Anyone familiar with the gaming industry has come across slots. These machines are the most popular at any casino, whether land-based or online. Check out the states where online slots are legal and the latest news on legislation in other states.
Online Slots Popularity in the Digital Age and U.S. Regulations
As we navigate the digital age, slots have not been left behind. Like its popularity at land-based casinos, they also make waves on online platforms. However, with the gambling laws in the U.S. vary from state to state, there are only a few states where you can access the online version of your favorite slot.
Only seven states in the U.S. currently have access to legalized online casinos. These states are New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Each state has its unique variation of legal online gambling, and we will discuss it in this concise guide.
Legal Casino Betting States for Online Slot Gaming
In this section, we provide more information on each of the states mentioned above that have legalized online gaming, along with information about licensing and more.
New Jersey
One of the first states to legalize online casinos, New Jersey has a well-established market. In 2013, former Governor Chris Christie signed a bill to legalize online gambling. Over a decade later, the Garden State has served its residents with over 30+ online casino operators, which include big names like BetMGM Casino. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees online gaming.
Delaware
Like New Jersey, Delaware also made online slot games legal in 2013. The legalization process was set into motion in 2012 when Governor Jack Markell signed the bill. However, it took about a year for online casinos and sportsbooks to become legal. Unlike New Jersey, there are only a few online casinos for players in Delaware to wager on, and the Delaware Lottery regulates them.
Pennsylvania
Following New Jersey and Delaware’s lead, Pennsylvania legalized online casino games, including slots, in 2017. However, the state residents had to wait until May 2019 to gamble on their favorite slots. The industry is growing in Pennsylvania, and in five years, they have expanded their offerings, having nearly as many online gambling options as New Jersey.
Michigan
Michigan’s online casinos went live in January 2021 after legalizing the activity in late 2019. The Great Lakes State was expected to see the formal debut of online casinos in 2020. However, the COVID-19 outbreak caused a delay that delayed the establishment of casinos. The state’s iGaming industry is now fully operational, with over ten internet casinos.
West Virginia
West Virginia joined the list of states with legal online casinos more recently, launching its operations in July 2020. This came two years after they legalized online sports betting, becoming one of the first states to do so. All online casinos operating in the state are regulated by the West Virginia Lottery Commission, which also acts as the state’s gaming authority.
Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the more recent states to offer online casino games, including slots, which became legal in May 2021. Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation officially legalizing online casino gaming. As of now, there are only two licensed casinos in the state. Sportsbooks are also legal, giving Connecticut residents an alternative to slots.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island became the latest state to authorize online casino gaming on June 20, 2023, when Governor Dan McKee signed the legislation. Observing the successful rollout of iGaming in nearby Northeastern states, Rhode Island chose to join the movement. Activated on March 1, 2024, this law will bring a comprehensive suite of online casino games to the Ocean State.
States Looking To Legalize Online Casinos for Slot Gaming
States in the US have been slow to approve online gambling, which has not coincided with the rise of online sports betting. Despite the lack of progress, a few states are set to add online casino options to the already legalized sports. The following states are expected to legalize online casinos in the near future:
- Illinois: Anticipated in 2024
- Indiana: Anticipated in 2024
- Massachusetts: Anticipated in 2026
- North Carolina: TBD
Could We See More US States License Online Casinos?
Online games are becoming popular with the rise of digitalization. However, this is different in the U.S. As time passes, we can expect this to change with more states legalizing online casinos. This could take a while, so if you are interested in wagering on slots online, you must understand that gambling laws vary by state. It is essential to comply with the regulations in your state.
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