Which US States Are Moving to Legalize Online Casinos This Summer?

More US states are making moves towards legalization and regulation of online gambling activities. With huge sums of money moving through online gambling spaces, and several states with existing online gambling markets as litmus tests, it seems all but guaranteed that other states will follow suit.

With the US online gambling markets in states that have them continuing to mature and print money and tax revenue, more states are eyeing legalization and regulation. Having well-established markets operating across a number of states is a great attractor for undecided states, as it provides examples for how to legislate and what they might stand to gain from legalization and regulation.

As well as being able to look at other states' examples, there is a growing wave of support for legalization for access to platforms like those listed on SocialSweeps.com in more states from the public and special interest groups that is encouraging lawmakers to reconsider and push on the side of legalization. While there is no guarantee of legalization, there are a number of states that seem to be seriously considering it throughout the summer of 2025.

Which States Look Likely to Legalize Online Gambling in 2025?

New York

Legalization of online casinos seems fairly likely in New York. The state has already legalized online sports betting and seen a huge turn of tax revenue from it, and the online gambling market would likewise bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue. Lawmakers have already suggested some options for legalization, which have yet to be successful.

The main detractors of online gambling in the state are made up of labor unions and physical casino operators. Much of their argument centers around the idea that easy access to online casino gaming would take jobs and income away from physical venues.

Indiana

Indiana is another state that seems somewhat likely to shortly legalize online casino gambling. The state has had online sports betting for several years and has one of the healthiest regulated markets for online betting in the US. Once again, the biggest draw for legalization of online gambling is the huge amount of tax revenue that the industry is expected to produce.

The outlook seems more certain for Indiana than for New York, as the detractors don't have such a clear argument, while advocates are more vocal. With such a well-regulated online betting market, Indiana is expected to emerge as an eventual leader in online casino regulation as well.

Missouri

There have been multiple attempts already to legalize online gambling activities in Missouri, but to date, none of them have been successful. One of the biggest draws for Missouri lawmakers to legalize online gambling is the existence of such a thriving online gambling market across the border in Illinois.

The state has very recently legalized online sports betting, and industry experts expect online gambling to follow suit. One of the best arguments for legalization in the state is the existence of so many offshore online gambling platforms that are currently siphoning valuable potential tax revenue from the state.

North Carolina

This one might surprise you, as North Carolina is well-known as being relatively conservative when it comes to gambling, but the state seems to be moving with the money, as are many others. North Carolina has already legalized online sports betting, which means the possibility of online casino gaming is on the table.

As one of the states with a less established online sports betting and physical gambling market, North Carolina has huge potential and is a market that operators desperately want to enter.

Louisiana

Similar to New York, Louisiana has a mature online sports betting market and well-established physical casinos. While this might seem like it positions the state well to accept online casino legalization, it actually doesn't.

Detractors in Louisiana toe the same line as those in New York. They claim that the existence of any online casino platforms would only be detrimental to the well-established physical venues where players enjoy poker, blackjack and other classic games. Despite this, there is a growing show of support for online gambling in the state.

What are the Potential Benefits of Legalizing Online Casinos?

There are two salient benefits to legalization of online casinos and gambling activities, although different states prioritize different things and might not all receive the same slew of benefits. This list is also by no means exhaustive, but the two main benefits are:

• Extra Revenue Growth

One thing that is true for all states that have and are considering legalization of online casinos is the revenue growth. Legalization of online casinos will surely lead to huge boosts in tax revenue, which states can use to fund all sorts of public services; everything from emergency services to infrastructure construction and education.

• Stronger Protections for Consumers

A truth that some states have been able to come to terms with is that, regardless of whether they legalize online gambling activities or not, their residents can access them. In fact, in most cases, legalization leads to a healthier and safer market for consumers. This is because in a legal and regulated market, operators have to abide by consumer safety and responsible gambling initiatives.

Without legalization and regulation, offshore gambling platforms will offer their services to residents without any need to abide by consumer safety or responsible gambling initiatives. Offshore platforms are notoriously difficult to shut down or block, and the easiest way to solve this problem is to simply offer consumers a legal and safer choice.

Final Thoughts

It seems inevitable that more states will eventually legalize online casinos, but some of them do seem poised to do so over the summer of 2025. The more states that legalize and regulate online gambling activities, the more likely it is that other states will see the benefits and follow suit.

While the arguments of detractors are perfectly valid, the arguments for legalization seem stronger and are based more on logic. Time will tell, but the draw of increased tax revenue and better consumer protections should prove strong.