Legal Online Gambling in the US

Regulation of online gambling in the United States has evolved rapidly since the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Dozens of states now offer some form of legal online wagering, from sports betting to casino games and daily fantasy sports.

Understanding your state’s legal framework is about protecting your wallet and choosing trustworthy operators, not just a matter of compliance. As the global authority for betting odds and expert insights, Odds Shark is committed to helping you navigate the online gambling landscape safely.

 FinCertified  USA Betting Sites   FinCertified - We prioritize what bettors care about most—security, competitive odds, fast payouts, and a smooth user experience. We break these down into a series of Trust Factors that have been FinCertified, by receiving the Odds Shark fin seal of approval from our expert team.  

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Understanding Regulated vs. Unregulated Markets

It's game night, and you're scrolling through your phone, looking for a place to bet. You come across two different sportsbooks. One looks sleek with flashy bonuses, while the other seems more straightforward but mentions being "licensed in New Jersey." Which one do you choose? This decision could make all the difference in your betting experience and the safety of your wallet.

Regulated Operators

Choosing a regulated site is like having a referee in your game. There are rules, oversight, and consequences for bad actors.

Legal online gambling in the US is state‑regulated. Licensed sportsbooks and casinos must adhere to strict standards for player protection, fair play, and financial security. They hold valid licences, maintain segregated player funds, and undergo regular audits.

Unregulated & Offshore Market

By contrast, unregulated offshore operators might offer flashy bonuses, but they operate outside US law. These sites typically operate from jurisdictions like Costa Rica or Curacao, or other countries with minimal oversight (using .ag or .eu domains), may delay or deny withdrawals, and offer no recourse in the event of disputes. 

Benefits of regulated operators

Choosing a regulated operator is like buying insurance for your betting experience. You get access to responsible gambling tools, secure payments, and dispute resolution. Regulated sites also contribute tax revenue to their host states, often funding education and public services.

  • Consumer Protections: Dispute resolution through state gaming commissions, transparent terms, and responsible‑gambling tools.
  • Secure Payments: Established banking methods, encryption, and KYC (Know Your Customer) verification.
  • Community Contribution: Regulated sites contribute tax revenue to education and public services in their host states.

Spotting the Difference

Here are a few ways to distinguish between regulated and unregulated sites.

  • Check the Footer: Regulated sites prominently display their state license numbers and responsible gambling resources.
  • Look at the URL: Regulated operators typically use .com domains and clearly state which states they serve.
  • Payment Methods: Regulated sites work with major US banks and payment processors, whereas offshore books are mostly crypto-focused.
  • Transparency: Licensed operators clearly display their terms, ownership information, and regulatory details.

Types of Legal Online Gambling

The landscape of legal gambling in America has undergone a significant transformation over the past few years. What used to be a patchwork of confusing regulations has evolved into a more structured system, though it still varies significantly from state to state.

Let's walk through the seven main types of legal betting you can enjoy online in the US today.

The 7 Types of Legal Online Gambling in USA
Sports Betting

This is the big kahuna of online betting – placing wagers on professional and college sports through licensed operators. Since the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in 2018, over 30 states have legalized sports betting in some form, with most allowing online wagering.

You can check out our detailed sportsbook reviews to find the best option for your state.

Odds Shark FinCertified Sportsbooks

Online Casinos

Real-money online casinos offer a variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer experiences, similar to those found in Las Vegas. Only seven states have legalized online casino gaming: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Delaware, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

Our top recommendation for online casinos includes operators that meet our standards of quality, such as offering a diverse game library, fair bonus terms, and reliable payouts. Visit our casino hub to explore reviews and find recommended real money casinos in eligible states.

Odds Shark FinCertified Online Casinos

Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)

Daily fantasy sports let you draft lineups of real players and compete for cash prizes based on their statistical performance.

Unlike traditional season-long fantasy leagues, DFS contests typically last just one day or week. DFS is legal in most states, with only a few holdouts, such as Idaho and Washington, maintaining strict prohibitions. Check out our DFS hub for strategy guides and operator comparisons.

Odds Shark FinCertified DFS Sites

Social/Sweepstakes Casinos

These platforms offer casino-style games using virtual currencies instead of real money, with opportunities to win cash prizes through sweepstakes mechanics.

Since they don't involve direct real-money gambling, sweepstakes casinos operate legally in most states, including those without regulated online casinos. They're an excellent option for enjoying slots and table games while potentially winning real prizes. Explore your options at our sweeps casino hub.

Odds Shark FinCertifed Sweepstakes Casinos

Prediction Markets

These platforms host prediction markets where you pick the outcomes of real-world events beyond sports — such as political elections, award shows, or economic indicators. You trade event contracts by buying “Yes” or “No” positions based on your forecast. You can hold your contract until the event resolves or sell it to another trader before it concludes.

