Gambling laws

Gambling is an industry that is undergoing tremendous change. It was not too long ago that Nevada was the only state in the union that allowed casino gambling. Today, numerous states either are considering legalizing gambling, or have already done so. There are two factors that are driving the change. First, Native Americans have won the right to establish casinos on their lands regardless of the laws of the state in which they are located. The establishment of these casinos has softened the general public's attitudes toward casino gambling and has led to the introduction of legislative initiatives that permit it, or to voter referendums on the issue. Often, in each situation, the initiatives have resulted in outcomes favorable to gambling. The other factor that has led to legalization of gambling is the economic impact. Many of the regions where gambling has been legalized have realized untold economic benefits in terms of taxes, jobs and development of infrastructure, etc.

Despite the economic developments, the idea of legalizing gambling is not without controversy. Many argue that despite the economic benefits, there is also associated tragedy as people who are addicted to gambling have been known to gamble until they have lost everything and have wreaked havoc on their families and personal lives.

Casino gambling is not the only type of gambling that exists, nor is it the only kind of gambling addressed by state laws. As can be seen in the following chapter, there are many different ways to gamble. The most common subject of regulation is betting. Pari-mutuel wagering is a betting pool in which those who bet on competitors finishing in the top three positions share the total amount bet, less a percentage for the management. Horse racing, dog racing or betting on sporting events are those most frequently and specifically banned. However regulation of regional events is common. Alaska lists about ten different events that are allowed, including many that would be unthinkable in the south: Deep Freeze Classic, Snow Machine Classic, and the Ice Classic are examples. Florida lists a number of legal gambling activities that relate specifically to the state's large number of retired citizens: penny-ante games with winnings not exceeding $10 .... including poker, pinochle, bridge, dominos, mahjong that are conducted by adults within a dwelling. One of the more unusual prohibitions is found in Massachusetts where gaming is not permitted within one mile of a cattle show or military muster.

Overall, the subject of legalized gambling as an industry is far from settled and is likely to change regularly in the coming years.

Table 33: Gambling

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
ALABAMA 13A-12-20 et seq.; 11-65-1	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under one's control.	Municipalities allowed to determine through referendum whether horse racing will be permitted.	Greyhound races allowed.	Gambling devices banned.	Pari-mutuel betting allowed in conjunction with horse and dog racing, also with televised horse and dog racing.
ALASKA 11.66.200; 05.15.680	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under one's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that person will receive something of value in event of a certain outcome.	Prohibited.	Dog mushers' contests allowed.	Gambling devices banned.	Several games of chance and/or skill allowed, including bingo, Canned Salmon Classic, Deep Freeze Classic, Fish Derby, Goose Classic, Ice Classic, King Slamon Classic, Mercury Classic, Mushing Sweepstakes, Race Classic, Rain Classic, Snow Machine Classic and numbers wheels. Social in-home gambling allowed.
ARIZONA 13-3301 et seq.; 5-101 et seq.	Risking or giving something of value for opportunity to obtain benefit from game, contest, or future contingent event.	Horse and harness racing permitted. Off-track betting prohibited.	Daytime dog racing not allowed on same day as daytime horse or harness races in same county.	Charitable organizations' casino night fundraisers allowed; casinos run for profit banned. Indian reservation casinos allowed.	Gambling in which prizes are not offered as a lure to separate players from their money allowed. Social gambling allowed. Raffles allowed.
ARKANSAS 5-66-101 et seq.; 23-110 et seq.	Betting any money or any valuable thing on any game of hazard or skill.	Pari-mutuel wagering only.	Franchised greyhound racing legal, pari-mutuel wagering only.	Gambling houses and devices banned.	All wagering on all sports or games banned. Betting on card games can result in a fine of not less than $10 and not more than $25.
