The American online casino market continues to thrive, and that’s certainly the case in Pennsylvania. The latest numbers coming out of the state show a significant increase, year on year, when it comes to gross gaming revenue.

Revenue for the month of January 2026 reached $316.2 million, and while that’s actually a dip from the previous month, it shows an improvement of almost 18% when compared to January 2025.

As the online casino market matures, the level of quality and consistency among the providers granted a license to operate grows. This means that whether you are looking for the best online casino in Michigan or trying to search for which brand in Pennsylvania offers the best value, the odds are that you won’t be left disappointed.

This is the upside of a fully regulated market, versus taking your chances on those online casinos that operate outside the framework. Indeed, the change in the overall regulatory approach to iGaming is proof of that fact, hence the ever-increasing list of states that look set to join in all the fun.

So, which state will be the next to jump through the necessary legal loops, perhaps even in 2026? Let’s take a closer look.

New York still remains the most significant battleground. After successfully launching mobile sports betting, lawmakers have been pushing hard to add iGaming to the mix.

Given the state’s massive population and budget needs, 2026 looks like a pivotal year for New York to finally cross the finish line, aiming to capture revenue currently flowing to neighboring New Jersey and Connecticut.

Maryland is another leading candidate. Following a referendum that narrowly failed previously, renewed legislative efforts are gaining traction. Proponents argue that the infrastructure is already in place via existing physical casinos and mobile sportsbooks, making the transition seamless.

Illinois has long been part of the conversation. With a mature sports betting market and a constant search for revenue to address pension obligations, expanding into online slots and table games is a logical next step for the legislature this session.

Colorado is another state apparently poised to make moves toward legalizing online casinos in 2026. The state has already established a thriving and competitive sports betting market since its launch in 2020. Because Colorado residents have grown comfortable with mobile wagering, and regulators have proven they can manage a robust digital gambling ecosystem, the leap to full iGaming feels increasingly inevitable.

Finally, Indiana continues to be a state to watch. While previous bills stalled, the state’s pragmatic approach to gambling expansion suggests that 2026 could be the year Indiana bridges the gap between sports betting and full iGaming.

When these, and other states, ponder passing such legislation, uppermost in their thoughts is the amount of tax income they can generate, and in the case of the major markets, such as New York, we are talking about exorbitant sums, in the billions, which is a key motivating factor.