Which States Do Not Allow Gambling

• Which States Don't Allow Gambling
• Which Two States Do Not Allow Gambling
• Which States Do Not Allow Gambling

A lot of Americans tend to take casino gambling for granted. After all, Las Vegas is a short flight from pretty much anywhere in the country. And if Las Vegas is too far, Atlantic City is closer. In fact, in many cases, you don't have to hop on a plane. Casinos dot the map in many states, so sometimes all it takes is a short drive, or even a quick bus ride. However, there are still some US states without casinos such as:

• The states that currently do not have lotteries are: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. It is evident why most of these states continue to resist implementing a state lottery. For example, in Alabama, Mississippi and Utah, there is considerable religious opposition to all gambling. In Nevada, the casino.
• States Where Gambling is Illegal Utah is strict with a 100% total ban on all betting activities. Hawaii only allows social games, like poker, played in private homes. Alabama, Alaska, and Nevada have no state lottery.

• Utah
• Hawaii
• Florida – no commercial casinos, tribal casinos only
• New Hampshire
• Alaska – no commercial casinos, tribal casinos only

The UIGEA does not criminalize online gambling; it prohibits financial institutions from processing transactions to/from unlicensed gambling websites. The Wire Act: The Interstate Wire Act of 1961 was enacted to target mafia groups that ran sports betting organizations across state lines. 23.5.112(20) and 23.5.112(21) combine to define Internet Gambling and to construe it as a crime. 23.5.156 offers a misdemeanor penalty for any illegal gambling device or illegal gambling enterprise in which, 'A person who in an activity involving gambling offers or obtains money, property, or anything of value that does not exceed $750 in value. As of September 30, 2020 29 states, the District of Columbia and Guam do not allow for casinos to operate, 34 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not allow for racetrack casinos, and 31 states, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands do not allow for commercial bingo facilities.

Biggest Jackpot

It's not a surprise that not every state allows casino gambling. In many states, current laws don't authorize live gambling. Read more about the big ones here:

Utah

The state of Utah has no form of gambling whatsoever. There are no charitable casinos. No lotteries. No commercial casinos. No tribal casinos. And no racetracks. Nothing whatsoever. This should come as no surprise given the state's Mormon roots.

Hawaii

A popular choice for honeymooners and families alike, Hawaii is a gorgeous state with incredible islands. Each island has its own charm (my favorite is Maui) and you'll find lots of things to do wherever you go. Oahu is fairly busy, particularly Honolulu which is a major urban hub. You'll find loads of high-end shops and lots to do. But what you won't find is any ounce of gambling. No commercial casinos, no racinos, nada.

District of Columbia

There aren't any casinos in the nation's capital. No commercial casinos, tribal casinos, or even a racetrack. I guess they didn't want flashing lights spoiling the scenic views and historical significance of the surroundings. That said, trying to push a bill through all the political hoops is pretty much a form of gambling.

Florida

Technically, there are some casinos in Florida. Tribal casinos, to be exact. But considering Florida is a huge tourist destination, it seems odd that there are no commercial casinos or resort casinos. There's a big reason why. Disney owns about 90% of the convention space in the state, or a figure just as ridiculous. Many allege that they have lobbied hard to keep resort style casinos out of the state, fearing that even one property in Orlando can put a huge dent in Disney's convention space revenue.
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New Hampshire

The east coast state has tried to legalize casino gambling. In fact, there was a big push earlier this year. Despite support from a good chunk of the population, legalizing has become a non-starter. That could soon change, though, as neighboring states begin to license more and more casinos, including Massachusetts. As dollars leave the state, New Hampshire might want to stop the flow and keep gambling revenue at home.

Alaska

There are no commercial casinos in Alaska. Technically, tribal gaming is allowed, but other than pull tab centers, you won't find much in the way of traditional casino gambling. But when it gets that cold in the winter, who'd want to leave their house anyway? Thank goodness for online casino gambling!

No casinos in your state? Play at CoolCat Online Casino.

Just because live casino gambling isn't in your backyard, it doesn't mean you can't play. Just create a CoolCat Casino account right now for free and enjoy all your Las Vegas favorites from the comforts of home.

Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws

The gambling laws of US states are best collectively described as a mashup, a tangle of differing philosophies, definitions and priorities.

Below you'll find a quick synopsis of gambling laws in each US state, along with a link to a detailed report for every state. Each review provides a plain-language interpretation of the state's gambling laws, an analysis of the legal status of online gambling and poker in general in the state.

The US state gambling laws include a review of recent developments relevant to online poker players. The state pages on this site are updated often to reflect the most recent developments for legal poker in the USA.

To help you navigate this page better, we've provided an interactive map. Simply click on a state within the map and the page will load that particular section for you.

Alabama Poker: State allows very limited types of gambling and considers poker to be gambling. Severe punishments for both players and operators. State law does not directly mention online gambling.