CALIFORNIA Penal code 330 et seq.; Bus and Prof Code 19400 et seq., Gov't Code 98001 et seq.	Dealing, playing, or conducting, games of faro, monte, roulette, lansquenet, rouge et noir, rondo, tan, fantan, seven-and-a-half, twenty-one, hokey pokey, or any banking or percentage game played with cards or dice.	Horse and harness racing permitted, pari-mutuel betting only. Off-track betting prohibited.	Not specified.	Indian reservation casinos allowed, otherwise prohibited. Slot machines banned.	"Razzle dazzle," card, dice games prohibited if played for money, credit, check, or anything of value. Draw poker banned only in counties of 4 million or more people. Illegal to possess any dice with more than 6 faces.
COLORADO 18-10-101 et seq.; 12-60-101 et seq.; 12-47.1-101 et seq.	Risking money or any other thing of value for gain contingent in whole or part upon lot, chance, or the happening or outcome of an event over which the person taking a risk has no control.	Effective April 21, 2003, off-track simulcasts permitted. Out-of-state simulcasts permitted. Parimutuel wagering only.	Greyhound races permitted; off-track simulcasts permitted. Special event greyhound race simulcasts from out of state permitted. Parimutuel wagering only.	Limited: slot machines, poker and black jack with maximum single bet of $5. Only allowed in cities of Central, Black Hawk, and Cripple Creek. Indian reservation casinos allowed.	Election wagers banned; gaming for charitable organizations allowed. Social gambling allowed. Bingo and raffles regulated by the secretary of state.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
CONNECTICUT 12-557 et seq.; 53-278a et seq.	Risking something of value for gain contingent on chance.	Daily double, exacta, quinella, trifecta, superfecta, twin trifecta, pick four, pick six, and other forms of parimutuel betting allowed. Off-track betting allowed.	Off-track betting allowed. Wagering on out-of-state dog races allowed.	Bingo parlors allowed. Pequot and Mohegan tribes permitted to operate casinos per Tribal-State Compact. Gambling devices otherwise prohibited.	Jai alai allowed. Any person licensed to conduct betting or wagering events must display informational materials for the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of compulsive gamblers. Charitable organizations' "Las Vegas Nights" allowed. Social gambling allowed.
DELAWARE 3-10001 et seq.; 11-1401 et seq.	Recording or registering bets or wagers, or directly or indirectly betting or wagering, money or anything of value.	Horse and harness racing allowed; pari-mutuel allowed. Off-track betting on out-of-state races permitted.	Not specified.	Gambling devices prohibited.	Gambling in bowling alleys, craps games, and election wagering banned. Merchandising plans are not gambling.
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 22-1701 et seq.	Playing any game of chance for money or property.	All wagering on athletic contests, including horse racing, prohibited.	Prohibited.	No house, vessel, or place on land or water, may be set up for gaming purposes. No gambling devices such as slot machines or roulette wheels permitted.	Bingo, raffles, and Monte Carlo night parties organized for educational and charitable purposes allowed. Three-card monte; confidence games; bookmaking; bucketing illegal.
FLORIDA 849.01 et seq.; 550.001, et. seq.	Playing or engaging in any card game or game of chance, at any place, by any device, for money or another thing of value.	Pari-mutuel wagering meets of thoroughbred racing, quarter horse racing, or harness racing allowed with permit. Off-track and inter-track wagering allowed.	Pari-mutuel wagering on greyhound dog racing allowed with permit. Off-track and intertrack wagering allowed.	Pari-mutuel-style, not casino-style card rooms allowed. Tribal gaming pursuant to Indian Gaming Regulatory Act legal. Gambling devices otherwise prohibited.	Penny-ante games with winnings not exceeding $10 permitted, including poker, pinochle, bridge, dominoes, and mahjongg, if conducted by adults in a dwelling. Cardrooms, bingo, gaming for charitable organizations allowed. Chain letters and pyramid schemes banned. Jah-alai allowed.