Unlike sports betting and casino sites, prediction markets are not regulated by state gaming authorities. Instead, they fall under oversight from the independent federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). Learn more about this emerging format at our Prediction Markets Hub.

Complete Odds Shark Prediction Markets Guide

Online Poker Rooms

Online poker allows you to play Texas Hold'em, Omaha, and other variants against real opponents from the comfort of your home. Unfortunately, only a handful of states currently offer legal online poker: Nevada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Michigan, and West Virginia.

The player pools are often shared between states through interstate compacts, which helps create more robust tournament schedules and cash game action.

Horse Racing Betting

Online horse racing betting has been legal nationwide since 2000, thanks to the Interstate Horse Racing Act. You can bet on races from tracks nationwide through licensed ADW (Advance Deposit Wagering) platforms.

This includes traditional win/place/show bets, as well as exotic wagers such as trifectas and superfectas. Horse racing betting remains one of the most accessible forms of legal online wagering, available in virtually every state.

Always check your local state laws before participating.

State‑by‑State Legal Status

Each state in the US has a different legal framework for online gambling. You'll notice many differences from one state to another, based on the types of gambling available.

✅ Available ❌ Unavailable 🔐 Restricted or Limited

Online Gambling Availability by State

State

Sports Betting

Online Casino

Online Poker

Horse Racing

DFS

Prediction Markets

Sweepstakes

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

🔐

🔐

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota

Mississippi

Missouri

🔐

Montana

🔐

🔐

Nebraska

Nevada

🔐

🔐

New Hampshire

New Jersey

New Mexico

New York

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Oklahoma

Oregon

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

South Carolina

South Dakota

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Vermont

Virginia

Washington

🔐

🔐

West Virginia

Wisconsin

Wyoming

Washington DC

Legal status as of 2024. Regulations may change. Always check current local laws before participating in online gambling.

How to Choose Legal, Safe Gambling Sites

Finding the right operator can be daunting, but keeping an eye out for the following characteristics will help you spot a legitimate online gambling site.

Odds Shark is committed to promoting safe gambling practices and helping you make informed decisions. Remember, the extra steps to verify a site's legitimacy are always worth the peace of mind and protection they provide.

  1. Licensing & Regulation

    Proper licensing is the foundation of safe online gambling. Always verify that your chosen platform holds valid state licenses from official regulatory bodies like the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board or the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. Look for license numbers displayed prominently on the site's footer and cross-reference them with state gaming commission websites.

  2. Security & Encryption

    Legitimate gambling sites prioritize your data security through robust encryption protocols. Before creating an account, check for the following.

    🔐 HTTPS encryption (look for the padlock icon in your browser)
    📜 SSL certificates from trusted providers
    ✅ Third-party security audits from companies like eCOGRA
    📕 Clear privacy policies detailing data protection measures

  3. Know Your Customer (KYC) Protection

    KYC verification isn't just regulatory compliance. It's your protection against fraud and identity theft. Regulated sites require identity verification to prevent underage gambling and ensure responsible gaming. This process typically involves submitting government-issued ID and proof of address, creating a secure gaming environment for all players.

  4. Banking Security

    Secure payment processing is non-negotiable. Trusted platforms offer established payment methods like major credit cards, PayPal, and regulated banking transfers. Avoid sites that only accept cryptocurrency or wire transfers, as these often indicate unregulated operations with limited consumer protections.

  5. Responsible Gambling Tools

    Regulated sites provide comprehensive responsible gambling features.

    💵 Deposit and loss limits you can set and modify
    ⏰ Session time reminders and cooling-off periods
    🙅‍♂️ Self-exclusion programs with varying durations
    🤝 Links to problem gambling resources and support hotlines

  6. Consumer Protection Benefits

    Regulated gambling sites offer substantial consumer protections that unregulated operators cannot match. These include segregated player funds, dispute resolution processes, and regulatory oversight, ensuring fair play. When issues arise, you have recourse through state gaming commissions rather than being left without protection.

  7. Red Flags to Avoid

    Steer clear of platforms that exhibit these warning signs.

    🚩 No visible licensing information or fake license claims
    🚩 Poor customer service or no contact information
    🚩 Unrealistic bonus offers or guaranteed wins
    🚩 Negative reviews citing withdrawal issues or unfair practices

Odds Shark Review Criteria

At Odds Shark, we understand that choosing the right gambling site can be overwhelming. This section explains our comprehensive review methodology and provides the tools to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

Our reviews are based on thorough, hands-on testing by our industry experts, who prioritize what bettors care about most—security, competitive odds, fast payouts, and a seamless user experience. We break these down into a series of Trust Factors that have been FinCertified, having received the Odds Shark Fin Seal of Approval from our expert team.

