Online Gaming in US and Canada: What’s Legal and Where?

The relaunch of online casino gaming and sports betting in the US and Canada is one of the country’s gaming tech success stories of this century. Statistics indicate that the states which have fully legalized the complete iGaming portfolio have seen an increase in GDP, as well as more job opportunities and overall economic growth.

Despite this, however, not all real-money gaming genres are available in every US state or Canadian territory. Read on to discover where you can legally play poker and online casino games in the country and the states where remote sports betting is a thriving online scene.

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of the more recent states to have legislated iGaming. The state now offers a handful of online casino options, but residents will need to wait a little longer before the launch of a complete online poker website. Presently, only tribal casinos are running in the state, so both tribes have partnered with national online casino operators to launch the sites.

Delaware

In keeping with its status as the “first state,” Delaware was one of the earliest states to legalize online casino and poker gaming. So far, it has limited its online casino offerings to three brick-and-mortar casinos in the state, which has enabled close collaboration between the national casino operator and the Delaware Lottery.

Online poker was legalized in this state in 2013, making Delaware one of the earliest adopters of online poker in the US. The state is also a member of the MSIGA (Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement), which enables players to compete with other gamers in Nevada and New Jersey.

Michigan

The Great Lakes State is another newcomer on the iGaming scene, having launched online casino gaming in 2021. Residents in the state can choose from over a dozen online casino platforms and operators, which the Michigan Gaming Control Board governs.

So far, three major online poker sites have also been launched in Michigan, and the state is also a member of MSIGA.

Nevada

With the poker capital of the world, Las Vegas, in its state boundaries, Nevada should be a top location for online casinos and poker gaming. Surprisingly, however, Silver State has not chosen to legislate remote casinos, and there is currently only one active poker site accessible to residents. However, players can compete against a larger pool of opponents thanks to their MSIGA membership.

New Jersey

Residents in New Jersey are spoilt for choice when it comes to online real-money gaming. The state is currently home to more online casino apps and platforms than any other US state and was one of the first to legalize the practice in 2013.

The same is true for the online poker vertical in New Jersey; as well as being an early adopter, NJ has launched seven different poker sites that offer an array of remote poker experiences.

Ontario

Canadian gamers breathed a sigh of relief in April 2022 when the province of Ontario launched its iGaming markets. The best casinos in Ontario include online platforms powered by leading brands like 888 Casino and PokerStars Casino, giving residents access to a whole host of innovative online real-money gaming options.

The five iGaming operators in the province have also launched online poker sites.

Pennsylvania

The Keystone State went live with iGaming in the winter of 2019. Since online casino gaming became legalized, over a dozen casino gaming apps and sites have been launched, which answer the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

Although the state hasn’t moved to join shared player pools like MSIGA, there are five poker sites where PA residents can play real money games.

West Virginia

Another early adopter of iGaming, Mountain State is home to four online casino gaming options.