GEORGIA 16-12-20 et seq.	Betting upon the final result of any game or contest, or upon games played with cards, dice, or balls, in order to win money or other things of value, prohibited.	Prohibited.	Prohibited.	Maintenance of gambling places or equipment prohibited.	Election wagering, commercial gambling, dogfighting, chain letter and pyramid clubs banned. Raffles for charitable organizations allowed.
HAWAII 712-1220 et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon outcome of a contest of chance or uncontrollable future contingent event in order to receive something of value.			Gambling aboard ships illegal. Possession of gambling devices, e.g. slot machines, illegal.	Possession of gambling records, promoting gambling, bookmaking, illegal. Social gambling permitted as long as not committed in a hotel, motel, bar, nightclub, or any business establishment or public place. Must be of majority age.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
IDAHO 18-3801 et seq.; 54-2501 et seq.	Risking any money, credit, deposit or other thing of value upon lot, chance, the operation of a gambling device or the happening or outcome of an event, including sporting events.	Live horse racing and simulcasts legal, pari-mutuel betting allowed.	Live in-state dog racing and parimutuel betting allowed.	Casino operations, including, but not limited to, blackjack, craps, roulette, poker, baccarat, or Keno. Antique slot machines may be displayed but not operated. Modern slot machine possession is unlawful.	Bookmaking, possession of gambling records, pool selling prohibited. Bonafide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance in which awards are made only to entrants or owners of entrants; bona fide business transactions; games which award only additional play; and promotional contests allowed.
ILLINOIS 720 5/28-1 et seq.; 230 10/1 et seq.; 230 5/1 et seq.	Playing games of chance or skill for money or other thing of value; wagering upon games, contests, or elections; owning or operating gambling devices.	Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering allowed for licensees.	Not specified.	Riverboat gambling allowed upon any navigable stream other than Lake Michigan, except within counties with population in excess of 3 million.	Compensation agreements; bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance; manufacture of gambling devices; bingo; raffles; possession of antique slot machines; pull tab and jar games; and charitable games allowed.
INDIANA 35-45-5-1 et seq.; 4-31-1-1 et seq.	Risking money or other property for gain, contingent upon lot, chance, or the operation of a gambling device.	Horse racing and satellite facilities licensed for parimutuel wagering legal.	Not specified	Riverboat gambling legal in counties contiguous to Lake Michigan, Ohio River, and Patoka Lake.	Bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength or endurance in which only entrants are awarded prizes; bona fide business transactions, charitable organizations "gaming nights" allowed. Bookmaking; pool-selling; maintenance of slot machines, dice tables, or roulette wheels; and conducting banking games banned.
IOWA 99.1 et seq.; 725.5 et seq.	Participating in a game for anything of value or making any bet.	Horse racing legal. Licensees may simultaneously telecast out-of-state races within racetrack for purpose of parimutuel wagering.	Dog racing legal. Licensees may simultaneously telecast out-of-state races within racetrack for purpose of parimutuel wagering.	Excursion boat gambling, including coin-operated games legal. Gambling on land prohibited except for on Indian reservations.	Bookmaking; card counting; pyramid games illegal. Raffles not exceeding $200 in value; bingo legal. Any adult may hold an annual game night with a license, if no consideration is involved except goodwill. Social gambling allowed. No fighting or baiting any bull, bear, dog or cock.
KANSAS 21-4302 et seq.; 74-8801 et seq.	Making a bet; entering or remaining in a gambling place with intent to bet; and playing a gambling device.	Nonprofit organizations may apply to state racing commission for license to construct or own racetrack facility and conduct horse races. No off-track betting. Parimutuel wagering only.	Nonprofit organizations may apply to state racing commission for license to construct or own racetrack facility and conduct greyhound races. No off-track betting. Pari-mutuel wagering only.	Commercial gambling illegal except in accordance with Indian tribal gaming statutes.	Bona fide business transactions; prizes to winners of bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance; and bingo operated by bona fide nonprofit organizations.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
KENTUCKY 528.010; 230.010 et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest or game based upon an element of chance.	Horse running, trotting and pacing races; harness races; off-track interstate wagering legal. Pari-mutuel wagering only.	Not specified.	Casinos and gambling establishments illegal.	Bookmaking; organizing or promoting gambling; possessing gambling records and devices banned. Charitable gaming allowed.
