Online gambling laws in the US are set state by state, not federally, so what’s permitted depends entirely on where you are.
Sports Betting
US Sportsbooks are legal in 30+ states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Colorado, and Arizona. For a comprehensive look at each state's stance on betting, use our legal sports betting states tracker.
Players in these states can bet on major leagues and organizations like the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, NCAAF, and NASCAR.
Online Casinos
Real-money online casinos are legal in Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Rhode Island.
In most other states, players can access sweepstakes or social casinos, which use virtual coins and may offer real cash prizes.
Online Poker
Legal in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Nevada, Delaware, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
Some states (like NJ, MI, and NV) also allow shared player pools, which means bigger tournaments and more action.
Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS)
DFS is legal in most states and offered by major operators like DraftKings and FanDuel, letting players draft virtual teams for cash or prizes based on games played that day or week.
Since 2006, we've guided US players to safer, smarter choices when it comes to gambling online. Our recommendations are built on real-world experience and objective, data-driven analysis, recognized with multiple industry awards.
Our team includes seasoned experts – veteran casino players, poker pros and sports betting specialists – all united by a player-first approach. We follow strict editorial guidelines and a structured review process to ensure everything we publish is accurate, original and genuinely helpful.
Every recommendation is based on hands-on testing, independent research and real user feedback – never marketing spin. We only feature licensed online gambling sites and all our content is fact-checked and regularly updated to reflect the latest developments, betting offers and insights.
From betting strategy guides and tips to daily coverage of the online gambling world, we focus on what matters most – including free games on Gambling.com, so you can practice safely before playing for real.
We prioritize your safety, your enjoyment and your bottom line. Our mission is simple: to give you clear, honest and practical guidance so you can gamble online with confidence – and Raise Your Game.
The safety and wellbeing of our users is always our top priority.
At Gambling.com, we’re committed to promoting responsible gambling and helping players stay in control.
Whether you're betting on sports, playing slots, or sitting at a poker table, gambling involves financial risk. We believe it should be treated as a form of entertainment – not as a reliable source of income.
Staying in control means understanding the games, setting limits and knowing when to take a break.
Informed, responsible play leads to safer, more enjoyable experiences. That means betting within your means, making decisions with a clear head and keeping gambling in balance with the rest of your life.
Our Commitment to Safer Gambling
We only recommend licensed operators that take player protection seriously. As part of our review process, we assess each US gambling site’s approach to responsible gambling – including the tools, policies, and messaging they provide to help players stay in control.
This includes features such as:
- Deposit limits
- Time-outs and cooling-off periods
- Reality checks
- Self-assessment tools
- Self-exclusion options
We expect these tools to be clearly explained, easy to access and supported by responsible messaging throughout the site. We also look for visible links to third-party support organizations and evidence of proactive measures to detect and protect vulnerable players.
Our 10 Golden Rules for Responsible Gambling
Follow these key principles to stay in control, minimize risk and enjoy a safer, more balanced gambling experience:
1. Set Limits and Stick to Them
Decide your budget in advance – and only gamble what you can afford to lose.
2. Take Regular Breaks
Avoid long, uninterrupted sessions. Take time to reset and regain perspective.
3. Never Chase Losses
Trying to win back money can lead to bigger losses. Accept them as part of the risk.
4. Stay Clear-Headed
Don’t gamble when you're drunk, angry, or emotional – it clouds your judgment.
5. Keep Gambling in Balance
Make sure gambling doesn’t interfere with your work, relationships, or daily life.
6. Track Your Gambling Activity
Keep a clear record of the time and money you spend to stay aware and accountable.
7. Bet With Knowledge
Whatever you're betting on, understand the betting odds, rules and risks before you start.
8. Manage Your Bankroll
Split your bankroll into smaller units and stake only a small percentage per bet. Adjust as you go.
9. Maintain Other Interests
Gambling should complement your lifestyle – not replace other hobbies or priorities.
10. Seek Help if You Need It
If gambling ever feels stressful or out of control, you're not alone. Help is available across the United States. You can contact:
