Who regulates gambling in the US? A state-by-state map
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Who Regulates Gambling in the US?
Gambling in the US is regulated at the state level, with each state maintaining its own regulatory body or commission. There is no single federal gambling regulator, although federal laws like the Wire Act do impose some national restrictions. Tribal gaming compacts also play a significant role in the US gambling landscape.
Key takeaways
- Each US state has its own regulatory body for overseeing gambling activities.
- Federal laws like the Wire Act and UIGEA impose certain national restrictions on gambling.
- Tribal gaming compacts are important agreements that govern gambling on Native American lands.
- State lotteries, sports betting, and casino gambling each have their own regulatory frameworks.
- Minimum gambling ages vary by state and by type of gambling activity.
- For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult your state’s specific regulatory body.
The Structure of US Gambling Regulation
Gambling regulation in the US is primarily the responsibility of individual states. This means that each state has its own set of laws, rules, and regulatory bodies that oversee different types of gambling. The regulatory bodies are typically called gaming commissions, lottery commissions, or gaming control boards.
State-Level Regulation
State regulators are responsible for issuing licenses, enforcing regulations, and ensuring the integrity of gambling operations within their jurisdictions. For example, the Nevada Gaming Control Board oversees all gambling activities in Nevada, while the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement performs a similar role in New Jersey.
Federal Involvement
While states have the primary responsibility for gambling regulation, the federal government does play a role through laws such as the Wire Act and the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). These laws impose restrictions on certain types of gambling, particularly those that cross state lines or involve interstate commerce.
Tribal Gaming Compacts
Tribal gaming compacts are agreements between Native American tribes and state governments that allow tribes to operate casinos and other gambling facilities on their lands. These compacts are an important part of the US gambling landscape and are overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
State-by-State Regulatory Bodies
Below is a table listing the regulatory bodies for the US states we track, along with the minimum ages for different types of gambling. This table provides a snapshot of the regulatory landscape and can serve as a starting point for further research.
| State | Sports Betting Regulator | Casino Regulator | Lottery Regulator | Minimum Age for Sports Betting | Minimum Age for Casino | Minimum Age for Lottery |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Gaming | Arizona Department of Gaming | – | 21 | 21 | – |
| Colorado | Colorado Division of Gaming | Colorado Division of Gaming | Colorado Division of Gaming | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Illinois | Illinois Gaming Board | Illinois Gaming Board | Illinois Gaming Board | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Indiana | Indiana Gaming Commission | Indiana Gaming Commission | Indiana Gaming Commission | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation | – | Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation | 21 | – | 18 |
| Maryland | Maryland Lottery and Gaming | Maryland Lottery and Gaming | Maryland Lottery and Gaming | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Gaming Commission | Massachusetts Gaming Commission | Massachusetts Gaming Commission | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Michigan | Michigan Gaming Control Board | Michigan Gaming Control Board | Michigan Gaming Control Board | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Montana | Montana Lottery | – | Montana Lottery | 18 | – | 18 |
| Nevada | Nevada Gaming Control Board | Nevada Gaming Control Board | – | 21 | 21 | – |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Lottery | – | New Hampshire Lottery | 18 | – | 18 |
| New Jersey | NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement | NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement | NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| New York | New York State Gaming Commission | New York State Gaming Commission | New York State Gaming Commission | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Ohio | Ohio Casino Control Commission | Ohio Casino Control Commission | Ohio Casino Control Commission | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board | Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Lottery | – | Rhode Island Lottery | 18 | – | 18 |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Sports Wagering Council | – | Tennessee Sports Wagering Council | 21 | – | 18 |
| Virginia | Virginia Lottery | Virginia Lottery | Virginia Lottery | 21 | 21 | 18 |
| Washington, D.C. | DC Office of Lottery and Gaming | – | DC Office of Lottery and Gaming | 18 | – | 18 |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Gaming Commission | – | Wyoming Gaming Commission | 18 | – | 18 |
| United Kingdom | Gambling Commission | Gambling Commission | Gambling Commission | 18 | 18 | 18 |
How to Check the Current Rule
To find the most accurate and up-to-date information on gambling regulations in your state, visit the website of your state’s specific regulatory body. You can find links to these websites in the table above. Additionally, you can consult our /ages/ page for a comprehensive overview of gambling ages by state, and our /guides/sports-betting-age-by-state/ and /guides/casino-gambling-age-by-state/ guides for more detailed information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for sports betting in the US?
The minimum age for sports betting varies by state. In most states, the minimum age is 21, but in some states, it is 18. For example, in
Can I gamble online in the US?
Online gambling is regulated differently in each state. Some states allow online gambling, while others do not. It is important to check the specific regulations in your state. For more information, visit our /law/ page.
What is a tribal gaming compact?
A tribal gaming compact is an agreement between a Native American tribe and a state government that allows the tribe to operate casinos and other gambling facilities on their lands. These compacts are an important part of the US gambling landscape and are overseen by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
What is the role of the federal government in gambling regulation?
The federal government plays a role in gambling regulation through laws such as the Wire Act and the UIGEA. These laws impose restrictions on certain types of gambling, particularly those that cross state lines or involve interstate commerce.
How can I get help if I have a gambling problem?
If gambling is causing harm, free confidential help is available. You can find more information and resources on our /help/ page.
If you are experiencing issues with gambling, it is important to seek help. There are many resources available to assist you, and reaching out for support is a crucial step towards recovery.
Spotted something out of date? Ages and rules change. If a figure here looks wrong, please tell us — we check every report against the official source.
This is information, not legal advice. Gambling law changes often. Check the cited statute and the relevant regulator, and speak to a qualified professional about your own situation.