LOUISIANA 14:90 et seq.; 27:201 et seq.	Intentional conducting a game or contest in which a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit.	Horse racing on licensed racetracks, interstate and international parimutuel wagering legal.	Dog racing prohibited.	Riverboat gambling allowed. Casinos allowed in selected jurisdictions. Must be over age 21 to play video poker.	Gambling allowed on international commercial cruise ships sailing to ports in parishes with populations of 475,000 or more. Bona fide charitable raffles, bingo and Keno legal. Gambling via Internet illegal. Social gambling allowed.
MAINE 17-A §951 et seq.; 8§301; 8§285 et seq.; 8§261A, et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event, with intent to receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.	Harness horse racing and off-track betting allowed.	Greyhound racing, and interstate simulcasts of greyhound racing, prohibited.	Gaming allowed only on Passamaquoddy tribal lands.	Bingo clubs for individuals 62 years of age or older; bona fide business contracts legal, raffles allowed. Bookmaking; mutuel schemes; promoting gambling; possession of gambling records and/or devices illegal. Any illegal gambling machine including money is subject to forfeit. State lottery allowed.
MARYLAND 27-240; BR 11-101 et seq., BR §10-502	Wagering or betting in any manner to receive something of value dependent upon the result of any race, contest or contingency.	Thoroughbred and harness racing legal. Pari-mutuel betting; intertrack betting; and satellite simulcast betting allowed.	Not specified.	Occupying any house, building or vessel on land or water for the purpose of gambling prohibited. Slot machines legal in certain counties.	Bookmaking; pool-making; jai alai illegal. Games of entertainment, e.g. bingo and raffles, including bona fide political committee raffles and raffles of real property by charitable organizations. Supplier of motor fuel may not use games of chance, only retail service stations.
MASSACHUSETTS 271§1 et seq.; 128A§1 et seq.	Winning $5 or more by gaming or betting on sides or hands of those playing, in a public place or while trespassing in a private place.	Licensed horse racing and on-track pari-mutuel or certificate wagering legal.	Licensed dog racing and on-track parimutuel or certificate wagering legal.	Betting houses prohibited.	Book making and pool making; betting in pool halls or bowling alleys; gaming within one mile of a cattle show, military muster or public gathering; using a telephone to place or accept a bet illegal. Charitable organizations allowed to have raffles or bazaars.
MICHIGAN 750.301 et seq.; 432.201 et seq.	Accepting money or a valuable thing contingent upon result of contest or happening of uncertain event.	Live horse racing at licensed race tracks; on-track simulcasting; and on-track pari-mutuel wagering legal.		Gaming on Native American land governed by Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Licensed casinos allowed.	Pool selling; registering bets; gambling in stocks, bonds, grain or produce prohibited. Recreational card playing at senior citizen housing facility; league bowling at alleys not exceeding $1,000; redemption games; bingo; millionaire parties, allowed.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
MINNESOTA 349.11 et seq.; 609.75 et seq.	Making a bet; possessing a gambling device without a license; and allowing a structure under one's control to be used as a gambling place.	Licensed on-track pari-mutuel system of wagering on horse races legal.	Not specified.	Gaming on tribal land governed by Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.	Pull-tabs; bingo; raffles; private social bets, paddlewheels; tipboards all considered lawful gambling. Possession of a gambling device in one's dwelling for one's own amusement and social skill games with prizes not in excess of $200 legal. Charitable organizations may be licensed to hold gambling activities.
MISSISSIPPI 97-33-1 et seq.; 75-76-1 et seq.	Encouraging any game, other than a dog fight, for money or other valuable thing.	Prohibited.	Not specified.	Cruise vessels allowed on Mississippi River or waters within any county bordering river in which voters have approved gambling. Licensed casinos allowed.	Cockfights; Indian ball play; duels; raffles; gambling devices; yacht races; shooting matches; illegal. Charitable bingo allowed. Gambling devices and gaming tables are banned. Minors not allowed any gambling privileges.
