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Lawmakers in New York have reintroduced bills related to online casinos, according to GAMES.GG, as the U.S. online gaming market continues to expand. Virginia lawmakers have also reintroduced online casino legislation.
iGaming growth in states with legal online casinos
In the seven states with legal online casinos, iGaming revenue jumped 27.6% in 2025 to a record $10.73 billion, according to the American Gaming Association’s State of the States report. Online casinos include slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker and live dealer tables.
In January 2026, Maine became the eighth state to greenlight real-money online casinos, with the Wabanaki Nations getting exclusivity, according to Covers.
U.S. commercial gaming overall hit a record $78.7 billion in 2025, per the AGA’s revenue tracker. Commercial sportsbooks nationwide pulled in $16.89 billion, a 22.6% increase from 2024, according to the AGA. GAMES.GG notes that figure does not include tribal sportsbooks or mobile betting in Florida. Missouri launched legal sports betting on December 1, 2025, after regulatory hang-ups, according to Covers.
Prediction markets add to the regulatory debate
Prediction markets offering sports event contracts made waves in 2026, according to the article. The AGA claims they have diverted over $500 million in potential tax revenue. PlayNY reported in September that the AGA opposes a CFTC push to block New York enforcement against sports prediction markets.
Mobile play and the player experience
The Entertainment Software Association’s 2026 report says 212.3 million Americans game every week, and 80% of players choose their phones for gaming. GAMES.GG says live dealer streams, slick apps and social features are making real-money platforms feel more like games.
Players must be 21 or older to gamble in New York. If gambling stops being fun, call the New York HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or text 467369.
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Source: As reported by GAMES.GG.