Alaska Poker: No lottery and very little regulated gambling in this state. Poker could qualify as game of skill, but case law suggests it is considered gambling. No specific law regarding gambling over the Internet.

Arizona Poker: One of a handful of states that expressly prohibits online gambling. Several forms of regulated gambling available. State law (and enforcement) primarily targets those who profit from illegal gambling activity.

Arkansas Poker: Broad definition of illegal gambling. Some parts of state law may have direct applicability to online gambling. Individual gamblers are not a focus of criminal charges related to illegal gambling.

California Poker: Offers a variety of regulated gambling options. No specific law addressing the issue of online gambling. Seems close to passing some sort of regulation, likely poker-only.

Colorado Poker: Expansive definition of gambling underpins strict approach to unregulated gambling. Poker is considered gambling. While law does not address online gambling specifically, state officials contend such gambling is illegal.

Connecticut Poker: Poker specifically mentioned in statutory definition of gambling. No law dealing directly with Internet gambling or online poker. Home poker games legal if no rake is taken.

Delaware Poker: Recently passed law to regulate some forms of online gambling. Players face only minor criminal exposure for participating in illegal gambling.

Florida Poker: Poker hotbed has very restrictive anti-gambling laws. Very few ways to play poker or gamble and be within the letter of Florida law. State has seen a handful of failed attempts to regulate online poker.

Georgia Poker: Poker players have almost no regulated - and therefore no legal - options for real money poker. State has constitutional ban on almost all forms of gambling.

Hawaii Poker: No regulated gambling of any sort in the 50th state. While online gambling not addressed directly, several aspects of state law could still apply. Individual gamblers not a primary target.

Idaho Poker: Possibly the broadest definition of gambling in the US. Poker directly mentioned. Online gambling possibly addressed by constitutional prohibition on gambling. Penalties relatively minor for players and operators.

Illinois Poker: Broad selection of regulated gambling and severe approach to unregulated gambling. State law specifically prohibits the operation of an online gambling site, but not necessarily playing at one.

Indiana Poker: State takes aggressive approach to illegal gambling. Players appear to be targets along with operators. Indiana has a law outlawing the operation (but not the use) of online casinos.

Iowa Poker: Does not draw a clear distinction between participants and operators. Severe potential penalties for both. State seems poised to pass some sort of online gambling regulation soon.

Kansas Poker: A litany of regulated options contrasts with a strict approach to unregulated gambling. State lottery oversees commercial casinos, a unique arrangement. No apparent momentum for online gambling regulation.

Kentucky Poker: Has legal online betting on horse racing. Practically zero criminal risk for those who merely participate in illegal gambling, but substantial exposure for those who profit from or otherwise advance such activity.

Louisiana Poker: Vague definition of gambling creates legal uncertainty. State law does specifically prohibit gambling online or running online gambling business.

Maine Poker: No penalties for mere players who take part in illegal gambling. Home poker games legal under Maine law. No direct mention of online gambling or online poker.

Maryland Poker: Gambling law differs county-to-county. Generally stiffer potential penalties for players than average. No direct reference to online gambling, but Maryland law has been to used to prosecute several operators.

Massachusetts Poker: Very broad definition of illegal gambling. Players face substantial charges in theory, but enforcement efforts do not appear to target players. No specific law covering gambling over the Internet.

It's not a surprise that not every state allows casino gambling. In many states, current laws don't authorize live gambling. Read more about the big ones here:

Utah

The state of Utah has no form of gambling whatsoever. There are no charitable casinos. No lotteries. No commercial casinos. No tribal casinos. And no racetracks. Nothing whatsoever. This should come as no surprise given the state's Mormon roots.

Hawaii

A popular choice for honeymooners and families alike, Hawaii is a gorgeous state with incredible islands. Each island has its own charm (my favorite is Maui) and you'll find lots of things to do wherever you go. Oahu is fairly busy, particularly Honolulu which is a major urban hub. You'll find loads of high-end shops and lots to do. But what you won't find is any ounce of gambling. No commercial casinos, no racinos, nada.

District of Columbia

There aren't any casinos in the nation's capital. No commercial casinos, tribal casinos, or even a racetrack. I guess they didn't want flashing lights spoiling the scenic views and historical significance of the surroundings. That said, trying to push a bill through all the political hoops is pretty much a form of gambling.

Florida

Technically, there are some casinos in Florida. Tribal casinos, to be exact. But considering Florida is a huge tourist destination, it seems odd that there are no commercial casinos or resort casinos. There's a big reason why. Disney owns about 90% of the convention space in the state, or a figure just as ridiculous. Many allege that they have lobbied hard to keep resort style casinos out of the state, fearing that even one property in Orlando can put a huge dent in Disney's convention space revenue.
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New Hampshire

The east coast state has tried to legalize casino gambling. In fact, there was a big push earlier this year. Despite support from a good chunk of the population, legalizing has become a non-starter. That could soon change, though, as neighboring states begin to license more and more casinos, including Massachusetts. As dollars leave the state, New Hampshire might want to stop the flow and keep gambling revenue at home.

