While the U.S. online casino market is still slowly developing, sports betting has been on fire for the last few years. There are over 30 states where sports betting is legal, but only seven states have a full online casino license: New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. The difference is indicative of how wary legislators are of iGaming.
The situation, however, is changing. States are under a lot of pressure to increase their revenues, and taxes on online casinos could easily bring in billions annually. On the other hand, legislators understand that a significant number of players still opt for unregulated offshore sites. It forces states to provide legal and safe online casino markets.
The following states could be the ones to take a step forward in 2025.
Arkansas made a bold move in early 2025. Lawmakers introduced two bills, HB1861 and SB524. These bills tried to create an “Interactive Gaming Act.” This would allow online casino games through the state’s current casinos, like Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort and Southland.
The bills came with strict rules. They asked casinos to follow GLI-19 safety standards and allowed only one online casino brand per casino. But the plan slowed down when questions about taxes and online sweepstakes companies appeared. Because of this, the bill was pulled back for more study. Experts now believe Arkansas will not launch online casinos in 2025.
Still, Arkansas is no longer a “no-activity” state. The state has already written a basic plan for online casinos. This means Arkansas could move fast in the future once the political and tax issues are fixed.
Maryland is a serious competitor for 2025. House Bill 17, brought by Delegate Vanessa Atterbeary, is a comprehensive document that illustrates the operation of online casinos. The State Lottery and Gaming Control Commission are given the power to issue licenses and regulate online slots and table games by the Bill.
As the State is well equipped with the existing land-based casinos and mobile sports betting in Maryland, the system is all set for a new level of expansion. Besides that, HB17 also permits the state to enter into multi-state agreements for online poker, which would be the shared player pool's facility.
Their biggest issue appears to be the question of time. Lawmakers are aware that iGaming is a billion-dollar business in the US, but first, Maryland must have a referendum. Moreover, the state is still a top "watchlist" contender for 2025.
Virginia is also looking into the possibility of online casinos through Senate Bill 827 by Sen. Mamie Locke. The bill suggests a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue and allows the brick-and-mortar casinos to attach up to three online brands. This model resembles that of New Jersey and Michigan, where multiple online casino brands function under one license.
Virginia is already into sports betting with a growing retail casino industry. The problem is not the technology but the politics. The legislative session is brief, and lots of lawmakers require more data from the retail casinos before giving their green light to iGaming.
However, Virginia joins Maryland in the front line of potential 2025 actions.
Florida stands out for having a very complex legal system when it comes to gambling in the US. After several legal disputes, the Seminole Tribe took the initiative to restart statewide mobile sports betting through Hard Rock Bet.
News from 2024 and 2025 indicate that the tribe would be willing to offer online casino games as part of the compact. However, two significant obstacles are standing in the way:
The size of Florida makes it the most valuable prize in the United States. However, because of legal and political challenges, a full launch will not take place until 2025 at the earliest.
Illinois is an ideal setting for the development of online casinos: a large population, the presence of land-based casinos, mobile sports betting, and a well-established regulatory system. The legislature has previously considered numerous iGaming bills, including HB2239 and HB2320.
In 2025, new proposals were made again, offering a 25% tax rate and multiple skins. Lawmakers are aware that it will take a long time before the bill is passed. At this moment, Illinois is "playing the long game" by slowly gaining support.
Still, Illinois is considered one of the next probable states to legalize iGaming.
So, which U.S. states could take action on online casinos in 2025? To begin with, Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, and Arkansas are the main four candidates, each of them being at a different level of progress. Florida is full of potential, but there are significant legal obstacles.
The next year might not see a large number of states going live with iGaming, but the demand for it is getting higher. Since states require revenue and players are looking for safe online platforms, there will probably be more developments in the following years.
It is the top five states, Maryland, Virginia, Arkansas, Illinois, and possibly Florida, that are most likely to be considered for online casino law changes in 2025.
Different states need new sources of income, and they notice that a lot of players still go for offshore sites. Properly regulated online casinos can be a source of billions of dollars annually.
Maryland has a good setup with HB17. The state is required to have a referendum, but it is still one of the most probable places for 2025.
Illinois features casinos, sports betting, and a robust regulatory system. The lawmakers are gradually gaining support; thus, it is a stable long-term option.
THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS WE RECOMMEND
