Which States Will Add Online Casinos in 2026?

An important milestone in the growth of gambling in the US has been reached with Maine becoming the eighth state to permit real-money online casinos.
As more states contemplate entering the online casino business in 2026—a year that might see legal changes and an increase in digital gambling—this discovery rekindles interest across the country.

As the ninth US state to legalize real-money online casinos, including online poker, Maine recently made headlines.

Gov. Janet Mills made it possible for a tribal-only bill to pass without her signature, opening the door for Maine to potentially open online casinos in 2026. The following states currently allow online casinos:

Connecticut

Delaware

Michigan

New Jersey

Pennsylvania

Rhode Island

and West Virginia

Following Rhode Island’s early 2024 start, Maine made its decision. A number of states are putting themselves forward as possible contenders for iGaming expansion, even as discussions over more legalization continue this year.

Who comes next?

New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Maryland are among the states that are actively working to legalize internet casinos.

Although it faces budgetary and competitive market hurdles, New York’s legislative drive highlighted the potential for over a billion dollars in annual tax collection. Despite election-year fears, Virginia’s political environment is conducive to advancement, with bills and talks continuing.

While Illinois uses iGaming proposals to address budgetary concerns, Massachusetts is advancing legislation toward a potential 2026 start. In order to take advantage of its well-established casino and sports betting infrastructure, Maryland hopes to hold a vote in November.