Alaska

There are no commercial casinos in Alaska. Technically, tribal gaming is allowed, but other than pull tab centers, you won't find much in the way of traditional casino gambling. But when it gets that cold in the winter, who'd want to leave their house anyway? Thank goodness for online casino gambling!

No casinos in your state? Play at CoolCat Online Casino.

Just because live casino gambling isn't in your backyard, it doesn't mean you can't play. Just create a CoolCat Casino account right now for free and enjoy all your Las Vegas favorites from the comforts of home.

Home» US Poker Laws » State Laws

The gambling laws of US states are best collectively described as a mashup, a tangle of differing philosophies, definitions and priorities.

Below you'll find a quick synopsis of gambling laws in each US state, along with a link to a detailed report for every state. Each review provides a plain-language interpretation of the state's gambling laws, an analysis of the legal status of online gambling and poker in general in the state.

The US state gambling laws include a review of recent developments relevant to online poker players. The state pages on this site are updated often to reflect the most recent developments for legal poker in the USA.

To help you navigate this page better, we've provided an interactive map. Simply click on a state within the map and the page will load that particular section for you.

Alabama Poker: State allows very limited types of gambling and considers poker to be gambling. Severe punishments for both players and operators. State law does not directly mention online gambling.

Alaska Poker: No lottery and very little regulated gambling in this state. Poker could qualify as game of skill, but case law suggests it is considered gambling. No specific law regarding gambling over the Internet.

Arizona Poker: One of a handful of states that expressly prohibits online gambling. Several forms of regulated gambling available. State law (and enforcement) primarily targets those who profit from illegal gambling activity.

Arkansas Poker: Broad definition of illegal gambling. Some parts of state law may have direct applicability to online gambling. Individual gamblers are not a focus of criminal charges related to illegal gambling.

California Poker: Offers a variety of regulated gambling options. No specific law addressing the issue of online gambling. Seems close to passing some sort of regulation, likely poker-only.

Colorado Poker: Expansive definition of gambling underpins strict approach to unregulated gambling. Poker is considered gambling. While law does not address online gambling specifically, state officials contend such gambling is illegal.

Connecticut Poker: Poker specifically mentioned in statutory definition of gambling. No law dealing directly with Internet gambling or online poker. Home poker games legal if no rake is taken.

Delaware Poker: Recently passed law to regulate some forms of online gambling. Players face only minor criminal exposure for participating in illegal gambling.

Florida Poker: Poker hotbed has very restrictive anti-gambling laws. Very few ways to play poker or gamble and be within the letter of Florida law. State has seen a handful of failed attempts to regulate online poker.

Georgia Poker: Poker players have almost no regulated - and therefore no legal - options for real money poker. State has constitutional ban on almost all forms of gambling.

Hawaii Poker: No regulated gambling of any sort in the 50th state. While online gambling not addressed directly, several aspects of state law could still apply. Individual gamblers not a primary target.

Idaho Poker: Possibly the broadest definition of gambling in the US. Poker directly mentioned. Online gambling possibly addressed by constitutional prohibition on gambling. Penalties relatively minor for players and operators.

Illinois Poker: Broad selection of regulated gambling and severe approach to unregulated gambling. State law specifically prohibits the operation of an online gambling site, but not necessarily playing at one.

Indiana Poker: State takes aggressive approach to illegal gambling. Players appear to be targets along with operators. Indiana has a law outlawing the operation (but not the use) of online casinos.

Iowa Poker: Does not draw a clear distinction between participants and operators. Severe potential penalties for both. State seems poised to pass some sort of online gambling regulation soon.

Kansas Poker: A litany of regulated options contrasts with a strict approach to unregulated gambling. State lottery oversees commercial casinos, a unique arrangement. No apparent momentum for online gambling regulation.

Kentucky Poker: Has legal online betting on horse racing. Practically zero criminal risk for those who merely participate in illegal gambling, but substantial exposure for those who profit from or otherwise advance such activity.

Louisiana Poker: Vague definition of gambling creates legal uncertainty. State law does specifically prohibit gambling online or running online gambling business.

Maine Poker: No penalties for mere players who take part in illegal gambling. Home poker games legal under Maine law. No direct mention of online gambling or online poker.

Maryland Poker: Gambling law differs county-to-county. Generally stiffer potential penalties for players than average. No direct reference to online gambling, but Maryland law has been to used to prosecute several operators.

Massachusetts Poker: Very broad definition of illegal gambling. Players face substantial charges in theory, but enforcement efforts do not appear to target players. No specific law covering gambling over the Internet.

