New Jersey launched the first legal online casino operations in 2013. Today, seven states offer regulated online gambling, with industry projections showing a $35.21 billion market value by 2029.
States take different approaches to online gambling regulation. New Jersey and Pennsylvania welcome online gaming operators, while other states enforce strict bans. Each jurisdiction sets its own rules for game types and licensing. Nevada, despite its reputation as a gambling hub, limits online gaming to poker only since 2013.
This guide breaks down current US online poker laws and regulations by state. You’ll find details about regulated markets, upcoming legislation, multi-state agreements, and player protection measures for legal online poker.
Current Legal Status of Online Poker in the US
Six states offer regulated online poker platforms. Each state maintains its own rules and requirements for poker operators.
States where online poker is legal
Nevada launched the first legal online poker market in 2013, limiting operations to poker only. New Jersey and Delaware quickly followed, allowing full online gambling operations that same year. Pennsylvania entered the market in 2019, while Michigan began operations in 2021. West Virginia legalized online poker in 2019 but awaits its first operator launch.
States with pending legislation
Connecticut leads the expansion efforts with passed online poker legislation. Foxwoods Casino and Mohegan Sun hold exclusive rights to operate poker platforms in the state. Ohio’s Senate Bill 312, introduced in 2024, could make it the ninth state to legalize online poker.
Interstate poker compacts
The Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA) lets member states combine player pools for bigger tournaments and cash games. Current MSIGA members include:
- Delaware (joined 2014)
- Nevada (founding member)
- New Jersey (joined 2017)
- Michigan (joined 2022)
- West Virginia (joined 2023)
Pennsylvania plans to join MSIGA by late 2024. With 13 million residents, Pennsylvania will significantly expand the shared player pool. Michigan’s recent entry doubled the available player base for multi-state games.
Operators face specific challenges with interstate poker. They must meet strict requirements under the multi-jurisdictional agreement. 888 powers the only current network running across Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware through WSOP and the Delaware Lottery.
How to Play Online Poker Legally in the US
Legal online poker requires players to use licensed sites and complete verification steps. Here’s what you need to know about playing safely and legally.
Finding licensed poker sites
State gaming commissions oversee all licensed poker operators. The Nevada Gaming Control Board, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board lead regulatory efforts.
Licensed sites protect player data and funds through encryption and secure payment systems. Look for licensing details at the bottom of poker websites – this shows state approval.
Age and location verification requirements
Each state sets minimum age limits for online poker:
- 21 years: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Nevada
- 18 years: Michigan and West Virginia
Poker sites verify age using multiple checks:
- Government ID
- Credit card information
- Database verification
Players must be physically located within state borders to play. Geolocation technology blocks access from outside approved areas.
These checks stop underage gambling and maintain state compliance. Sites face heavy fines or license loss for violations. Real-time monitoring tracks all verification steps.
Licensed sites offer responsible gaming tools like self-exclusion and deposit limits. Player funds stay in separate accounts with regular audits.
State-by-State Online Poker Laws
Online poker laws differ across US jurisdictions. States fall into several categories based on their regulatory approach.
Fully regulated states
Six states run licensed online poker operations. Nevada started legal online poker in 2013, with Delaware and New Jersey launching the same year. Pennsylvania added online poker in 2017, followed by Michigan in 2019 and West Virginia passing laws that year. Connecticut readies to become state number seven for regulated online poker.
Gray market states
Maine, Vermont, and Virginia represent states without clear poker laws. These jurisdictions neither explicitly permit nor ban online poker play.
Prohibited states
Washington leads states banning online gambling. Utah and Hawaii block all gambling forms. Alabama, without even a state lottery, remains unlikely to permit online gambling.
Tribal gaming jurisdictions
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) sets rules for tribal gaming. Tribes control gaming on their lands through three categories:
- Class I: Traditional tribal games
- Class II: Bingo and non-banked card games
- Class III: Casino-style games including poker
Tribal gaming funds support reservation infrastructure and education. Alabama, Alaska, Nebraska, and Texas restrict tribes to Class II gaming only.
New York and Kentucky push yearly for poker legislation. Illinois, Indiana, and North Dakota review proposals but take no final action. These ongoing efforts keep reshaping US online poker laws.
Player Protection and Security Measures
Licensed poker sites use strict security protocols for player safety. These measures protect players from account creation through ongoing gameplay.
Identity verification processes
Poker operators run Know Your Customer (KYC) checks to confirm player identities. Players must submit government ID photos and recent utility bills for address verification. Security teams review all documents within 72 hours.
These checks stop underage gambling, catch fraud attempts, and meet anti-money laundering rules. Security systems watch IP addresses and use cookies to prevent multiple accounts.
Responsible gaming tools
Poker sites offer tools to help players gamble responsibly:
- Daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
- Time limit alerts and session controls
- Self-exclusion periods from 24 hours to permanent account closure
Sites watch for signs of problem gambling. Major operators use the Affordability Triple Step system for early risk detection.
Fund protection requirements
Player funds stay in separate bank accounts from operating money. This separation adds security for player balances. All regulated sites use SSL encryption for payments.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) stops unauthorized access. Players must verify identity through mobile devices or security tokens beyond passwords.
State-licensed location services track player positions. These systems use Wi-Fi to pinpoint locations and block access from unauthorized areas.
Independent labs verify Random Number Generator (RNG) technology for fair play. Sites must display these verification certificates prominently.
Future of US Online Poker Laws
Six states introduced online gaming bills in early 2025, focusing on poker and casino operations.
Upcoming state legislation
Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, Wyoming, Massachusetts, and New York hold 50 million potential players. Illinois leads legalization efforts with SB 1963 and HB 3080, proposing 25% tax on adjusted gaming revenue.
New Hampshire shows promise through Senator Tim Lang’s work with charitable casinos. Virginia postponed its gaming bill until next year.
State approaches vary:
- Massachusetts explores online casino integration
- New York projects $1 billion yearly revenue
- Wyoming surprised with February 2024 legislation
Federal regulatory outlook
Federal oversight debates center on three key benefits:
- Lower operator compliance costs
- Better player protection
- Fair gaming standards
States guard their poker market control, worried federal rules might limit growth and revenue.
MSIGA growth continues with Pennsylvania joining as the sixth member. Budget pressures push states toward online poker revenue. Utah and Hawaii stay firm against gambling.
Cryptocurrency brings new regulatory questions. Texas might expand gambling in 2025. Blockchain and new payment methods expand market reach and security options.
Conclusion
Six states run regulated online poker platforms, with more states advancing legislation . State initiatives push expansion through MSIGA, while federal oversight questions remain .
Illinois, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts lead the next wave of potential poker states. Pennsylvania’s MSIGA entry opens larger player pools and tournament options.
Licensed operators protect players through security measures, ID checks, and responsible gaming tools. These safeguards build trust while generating state tax revenue.
More states see online poker’s value for their budgets. Success in regulated markets shows lawmakers clear benefits. Players should check state rules and choose licensed sites with proper security tools.
