Online casinos, also known as iGaming, have become a significant part of the gambling industry in several U.S. states.
These platforms allow people to play games like poker, slots, and other table games over the internet. Different states have seen varying levels of success with their online casino launches due to several factors, such as population size, number of operators, marketing strategies, and even external influences like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Let’s take a look at the historical journey of iGaming in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, and see what it might tell us about the future for states like Maine and Virginia.
The Trajectory of Online Casinos in NJ, PA, and MI
New Jersey was the first state to plunge into the world of online casinos, launching on November 21, 2013.
With a population of around 8.9 million people in 2013, the state experienced a slow start. Initially, there were only a few operators, and technological advancements were still catching up. However, New Jersey’s iGaming market grew steadily over the years, starting with a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of approximately $112 million in its first year. This growth was consistent, and by 2018, yearly revenue had risen to around $298.7 million.
Pennsylvania joined the iGaming scene on July 15, 2019, with a moderate start. Fortunately, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 massively boosted its growth.
With an estimated population of 12.8 million in 2019, Pennsylvania’s online casino revenue skyrocketed. In its first 12 months, the state raked in an impressive $297 million, thanks in part to lockdowns that increased online gambling activity.
Michigan’s online casino launch on January 22, 2021, marked a strong debut. By then, the state was equipped with a more mature market, improved technology, and multiple operators. With a population of around 10 million in 2021, first-year revenue surged to approximately $1.114 billion. Michigan’s strong entry into the iGaming arena highlighted the advantage of launching in a post-pandemic environment with advanced tech and more refined marketing strategies.
Predicting the Future for Maine and Virginia
Maine is the eighth state to legalize online casino gaming, and Virginia is on the cusp. Both states already offer sports betting and are carefully examining potential iGaming projections based on the paths of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
Maine, with an estimated population of 1.4 million in 2025, is considering online casinos. If legalized, the online casino market could generate revenue ranging from $70 million to $140 million in its first full year. This estimate uses a blend of previous state launches, taking into account the more mature market ecosystem that exists today.
Virginia, a larger state with an estimated population of 8.8 million in 2025, has the potential to produce significantly higher revenues. Estimates suggest first-year revenues between $440 million and $880 million, drawing parallels with Michigan’s strong debut.
Virginia does not currently have legal real-money online casinos. Sports betting is legal and regulated, and the state has approved land-based casinos in several cities, with some now open or opening soon, including a temporary casino in Petersburg set to open on January 22, 2026. However, online casino games like slots, blackjack, roulette, and poker remain illegal.
Lawmakers are making a push with two new bills.
- House Bill 161 (HB161), sponsored by Marcus Simon (D), was pre-filed and is being introduced in the 2026 session. It would legalize regulated online casino gaming, allowing each of Virginia’s five approved land-based casino operators to launch up to three online platforms (potentially up to 15 total iGaming sites). Games would include casino staples, overseen by the Virginia Lottery Board, with a 15% tax on adjusted gross revenue, similar to sports betting. The bill also aims to ban unlicensed sweepstakes casinos, a growing gray-market issue, unless operated by licensed iGaming providers, imposing penalties for violations.
- A companion Senate Bill 118 (SB118), sponsored by Mamie Locke, mirrors this push for iGaming legalization combined with a sweepstakes ban.
- Separately, House Bill 271, introduced by Paul Krizek, proposes creating a new Virginia Gaming Commission to consolidate oversight of all gambling, which is currently split across agencies like the Lottery Board. This could pave the way for smoother expansion, including iGaming. Some reports tie this reorganization directly to facilitating online casino growth.
- These bills represent a renewed, coordinated push in the 2026 session after prior attempts, such as those in 2025, were delayed or tabled for more study on impacts like revenue cannibalization, regulatory readiness, and problem gambling. Discussions continued through 2025 via subcommittees, with bipartisan interest noted in some coverage, though opposition from certain stakeholders persists.
No bills have passed yet—these are pre-filed or introduced proposals in the early days of the session, which began in early January 2026. Progress will depend on committee hearings, votes, and potential amendments. Some sources suggest a possible 2028 launch timeline if the measures are approved, allowing time for regulatory setup and implementation.
Maine Online Casinos Poised to Cash In
As more states explore the possibilities of online casinos, they stand to learn from the historical data and revenue trends set by pioneering states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.
While factors such as population size and market readiness will heavily influence revenue outcomes, it is clear that iGaming holds significant potential.
For states like Maine and Virginia, tapping into this growing market could provide substantial economic benefits, especially if they capitalize on mature market strategies and technologies. As they watch and wait, future developments in the legalization and implementation of online casinos in these regions remain highly anticipated.
