State Poker Laws: Is Poker Permitted in Your Jurisdiction?
In the United States, the legal landscape for online poker and live poker varies significantly from state to state due to the lack of federal regulation. Each state retains the power to decide whether to legalize, regulate, and license live poker rooms or online poker sites.
Live Poker Legislation
Over half of the states permit live poker in establishments such as card rooms, casinos, or on tribal lands. However, some states, such as Texas and Georgia, offer ambiguous laws on the matter, leading to the formation of membership-based card clubs without explicit licensing.
For more information on the top poker rooms across the states, read Best Poker Rooms In The United States.
Online Poker Legislation
Online poker is less common than its live counterpart. As of 2022, only a handful of states, including Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and West Virginia,have legalized state-licensed internet poker. Notably, Connecticut and West Virginia have yet to issue licenses for poker operators.
Among these states, only a few have signed the Multi-State Internet Gaming Agreement (MSIGA). This agreement connects online poker sites across state lines, providing larger player pools and increased prize pools for players. As of June 2022, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, and Michigan are the only states participating in MSIGA, with Pennsylvania considering joining.
Upcoming Poker Legislation
Lawmakers in several states, including New York and Kentucky, have consistently introduced bills to legalize online poker. While progress has been limited in these states, Kentucky experienced more success in 2022 than in previous years.
meanwhile, Illinois, Indiana, and North Dakota have explored proposals for online poker and casino games, although no positive action has been taken as of yet.
Most legislation pertaining to live or online poker appears at the beginning of each year. Bills are presented to lawmakers for consideration, and committees decide whether to advance them. Typically, bills are finalized or shelved by the end of spring, leaving poker enthusiasts to eagerly anticipate future changes.
To stay informed about the latest developments, consult this up-to-date map.
State-Specific Poker Regulations
Alabama
Can You Play Online Poker in Alabama
Alaska
Can You Play Online Poker in Alaska
Arizona
Can You Play Online Poker in Arizona
Arkansas
Can You Play Online Poker in Arkansas
California
Can You Play Online Poker in California
Colorado
Can You Play Online Poker in Colorado
Connecticut
Can You Play Online Poker in Connecticut
Delaware
Can You Play Online Poker in Delaware
Florida
Can You Play Online Poker in Florida
Georgia
Can You Play Online Poker in Georgia
Hawaii
Can You Play Online Poker in Hawaii
Idaho
Can You Play Online Poker in Idaho
Illinois
Can You Play Online Poker in Illinois
Indiana
Can You Play Online Poker in Indiana
Iowa
Can You Play Online Poker in Iowa
Kansas
Can You Play Online Poker in Kansas
Kentucky
Can You Play Online Poker in Kentucky
Louisiana
Can You Play Online Poker in Louisiana
Maine
Can You Play Online Poker in Maine
Maryland
Can You Play Online Poker in Maryland
Massachusetts
Can You Play Online Poker in Massachusetts
Michigan
Can You Play Online Poker in Michigan
Minnesota
Can You Play Online Poker in Minnesota
Mississippi
Can You Play Online Poker in Mississippi
Missouri
Can You Play Online Poker in Missouri
Montana
Can You Play Online Poker in Montana
Nebraska
Can You Play Online Poker in Nebraska
Nevada
Can You Play Online Poker in Nevada
New Hampshire
Can You Play Online Poker in New Hampshire
New Jersey
Can You Play Online Poker in New Jersey
New Mexico
Can You Play Online Poker in New Mexico
New York
Can You Play Online Poker in New York
North Carolina
Can You Play Online Poker in North Carolina
North Dakota
Can You Play Online Poker in North Dakota
Ohio
Can You Play Online Poker in Ohio
Oklahoma
Can You Play Online Poker in Oklahoma
Oregon
Can You Play Online Poker in Oregon
Pennsylvania
Can You Play Online Poker in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Can You Play Online Poker in Rhode Island
South Carolina
Can You Play Online Poker in South Carolina
South Dakota
Can You Play Online Poker in South Dakota
Tennessee
Can You Play Online Poker in Tennessee
Texas
Can You Play Online Poker in Texas
Utah
Can You Play Online Poker in Utah
Vermont
Can You Play Online Poker in Vermont
Virginia
Can You Play Online Poker in Virginia
Washington
Can You Play Online Poker in Washington
West Virginia
Can You Play Online Poker in West Virginia
Wisconsin
Can You Play Online Poker in Wisconsin
Wyoming
Can You Play Online Poker in Wyoming
- Poker players in New York and Kentucky are keeping a close eye on their state legislatures, as both have introduced bills to legalize online poker.
- In states like Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Connecticut, and West Virginia, casino-games such as online poker are legally available, with some, like West Virginia, yet to issue licenses for operators.
- For players in states such as Texas and Georgia, the legality of live poker can be ambiguous, leading to the formation of membership-based card clubs without explicit licensing.
