Which States Are Most Likely to Legalize Online Casino Next? (2026)

New York is the state most likely to legalize online casino next, followed by Maine, Maryland, Illinois, and Ohio. As of July 2026, 7 states offer legal online casino gambling, and that number has not grown since Rhode Island launched in March 2024. Each state below has active legislation or recent momentum — but none has passed a bill yet.

Key Takeaways:

• As of July 2026, 7 states have legal online casino: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island.
• New York is the most likely next state, with legislation introduced every session and the largest potential market in the country.
• Maine's tribal online casino bill has advanced further than any previous effort in the state.
• Maryland's House of Delegates passed an online casino referendum bill in 2024, but it died in the state Senate.
• A new state typically needs 12 to 18 months between passing a bill and launching real-money play.

The 5 States Most Likely to Legalize Online Casino

1. New York

Senator Joseph Addabbo Jr. has introduced online casino legislation in every recent session, and the New York Gaming Commission already regulates a record-breaking online sports betting market. If legalized, New York would be the largest online casino market in the US. Read our full New York online casino legalization update for the details.

2. Maine

A bill granting the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate online casino games has advanced further than any previous Maine iGaming effort. Maine already gives its tribes exclusivity over online sports betting, so the regulatory model is proven. Maine is small, but it may cross the finish line before bigger states.

3. Maryland

The Maryland House of Delegates passed an online casino bill in 2024 — the furthest any large state has gotten recently — but it died in the Senate. Legalization requires a voter referendum, and the state's budget pressures keep the issue alive. The Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency would regulate the market.

4. Illinois

The Internet Gaming Act has been introduced in multiple sessions, and Illinois already runs one of the largest sports betting markets in the country. The main obstacle is the state's video gaming terminal (VGT) industry, which operates machines in thousands of bars and restaurants and lobbies hard against online competition.

5. Ohio

Ohio lawmakers introduced competing iGaming bills in both chambers in 2025 after a legislative study committee recommended considering online casino. Ohio's fast, successful sports betting launch in 2023 showed regulators can move quickly once a bill passes.

Why Online Casino Legalization Is So Slow

Online sports betting spread to more than 30 states in 6 years. Online casino has reached just 7. The recurring obstacles:

• Land-based casinos and video gaming terminal operators fear online play will cannibalize in-person revenue.
• Problem gambling concerns carry more weight with casino games than with sports betting.
• Some states, like Maryland, require a voter referendum on top of legislative approval.
• Tribal gaming compacts often need to be renegotiated before online play can go statewide.

Wherever legalization lands next, gambling involves financial risk. Support is available from the National Council on Problem Gambling at ncpgambling.org or by calling 1-800-GAMBLER.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states have legal online casino right now?

As of July 2026, 7 states have legal online casino: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, Delaware, and Rhode Island. Nevada allows online poker only, so it is not counted as a full online casino state.

Will New York legalize online casino in 2026?

It has not happened yet. The 2026 legislative session ended without a floor vote on online casino, so attention now turns to the 2027 session. New York remains the most watched state because of its market size and its successful online sports betting rollout.

What about Texas, California, and Florida?

All 3 are years away. Texas cannot pass anything before its 2027 legislative session — see our Texas online casino legalization outlook for details. California faces powerful tribal opposition to commercial online gambling, and Florida's gaming is locked into the Seminole Tribe compact.

How long does it take to launch after a bill passes?

Typically 12 to 18 months, covering regulation writing, license applications, and platform testing. Rhode Island moved faster — about 9 months from its 2023 bill to its March 2024 launch — but it licensed only a single operator.

Which casino apps launch first in new states?

DraftKings Casino, FanDuel Casino, and BetMGM Casino have launched on or near day one in every recent state opening. They hold licenses in multiple states already and have the regulatory infrastructure ready to scale quickly.

Live in one of the 7 legal states? Check your state's online casino guide to see which operators are licensed near you, or browse the best current casino bonuses available today.