A Comprehensive Timeline of Gambling Legalization Across the United States

Gambling has been a topic of great interest and debate in the United States, with various states enacting their own laws and regulations regarding the activity. The timeline of when each state legalized gambling provides insight into the evolving landscape of gaming in America. Here is a comprehensive look at the key moments when each state began to embrace the gaming industry.

1. Nevada (1931)

Nevada was the first state to legalize gambling, doing so on March 19, 1931. The state has since become famous for its vibrant gaming industry, with Las Vegas serving as the epicenter of this sector.

2. New York (1971)

New York followed Nevada's lead in legalizing gambling when it passed the New York State Racing and Wagering Act in 1971. This act authorized the creation of racetracks with slot machines and off-track betting corporations.

3. New Jersey (1976)

New Jersey took another step forward in the gaming industry by legalizing casino gambling on November 26, 1976. This decision was influenced by the neighboring state of Nevada and the potential economic benefits of casinos.

4. Delaware (1979)

Delaware became the first state to offer casino-style gambling outside of Nevada and New Jersey when it opened three casinos in 1979. These casinos were located in Atlantic City and provided a range of games, including slots, table games, and poker.

5. Michigan (1996)

Michigan became the first Midwestern state to legalize casino-style gambling when it approved the Michigan Gaming Control Act in 1996. The act allowed for the operation of three casinos, which opened in 1999.

6. Rhode Island (2006)

Rhode Island joined the ranks of legal gambling states in 2006 when it passed the Rhode Island Video Lottery Terminal Act. This act authorized the installation of video lottery terminals (VLTs) in the state, providing a new source of revenue for the state's lottery.

7. Pennsylvania (2017)

Pennsylvania became the latest state to legalize casino gambling when it passed the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board Act in 2017. This act authorized the operation of 10 casinos across the state, including one in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh.

8. West Virginia (2017)

West Virginia followed Pennsylvania's lead by legalizing casino gambling in 2017. The state's first casino opened in 2018, bringing the total number of legal casinos in the United States to 41.

9. Massachusetts (2018)

Massachusetts legalized casino gambling in 2018 when it passed the Expanded Gaming Act. This act authorized the operation of three casinos in the state, with the first casino opening in 2021.

10. Maryland (2020)

Maryland became the latest state to embrace gambling when it passed the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Act in 2020. This act authorized the operation of six casinos, with the first casino opening in 2023.

Q1: What was the first state to legalize gambling in the United States?

A1: Nevada was the first state to legalize gambling, doing so on March 19, 1931.

Q2: When did New York legalize casino-style gambling?

A2: New York legalized casino-style gambling in 1971 with the passage of the New York State Racing and Wagering Act.

Q3: How many casinos are currently operating in the United States?

A3: As of 2023, there are 41 casinos operating in the United States.

Q4: What is the most famous city in the United States for its gaming industry?

A4: Las Vegas, Nevada, is the most famous city in the United States for its gaming industry, with a vibrant casino scene and numerous resorts.

Q5: When did West Virginia legalize casino gambling?

A5: West Virginia legalized casino gambling in 2017, with the state's first casino opening in 2018.