Since 2013 when New Jersey and Delaware legalized online casinos, other US states have been hot on their trail. Since then up to the time of writing, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Michigan, and West Virginia have joined them, with several others being near or in process. Each state has its policy and pace, so it can be tricky to stay informed. Month by month, small accomplishments and notable progress is being made, and 2024 could see more legalize online casinos. 

In the meantime, as Nikita Jones points out, most players can only visit regulated offshore casinos to enjoy their favorite games. She says there may be federal laws that make it illegal for offshore casinos to accept US players, however, there is nothing that states it is illegal for US players to enjoy games at online casinos for real money that accept players from their state (source: https://www.business2community.com/gambling/new-casinos-usa). But for residents of some states, that might be set to change this year…

1. Rhode Island 

One of the most recent additions to the online casino team is Rhode Island, which is set to launch its online casino industry in April 2024. Currently, Bally is the only local land-based casino, effectively enjoying a monopoly, but come April 2024, that will all change, and residents of Rhode Island have plenty to look forward to.

2. New York

Relatively close to Rhode Island and next to New Jersey, New York looks promising to join the pack in 2024. Chances are high because the state currently has legal sports betting in both forms, on and offline. The push towards legalizing online casinos has been ongoing since 2022, and in 2023, when senators Abbaddo Jr. and Pretlow pushed for the bill to legalize remote blackjack, poker and other casino games.

With strong support and concrete ideas like a proposed $2 million licensing fee and 30.5% tax rate, New York state could look at potential millions in additional revenue. In 2023, the total revenue from all states with legal online casinos reached $6.17 billion, and in 2024, New York could have a piece of that pie. Currently, its residents can travel to nearby New Jersey or look for off-shore solutions.

3. Massachusetts

Massachusetts is one of those states close to allowing online casinos, and it still needs to connect a few dots before the final push toward legalization. Lottery and fantasy sports are legal in the state, as are commercial brick-and-mortar casinos and tribal casinos. Online casinos remain to be regulated, and the attempt started in 2019 by the state Governor Charlie Baker. Because Massachusetts can be considered as the origin of nearly all American sports, online sports booking is legal for anyone over 21 years old. It’s only a matter of time before the topic of online casinos comes into talk, as it currently remains a big missed opportunity.

As it stands now, the Bay State citizens must travel to New Hampshire or Rhode Island, costing Massachusetts plenty in lost revenue. Local tribes have casinos built on native land, according to the IGRA act (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act), and one step towards legalizing online casinos would be to separate a license for real-life casinos and a virtual one, which local tribes are working towards with the federal government. Should the law change in such a way, those who pay a registration and licensing fee could offer online casino services to local citizens while operating within Massachusetts state borders.

4. Indiana

Way back in 2019, Indiana legalized digital sports betting but has since stopped pushing toward fully embracing online betting. Having led the charge and being one of the first states to legalize digital sports betting, Indiana stands on the precipice of making online casinos legal. A first step was made in 2023 when the HB 1536 bill was introduced to legalize online casinos and poker, but it fell short. On the positive side, the bill laid the foundation for another try in 2024, where State Representative Ethan Manning could have another shot at making online casinos legal. Currently, there is a 3.2% tax on all winnings on gambling inside the state, so if online casinos become legal, the state coffers could look at a pretty sum coming their way.

5. North Carolina

2024 could be a big year where anything can happen. While North Carolina remains staunchly against online betting in all forms, hope is rekindled with the signing of a bill in June 2023 by Governor Roy Cooper. Online sports betting thus became legal showing that anything can happen. North Carolina has three tribal casinos present, so a market for casinos exists and, by extension, a potential for a lucrative online casino industry to exist alongside it. The sports bill comes into effect in 2024, and its success could be what online casinos need to make a push toward legalization, exiting the legal gray area.

Arguments for making online casinos legal are a surge of revenue towards the state budget, a rise in employment from new jobs, and convenience for residents. More states adopting online casinos means more competition, which is always great for the end consumer. Following the letter of the law and making sure new laws appeal to all sides is one of the main reasons why it’s taking some states to catch up, but there is no doubt that 2024 will be full of excitement for casino enjoyers!