Maine has become the eighth US state to legalize real-money online casinos, a milestone that is reshaping the national gaming landscape and setting the stage for significant regulatory and market expansion in 2026. Governor Janet Mills allowed the legislation to become law without her signature, approving a tribal-exclusive framework that authorizes online casino gaming, including online poker. The move positions Maine to potentially launch regulated iGaming operations as early as next year.

The decision follows Rhode Island’s rollout of online casino gaming in early 2024 and places Maine alongside Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia as the only states currently offering regulated real-money online casinos.

While nationwide legalization remains fragmented, momentum is building.

• Maine becomes the eighth US state to legalize real-money online casinos, paving the way for potential launches in 2026.

• Several other states—including New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Maryland—are actively pursuing iGaming legislation, signaling rapid market expansion.

• The US iGaming market in 2026 is expected to grow significantly, driven by consumer demand, state revenue opportunities, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Growing list of expansion candidates

Several states are now actively exploring iGaming legislation, with New York, Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Maryland emerging as the most serious contenders for expansion in 2026. New York’s proposal is driven primarily by fiscal pressure. Lawmakers have projected that a regulated online casino market could generate more than $1bn in annual tax revenue. However, negotiations face resistance from existing casino operators concerned about market saturation and competition, as well as broader budget constraints.

Virginia’s political environment remains comparatively favorable. Multiple bills and policy discussions are underway, and while the 2025 election cycle could slow progress, bipartisan interest in new revenue streams has kept iGaming firmly on the legislative agenda. Massachusetts is advancing legislation that would place a potential market launch in 2026. Illinois, meanwhile, continues to frame iGaming as a solution to recurring budget shortfalls. Maryland is pursuing a more direct approach, with lawmakers targeting a statewide vote in November that would leverage its established casino and sports betting infrastructure.

Other states, including New Hampshire and Ohio, are in earlier phases of consideration. Indiana and Florida are widely viewed as longer-term prospects, likely to pursue incremental regulatory changes rather than comprehensive legalization in the near term.

This move underscores the shift toward regulated online gambling as a mainstream component of the US gaming economy.

Outlook for iGaming in 2026

By 2026, the US iGaming market is expected to shift from gradual expansion to a more structured national framework, driven by state budget needs, regulatory maturity, and consumer demand for digital wagering. If even half of the current candidate states enact legislation, the number of regulated iGaming jurisdictions could increase from eight to as many as 12 to 14 within two years. New York alone would dramatically alter the market’s scale, potentially doubling national online casino revenue.

However, expansion will remain uneven. Political resistance, concerns over problem gambling, and disputes between tribal governments and commercial operators will continue to slow adoption in several large states. Regulatory complexity and competition with existing brick-and-mortar casinos will also shape market design and tax structures.

Maine’s entry into online casinos underscores a broader realignment in US gaming policy, one increasingly defined by digital access, fiscal necessity, and evolving consumer behavior. By 2026, iGaming is likely to be a mainstream component of the American gambling economy rather than a niche regulatory experiment.