The current state of online casinos in the US is interesting, with forecasts to get even better. Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan, and West Virginia have, so far, legalized online casinos, but other states are still finding the best way to incorporate them. Rhode Island deserves a prominent place because it has passed the online casino bill, and we are anticipating its arrival into effect in March 2024. More than $16 billion from revenue was made in 2023 via online casinos in the entire US, and if we take into account that so few states have fully legalized it, it’s clear there’s more potential lying beneath. But progress is being made state-side, where each area is trying out a unique approach.
In Missouri, online casinos are still not legalized, but local players have options. Trusted and recommended options for residents in Missouri exist on a regulated list, offering players a long list of potential casinos until the state continues where it left off in 2023. Namely, Joseph Yarnold adds how Missouri almost passed a bill in 2023 regarding sports betting, but the Senate blocked further advancements. In 2024, the state could get the ball rolling again, since some progress was made. Regardless, online social casinos are the next best option for residents in Missouri.
Even though social casinos don’t accept money and are made primarily to provide a non-monetary incentive to try casino games, they still offer a decent level of excitement and an opportunity to learn more about casino games. If nothing from the above doesn’t work, the third option is to travel to neighboring Iowa, Tennessee, or Kansas for further betting options. Nevada is interesting because it has legalized only online poker but not the entirety of online casino games. Even online lottery is prohibited alongside online casinos, where the dominant form of gambling remains to be found in Las Vegas.
The main reason for the current state of affairs is the now-old bill AB 114, legislated in 2013, which covered interactive gambling. On one hand, it seems the interpretation covers only poker, but it seems possible to extend the coverage of the law to other games should online casino companies wish to push for broader coverage. Games like blackjack, slots, Texas Hold ’em, and other casino games are all interactive, so room for growth certainly exists. One more reason for relatively low interest in pushing forward for more online casino options is that Nevada has a relatively low population when compared to tourists and visitors to Las Vegas, so extending the legislature to cover more casino games is currently not a priority.
Should that change in 2024 and onwards, it will have a legal base, and the procedure will be an interesting turn of events. The quickest probable state is Indiana since they hold legislative sessions from January to April. Two important talking points are happening in the Hoosier State, as its senator John Ford, has made his stance clear on gambling, advocating for a push toward the legalization of online gambling in the state. Senator Ford is also the president of the National Council of Legislators from Gambling States, so it’s a strong argument for looking with hopeful eyes towards Indiana if you are a casino enthusiast.
The only downside so far is an investigation from 2022, which revealed some illegal funding towards campaigns, which then put a rightful smear and stopped pushing the bill. But time heals all wounds, and Indiana has made steps towards making an effort to join other states in legalizing online casinos, and we may see the results before April 2024. The Empire State could be the landmark change needed to lead the charge on the legalization of online casinos in the US. While currently there are no online casinos in New York State a chance still exists. The state also has commercial and tribal casinos operating on native land, but Senator Joe Addabbo is proposing a new bill.
Since the state is looking at a potential $1 billion to gain from taxing online casinos, it’s not a small sum to pass on. The money is currently pouring over to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, so it makes sense for New York State to consider making changes. Taxes and licensing fees could fill the state’s treasury, ensuring that any hard financial years get easier, providing sustainability. What makes the bill probable and the chance for the future of online casinos in New York state to change is the proposed $11 million in funds towards support and safety measures for gambling issues. Such items in the bill show a healthy mindset and pave a viable road towards support.
Similar to Nevada, Iowa is in a peculiar position regarding online casinos, being one of the pioneers in legalizing online poker. While Iowa has legalized sports betting, nothing new is on the horizon for the Hawkeye State. Just like Nevada, Iowa is looking at expanding on set legal grounds, making it possible to increase revenue from more online casino activities. Since plenty of talks have been around financial incentives, it’s worth pointing out some concrete numbers, from states who have already legalized online casinos in full form.
The absolute leader is New Jersey, with almost $7 billion generated since legalization in 2013. Hot on their heels is Pennsylvania with over $4 billion since 2019, and almost tied is Michigan with $4.1 billion since just three years ago in 2021. Connecticut made more than $600 million from 2021 till now, and Delaware has nearly $600 million since 2013. This revenue, when taxed, is a welcome addition to the state’s treasury and a strong argument for legalizing online casinos. For starters, it will put a stop to any illegal activities and divert funds and manpower towards legal options.
State residents also won’t have to visit or play in neighboring states. Kentucky and Mississippi are also likely candidates, while New Hampshire, Maryland, and California could make a surprising appearance if the legal entanglement in them gets resolved during 2024. Whichever state does fully legalize online casinos in 2024, it will be one step further for others to follow in their trail.