Our structured evaluation process ensures that only the best and safest betting sites make the cut. Each sportsbook undergoes rigorous testing, from signing up and collecting bonuses to placing bets and withdrawing funds. (Nobody said our job isn't fun!)

Odds Shark  FinCertified Trust Factors

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    Licensing and Regulatory Compliance

    We verify that each site holds valid licenses from reputable regulatory bodies. This ensures the operator meets strict standards for player protection, fair gaming, and financial security.

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    Security and Fairness Measures

    We examine encryption protocols, random number generator certifications, and third-party auditing to confirm games are fair and personal data is protected.

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    Game/Betting Variety and Quality

    We assess the breadth of gaming options, software providers, and overall quality to ensure diverse entertainment options that meet different player preferences.

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    Banking Options and Payout Speeds

    We test deposit and withdrawal methods, processing times, and fee structures to evaluate the convenience and reliability of financial transactions.

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    Customer Support Quality

    We evaluate response times, support channels, and staff knowledge through direct testing to ensure players receive adequate assistance when needed.

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    Bonus Terms and Value

    We analyze wagering requirements, time limits, and game restrictions to determine the real value and fairness of promotional offers.

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    User Experience and Mobile Functionality

    We test site navigation, loading speeds, and mobile compatibility to ensure smooth gameplay across all devices.

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    Responsible Gambling Features

    We verify the availability of deposit limits, self-exclusion tools, and problem gambling resources to promote safe gaming practices

Why You Can Trust Our Reviews

Our experienced team of gambling industry professionals conducts independent evaluations without operator influence.

We maintain transparency in our methodology and prioritize responsible gambling advocacy, ensuring our recommendations serve your best interests rather than commercial partnerships.

Banking Options for US Online Gambling Sites

One of the benefits of playing at legal, regulated iGaming sites is that they offer safe, legit banking methods. Most commonly, you can fund your account using transfers from major US banks, credit cards, and e-wallets. In some cases, you can use cash deposits at eligible retail locations. Cryptocurrencies are rarely used in regulated sites, but there are some providers (sweeps and DFS operators) that offer the option on a limited capacity.

Available Banking Options at US Online Gambling Sites
Banking MethodDescription
Credit/Debit CardsVisa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted payment methods at US online gambling sites. They offer instant deposits and familiar security features. However, some banks may decline transactions related to gambling, so players should check with their card issuer beforehand. These cards provide strong fraud protection and dispute resolution services.
Bank TransfersACH transfers and online banking options like Trustly provide secure, direct bank-to-casino transactions without sharing card details. Wire transfers are also available but typically involve higher fees and longer processing times. These methods offer excellent security through bank-level encryption and authentication.
E-WalletsPayPal, Skrill, and Neteller have grown significantly in popularity. They offer fast deposits and withdrawals with an extra layer of privacy. PayPal is the most widely available e-wallet for US players, while Skrill and Neteller have more limited acceptance. All three provide robust security features and buyer protection.
Prepaid CardsPlay+ and similar prepaid card solutions are designed for online gambling, allowing players to load funds and make deposits without using personal banking information. These cards offer excellent spending control and privacy, as they're not directly linked to your bank account. They're widely accepted across most US gambling sites.
Cash OptionsPayNearMe and similar services allow players to deposit cash at participating retail locations like 7-Eleven or CVS. These methods are ideal for players who prefer not to use digital banking or want to maintain complete anonymity. Once the retailer confirms the deposit, cash deposits are processed quickly.
CryptocurrencyBitcoin and other cryptocurrencies provide anonymous, fast transactions with lower fees than traditional methods. While legal for gambling in most US states, crypto values can be volatile, and players should understand the risks. These payments offer maximum privacy and are processed almost instantly. Crypto options are very limited at regulated operators, but some online gambling sites do offer them on a limited capacity. 

Visit Odds Shark's comprehensive banking hub for detailed guides on each payment method and current availability at top gambling sites.

Online Gambling Deposits & Withdrawals

Sports Betting and Online Casino Bonuses in the USA

Understanding the bonus landscape is crucial for maximizing your betting value. Here's what you'll encounter across U.S. sportsbooks and online casinos:

  • Welcome Bonuses: Your first impression matters, and operators know it. These typically include deposit matches (like 100% up to $1,000) or risk-free first bets that refund losses as bonus credits.
  • No Deposit Bonuses: Free money or bet credits are awarded just for signing up—no deposit is required. Think of it as a test drive for the platform.
  • Reload Bonuses: Designed to keep existing players engaged, these offer percentage matches on subsequent deposits, often with lower match rates than welcome offers.
  • Cashback Offers: Safety nets that return a percentage of your losses, typically ranging from 5-25% of net losses over a specific period.
  • Free Spins/Free Plays: Complimentary casino spins or sports bet credits that let you play without risking your own funds.
  • VIP/Loyalty Programs: Tiered systems reward frequent play with exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals, and dedicated customer support.

Critical reminder: Every bonus comes with strings attached. Wagering requirements, time limits, game restrictions, and minimum odds requirements can significantly impact your ability to withdraw winnings. Always read the terms and conditions before claiming any offer.

Ready to explore current promotions? Check out Odds Shark's promotions hub for the latest verified bonus offers and detailed breakdowns of terms across top-rated operators.

Sportsbook Bonuses & Promo Codes

Responsible Gambling

At Odds Shark, we believe gambling should be fun, entertaining, and never more than you can afford to lose. We're committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and providing you with the tools and resources to stay in control.

Gambling is Entertainment, Not Income

Think of gambling as going to a movie or concert. It's entertainment you pay for. The house always has an edge, which means over time, you're more likely to lose than win. Never gamble with money you need for essentials like rent, groceries, or bills. If you're gambling to solve financial problems or make money, it's time to step back and reassess.

Setting Personal Limits

Before you start gambling, decide on your limits and stick to them:

  • Money limits: Set a budget you can afford to lose completely
  • Time limits: Decide how long you'll gamble and set reminders
  • Loss limits: Know when to walk away, never chase losses

Write these limits down and treat them as non-negotiable. When you hit a limit, stop. No exceptions.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Be honest with yourself about these warning signs:

  • Gambling with money you can't afford to lose
  • Lying about gambling activities or losses
  • Chasing losses with bigger bets
  • Neglecting work, family, or responsibilities to gamble
  • Feeling anxious, depressed, or guilty about gambling
  • Borrowing money to gamble

Tools and Controls

Take advantage of these responsible gambling tools:

  • Deposit limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
  • Time limits: Automatic reminders and session time-outs
  • Self-exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to gambling sites
  • Reality checks: Pop-up reminders showing time spent and money wagered
  • Gambling history: Review your betting patterns and spending

Get Help and Support

If gambling is causing problems in your life, help is available. Take the NCPG Self-Assessment Tool to evaluate your gambling behavior, or use the following resources. 

Our Commitment

Odds Shark promotes responsible gambling through education, transparency, and support. We partner with leading responsible gambling organizations and continuously work to provide resources that help our users make informed decisions and maintain healthy gambling habits.

Legal Sports Betting in the United States

Gone are the days when Americans needed to hop on a plane and head to Las Vegas to legally wager on a game. States have been legalizing sports betting one-by-one since 2018 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the bill (Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) that previously banned sports wagering.

Today, 38 states and Washington D.C. allow sports betting of some kind. Some states offer only in-person betting, some offer only online betting, while others allow both. Each individual state has its own regulators who decide which bets are legal. For instance, you may be allowed to bet on the NFL Draft in one state, but not another. With each state having its own set of rules, our state-by-state betting guide (at the bottom of this page) can be useful.

Check out our top legal sports betting sites for 2025!

  1. The Federal Wire Act (1961)

    Prohibited the use of wire communications for sports betting across state lines, effectively curbing interstate gambling operations.

  2. Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) (1992)

    Enacted to ban sports betting nationwide, with exceptions for states like Nevada and limited provisions for Oregon, Delaware, and Montana.

  3. Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) (2006)

    Made it illegal for financial institutions to process payments related to online gambling, severely restricting internet-based sports betting.

  4. New Jersey's Push Against PASPA (2011-2018)

    New Jersey passed legislation to legalize sports betting, leading to a lengthy legal battle that culminated in a Supreme Court case.

  5. Supreme Court Overturns PASPA (May 14, 2018)

    The landmark decision in Murphy v. NCAA struck down PASPA, giving states the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting.

  6. Delaware Launches First Post-PASPA Betting (June 2018)

    Delaware became the first state to offer full-scale sports betting following the PASPA repeal.

  7. Expansion of State Sports Betting Markets (2018-Present)

    New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and others began launching their own regulated sports betting markets, driving rapid growth in the industry.

  8. Introduction of Mobile and Online Sports Betting

    Key States New Jersey and Nevada embraced mobile betting, making it a cornerstone of the industry and a key driver of revenue.

  9. Tribal Gaming Compacts and Sports Betting

    States like Arizona and Florida negotiated with Native American tribes to expand sports betting into tribal casinos, sometimes leading to legal disputes.

  10. Emergence of National Standards and Advertising Oversight

    As sports betting spread, federal and state lawmakers proposed measures to regulate advertising and consumer protections, influencing the industry’s future operations.

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