Which US States Have the Loosest Gambling Regulations?

We all know about Las Vegas — one of the largest gambling empires in the world. Because of it, a lot of people living outside of the United States might get the notion that this country is gambling heaven. Well, that’s not quite true.

Namely, each of the 50 states has its own laws that regulate gambling operations within their borders, including online gambling. Therefore, some states have very strict laws that entirely prohibit gambling (like Utah and Hawaii), while others are more open to this form of activity.

In this article, we are going to focus on the latter and name the states where you as a gambler can feel most comfortable in.

Nevada

If you’re a gambling enthusiast, the first pin that you should put on the United States map is in Nevada. This is the state where Las Vegas is located in, and a place where all the biggest and most luxurious casino resorts entertain millions of visitors each year.

Quite interestingly enough, Nevada prohibits lotteries and racetracks, but every other form of gambling is completely legal, as long as you are above the legal age limit (18).

New Jersey

New Jersey was at the forefront of sports betting legalization and the fight against the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) only a few years ago. New Jersey won the case in front of the Federal Court, which made it one of a few states in the country at that moment to legalize sports gambling.

Today, every form of gambling is legal in New Jersey, both online and in land-based casinos. This is also where Atlantic City is located, another place known for its casino nightlife. The legal gambling age in New Jersey is 21.

Delaware

Right now, Delaware is one of only five US states where online gambling is legal. Soon after the fall of PASPA, Delaware also legalized sports betting. In this state, you can also enjoy commercial gambling, lotteries, racetracks, and even charitable gambling events. The legal age limit in Delaware is 18.

Iowa

Iowa is one of the least populated US states, having only over 3 million inhabitants. However, it is also very loose when it comes to gambling laws. Just like Delaware and New Jersey, every form of gambling is legal in Iowa.

This state is also one of the first states that legalized tribal casinos — Native American reservations where gambling is legal. You must be at least 21 years old to gamble in Iowa.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania was one of the first states to legalize sports betting a few years ago. In the meantime, many sportsbooks, both land-based and online, started operating inside the territory of this state.

Apart from sports betting, people residing in Pennsylvania can enjoy traditional casino gambling, online gambling, lotteries, racetracks, and other gambling forms. Only people who are 21 or older can gamble in Pennsylvania.