Who Regulates Online Casinos in Each US State?

Where Are Online Casinos Available in the US?

It’s no surprise that playing online casino games with real money isn’t widely available, although sports betting is legal in 38+ states. This is mainly due to varying state laws on online real-money gaming sites. So you can only access real-money slots, classic table games such as blackjack and roulette, live dealer games and other titles in a few states.

Right now, online casinos are available in eight states including Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Maine. Maine became the eighth state to make online casino gambling available in the region in January 2026, but brands are yet to go live there. You also must be at least 21 years old and located within any of the seven allowed states to sign up and play the games. Geolocation tech is used by top online casinos to restrict access from prohibited states. So you won’t still be able to access the site if you use a VPN.

The Framework of Online Casino Gambling in the US

Each state individually allows online casinos through its own laws before issuing licenses to operators that meet their requirements. So, the rules may vary across states. Some states may require online casino brands to partner with an existing physical or tribal casino, while others use a state-controlled system.

With that being said, a few federal laws still apply when it comes to online casino gambling. First is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA), which prevents online casino operators from knowingly accepting funds connected to unlawful internet gambling. Another is the Wire Act, which restricts certain gambling-related activity across state lines. What’s more, brands, including new US online casinos, must adhere to strict anti-money-laundering requirements. FinCEN, a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, enforces these rules and requires operators to monitor transactions and report suspicious activity.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in Each State?

Now that you know a bit more about how online casino gambling is regulated in the US, you may want to find out who actually regulates it in each state where it is available. We’ve put together a table with the necessary details.

Pros and Cons of State-Regulated Online Casinos

There are a lot of positives when it comes to playing at regulated online casinos, but are there any drawbacks to consider? Here are the top pros and a minor con you might want to note.

Pros and Cons

• Online casino operators are closely monitored
• Games are tested for fairness
• Player protection tools are available

• Online casinos are restricted in most states

Conclusion: Online Casinos Are Regulated by Individual States

As you've seen, real-money online casinos are only available in eight US states, and the local rules and regulations vary depending on the state. Individual regulators such as the NJDGE and PGCB are in charge of licensing casino brands, checking that their games and processes are indeed fair and transparent, investigating complaints, and taking action if the rules are broken.

Maine has just made online casino gambling available, and there are active bills seeking to allow online casinos in different states. But the decision totally depends on each state's lawmakers. Do remember that it's best to play at licensed sites, as these brands are required to adhere to strict rules on player protection.

Who Regulates Online Casinos in Each State FAQs

Gamble Responsibly

Playing at online sportsbooks, real money casinos, and sweepstakes sites should always be safe and enjoyable. Keep control of your activity by following responsible gambling guidelines such as:

Set a Budget:

Decide on a budget you’re comfortable with and stick to it. Once it’s gone, stop playing.

Don’t Chase Losses:

Trying to recover losses often leads to overspending.

Play with a Clear Head:

Avoid playing under the influence, or when angry, stressed, or tired.

Set Time Limits:

Take breaks and ensure gambling doesn’t cut into time with family or friends.

Know Your Stuff:

Learn the rules, bet types, odds, and payouts before playing to avoid mistakes.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools:

Make use of features like budget limits and self-exclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling to gamble responsibly, these free, confidential resources can help:

Gamblers Anonymous

National Council on Problem Gambling

Gaming Addicts Anonymous

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Ryan Leaver as part of our fact-checking process.