 1-800-522-4700 for guidance. Groups like Gamblers Anonymous are there to support you and your family. You can find more details on our Responsible gambling page.
Here are the questions players ask most often about laws, taxes, and how the US market works.
It depends on where you live. There is no national law that makes online casinos legal everywhere. Laws like the Wire Act and UIGEA restrict how money moves between states. As of 2026, eight states allow regulated online casinos, including New Jersey, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Many other states allow sports betting. If your state doesn't have its own regulated market, sweepstakes casinos are often available under federal law.
Regulated iGaming is licensed by the state government. You play with real money, and state boards oversee the operators. Sweepstakes casinos use a different model. You buy virtual coins for fun and get bonus "Sweeps Coins" to enter prize games. This allows them to operate legally in many states that don't have traditional gambling licenses. Both provide a similar experience for the player.
The US Constitution gives states the power to control gambling. This is why there is no single national license. Federal laws focus on criminal activity and banking instead. While Congress has talked about a national law, states have moved ahead on their own. This has created a "patchwork" where rules change as soon as you cross a state line.
In states with regulated iGaming, the age limit is 21. This includes places like New Jersey and Michigan. Sweepstakes casinos usually allow players who are at least 18. These sites check your ID when you sign up to make sure you are old enough to play.
Winnings are considered taxable income by the IRS. If you win a large amount, the casino will send you a W-2G form. Most states also tax these winnings. You can subtract your losses from your winnings on your taxes, but only if you itemize your deductions. Sweepstakes prizes are taxed the same way as gambling winnings.
The national helpline at 1-800-522-4700 is the best place to start. It connects you to local help in your state. Regulated states use casino fees to pay for treatment programs. Groups like Gamblers Anonymous also offer free peer support. Since every state is different, the national NCPG layer ensures everyone has a baseline level of support.
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