Monitoring Progress of Online Gaming Legislation
Online Casino Legislation in the United States: A State-by-State Update
The landscape of online casinos in the United States is evolving rapidly, with several states considering legislation to legalize and regulate the industry. Here's a roundup of the current status of online casino legislation in six states: Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and New York.
Illinois
Online casino gaming is not yet legal in Illinois, but the state is actively attempting to legalize it again in 2025. Senate Bill 1963 and House Bill 3080, collectively known as the Internet Gaming Act, aim to establish a legal framework for online casinos statewide. The bills propose a higher tax rate (25%) and workforce protections, but have not yet passed, and no firm timeline exists, with legalization possibly considered in 2026 according to the Illinois Attorney General.
Indiana
Online casinos remain illegal in Indiana. Despite the legalization of sports betting since 2019, efforts to pass online casino bills stalled in 2025, with concerns about revenue cannibalization and other legislative priorities hindering progress.
New Hampshire
The search results do not provide current information on online casino legislation in New Hampshire as of 2025. Additional sources would be required to confirm the status.
Massachusetts
Online casino bills (SB 232 and HB 232) were filed in 2025 and remain at the committee level, indicating a moderate chance of approval. The proposals include allowing two skins for each of the three casinos plus four untethered licenses.
Wyoming
The search results do not mention Wyoming's online casino legislation status for 2025, so its current legal status remains unclear from the information available.
New York
There have been active legislative efforts to legalize online casinos, including bill SB 264. However, regulatory complexity and political challenges have delayed progress, with hopes for resolution in the near future.
The table below provides a summary of the online casino legal status in these states as of mid-2025:
| State | Online Casino Legal Status (2025) | Notes | |----------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Illinois | Not yet legal; legislation in progress, possible legalization 2026 | Bills filed, tax and workforce provisions debated | | Indiana | Illegal | Sports betting legal; online casino bills stalled | | New Hampshire | Not specified | No clear info from results | | Massachusetts | Proposed bills pending committee | Moderate chance; 2 skins per casino plus untethered licenses | | Wyoming | Not specified | No info available | | New York | Efforts ongoing; not yet legal | Active pushes with political/regulatory challenges |
Several perennial contenders for online casino legalization include New York and Illinois. The latter's performance has been disappointing so far, while Wyoming emerged as a dark horse candidate but saw its effort end abruptly. Other states trying to pass a bill this year or likely to introduce one include Illinois, Indiana, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and New York.
Stay tuned for updates on this dynamic and growing industry in the United States.
- In Illinois, efforts to establish legal online casinos continue through Senate Bill 1963 and House Bill 3080, also known as the Internet Gaming Act. The proposed legislation includes a higher tax rate and workforce protections, but its progress remains uncertain with possible legalization in 2026.
- Despite the legalization of sports betting in Indiana since 2019, online casinos still remain illegal, with efforts to pass relevant bills stalling in 2025.
- Responsible gambling is an essential aspect of the growing online casino industry, and its promotion is crucial for financial security and overall well-being. This includes setting personal gambling limits, taking breaks, and seeking help when needed.
