As of late 2025, Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia are the only states offering real money online gambling and fully interactive gambling options like slots, video poker, live dealer Online Gambling Markets, and other specialty games. Michigan has 15 licensed iCasino operators and Pennsylvania has over 20, which shows strong demand and economic impact. Online gambling also assists state budget initiatives and public programs such as education, health services, and property tax relief.
Many other states have not legalized online casinos, however. California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Virginia currently do not allow real-money iGaming, although discussions and legislative proposals are underway in several areas. While waiting for state approval, some players turn to international options, often looking for the best crypto casino no kyc platforms that allow fast, secure, and anonymous play. These platforms show how much demand exists and hint at the potential revenue that could come if states choose to legalize online gambling.
Under this light, Massachusetts is a state that many people in the industry are keeping a close eye on. Massachusetts is debating the expansion of online gambling, and a 2026 target date is being floated as a target date for the commencement of activities. New York is also a likely candidate for this because of its demographic weight, sizable economy of Online Gambling Markets, and developed gambling industry, which includes ‘land-based’ casinos and a large sports betting market. There has also been the introduction of several new concepts in the last several years, and a favorable online casino regulated market is in the process of being created.
Ohio is another state likely to be on the watch list, with SB 197 bringing forward proposals for legislating online casinos, amongst other digital gambling and wagering activities. Maryland is also showing signs of being interested. While online casinos have not been legalized in the state at the moment, there is a legal sports betting framework within the state, and the state is planning to expand its iGaming-related activities.
For many states considering legalization, the revenue possibilities are the key factors driving their deliberation. In states where online casinos are operating, lawfully marketed online gaming has proven to be a significant tax revenue generator, which benefits public schools, roads, and services. When drafting legislation, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania are primary models for these lawmakers, and they adopt their licensing, tax policies, and regulatory frameworks. Legal alternatives to offshore online gambling are available, and these states have proven through their markets that online casinos can be operated safely, without harming other industries, and negatively impacting public welfare.
Despite this interest, there are challenges to passing iGaming legislation. Traditional brick-and-mortar casinos sometimes view online gambling as competition, which can slow approval or lead to stricter regulations. Drafting legislation also takes time because lawmakers need to balance industry interests, regulatory oversight, consumer protections, and tax structures.
Consumer needs and wants can impact the demand for online gambling services and casino sites. With the interest in online gambling skyrocketing and the popularity of receiving instant fund transactions via crypto and no KYC requirements, there is demand. With the demand, gambling regulators can witness the wants of consumers and fill the gaps in the marketplace with licensed online casinos that can be properly taxed.
New Mexico, Ohio, Maryland, New York, and Massachusetts are the states primed to bring real-money online casinos to the US in 2026 and legalize iGaming or Online Gambling Markets. This is because there is proposed legislation, strong public support, projected revenue, and the iGaming market in the US needs to be expanded. In conclusion, the takeaway is that if your online casino is licensed, your potential as an operator will be limitless. The iGaming and Online Casino industry is growing quickly because the states are willing to regulate the industry to meet consumer needs.