Michigan Poker: Operators and players alike face harsh penalties in Michigan, which specifically identifies poker as a form of gambling. Internet gambling not addressed directly by any part of the law.

Minnesota Poker: State provides some forms of regulated gambling. Poker is likely considered gambling. Home poker games are excluded from anti-gambling law given that no one profits from running the game.

Mississippi Poker: Poker specifically identified as gambling. Minor penalties for those who are only players in illegal gambling activities. No part of Mississippi law deals specifically with Internet gambling.

Missouri Poker: Possibly the most severe penalties for players of any state in the nation. Lacks any law constructed to deal with online poker, but state officials assert such gambling is illegal under existing law.
Montana Poker: Law expressly prohibits online gambling but seems primarily focused on operators and not players. Otherwise, both players and operators involved in illegal gambling face stiff penalties.
Nebraska Poker: Difficult to identify a way in which playing poker for money could be legal in Nebraska. Little to no apparent interest in regulating online poker or online gambling.

Nevada Poker: First in the nation to issue licenses to online poker operators. Anti-gambling laws almost exclusively focused on those running illegal gambling operations and not on mere players.

New Hampshire Poker: Fairly narrow definition of gambling that may or may not include poker. State law doesn't appear to cover online gambling directly.

New Jersey Poker: Plenty of regulated gambling options available in New Jersey. State appears close to passing online poker regulation (and perhaps a larger package of online gambling regulations).

New Mexico Poker: A very broad definition of illegal gambling but no direct mention of online gambling or online poker. Home poker games apparently illegal under state law.

New York Poker: State anti-gambling laws formed heart of Black Friday indictments. Home poker games allowed. Despite Black Friday role, no mention of online gambling in state law. Players face little risk or liability in New York.

Which States Don't Allow Gambling

North Carolina Poker: No definition of 'game of chance' creates confusion in state gambling law. Relatively weak penalties for anti-gambling law violations. State may soon regulate so-called 'Internet sweepstakes' cafes.

North Dakota Poker: Very broad definition of illegal gambling, but little apparent enforcement. Has some potential to regulate online gambling in the near term. Home poker games legal or illegal based on stakes involved.

Ohio Poker: Poker specifically defined as 'game of chance.' Home games legal at any stakes. State seems to have significant likelihood of regulating online gambling in near term.

Oklahoma Poker: Tons of regulated gambling options, but very stiff penalties for unregulated gambling. Transmission law may cover Internet gambling.

Oregon Poker: Law specifically prohibits financial transactions related to internet gambling. Poker for real money legal in a variety of regulated formats.

Pennsylvania Poker: Players in illegal gambling activities face no liability. State has somewhat confused approach to gambling thanks to lack of clear statutory definitions. Online gambling regulation seems fairly likely in next two years.

Which Two States Do Not Allow Gambling

Rhode Island Poker: Ambiguous gambling law but players do not appear to be targets of the law or enforcement efforts. Rumored interstate poker partner for Delaware.

South Carolina Poker: State Supreme Court will soon decide if poker is a form of gambling. Centuries-old laws regarding gambling still on the state's books make many common games such as Monopoly technically illegal.

South Dakota Poker: Very aggressive approach to illegal gambling. Very broad definition of what activity constitutes illegal gambling. State law explicitly criminalizes operation of online gambling businesses.

Tennessee Poker: More or less prohibits all forms of gambling, save the state lottery and some forms of charitable gambling. Law does not directly tackle online gambling.

Texas Poker: Significant factions of state government and the public vociferously opposed to gambling. Utilizes very broad definition of gambling that includes betting on any activity involving any chance.

Utah Poker: No regulated forms of gambling. Pre-emptively opted out of any federal law regarding online poker in 2018. Least likely of the 50 states to regulate online poker or gambling.

Vermont Poker: Relatively limited law regarding gambling. Minor penalties and low-priority enforcement for individual gamblers.

Virginia Poker: State takes what amounts to an average approach to anti-gambling laws and enforcement. No law specifically designed to cover online gambling.

Washington State Poker: Only state to make placing a bet online a felony. State allows a wide variety of regulated gambling options, including commercial and tribal casinos.

West Virginia Poker: State allows wide array of regulated gambling. Minor penalties for players engaged in illegal gambling. Frequently mentioned as potential interstate online poker partner for neighbor Delaware.

Wisconsin Poker: Home to a handful of regulated gambling options. Fairly strict laws regarding unregulated gambling and higher-than-average arrest numbers for such charges.

Which States Do Not Allow Gambling

Wyoming Poker: Very broad definition of illegal gambling. One of a few US states to not have a lottery. Relatively minor penalties for engaging in illegal gambling.

District of Columbia Poker: Home to nation's capitol and an attempt to regulate online gambling that failed in 2018. Anti-gambling laws relatively limited.