MISSOURI 572.010 et seq.; 313.001 et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event.	Horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering on international or interstate horse race simulcasts legal. Off-track wagering illegal.	Not specified.	Licensed excursion gambling boats and floating facilities which house games of chance and skill, including poker, craps, blackjack, legal.	Bookmaking; possession of gambling records and devices illegal. Bingo sponsored by bona fide charitable organizations legal. No one under 21 may wager on gambling boats.
MONTANA 23-5-110 et seq.; 23-4-101 et seq.	Risking money or anything of value for a gain contingent upon lot or chance.	Live or simulcast horse races at licensed racetracks or simulcast facilities legal. Parimutuel, on-track wagering only.	Live or simulcast greyhound races at licensed race tracks or simulcast facilities legal. Parimutuel, on-track wagering only.	Video gambling devices legal. Gambling devices otherwise prohibited.	Fishing derbies; wagering on natural occurrences; gambling activities sponsored by nonprofit organizations; possession of antique slot machines; shaking dice for a drink or music; Calcutta pools; bingo; Keno and raffles; sports pools and tab games; fantasy sports leagues authorized. Bookmaking, pool selling, prohibited.
NEBRASKA 28-1101 et seq.; 9-201 et seq.; 2-1201 et seq.	Betting something of value upon the outcome of a future event which is determined by an element of chance.	Licensed horse racing; pari-mutuel wagering; off-track betting (including simulcasting and telephonic wagering); and exotic wagering such as daily double, exacta, quinella, trifecta, pick six legal.		Tribal gaming legal, pursuant to Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Gambling devices prohibited.	Lawful business transactions; playing amusement devices; conducting prize contests; participating in bingo and raffles in accordance with state statutes legal. Promoting gambling, possessing gambling records or possessing gambling devices is prohibited.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
NEVADA 463.010 et seq.	Dealing, operating, carrying on, or exposing for play any game, or operating inter-casino linked systems.	Licensed horse racing legal; off-track betting legal when conducted at licensed gaming facilities.	Licensed dog racing legal.	Licensed casino gambling legal.	Charitable lotteries legal. Manipulation of gaming equipment; use of unapproved wagering instruments illegal. Private, social gambling allowed.
NEW HAMPSHIRE 647.2; 284.1 et seq.	Risking something of value upon a future contingent not under one's control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that something of value will be received in the event of a certain outcome.	Licensed horse racing legal. On-track pari-mutuel wagering legal.	Licensed dog racing legal. On-track parimutuel wagering legal.	Cruise ships equipped with gambling machines whose primary purpose is touring may enter state for 48 hours, provided that all gambling machines are disabled while in state. Others prohibited.	Charitable organizations' raffles, bingo and games of chance; lucky 7; manufacture of gambling machines legal. Gambling on gas station premises; wagering on games or sports illegal.
NEW JERSEY 2C:37-1 et seq.; 5:5-1 et seq.	Unlicensed risking of something of value upon outcome of contest of chance or future contingent event not under actor's control, upon agreement that actor will receive something of value in event of a certain outcome.	Licensed horse racing legal. On-track pari-mutuel wagering; race simulcasts; licensed intertrack wagering; receipt of and wagering upon simulcast horse races held out of state legal.	Sled dog racing allowed for agricultural fairs and exhibitions only.	Licensed casino operation legal.	Bookmaking; possession of gambling records; unlicensed maintenance of gambling resorts; possession of gambling devices not regulated by Casino Control Act; unlicensed conduct of games of chance on Sundays illegal. Raffles and bingo for charitable organizations legal. Promoting gambling prohibited.
NEW MEXICO 30-19-1 et seq.; 60-1-1	Making a bet; entering or remaining in a gambling place with intent to make a bet or play a gambling device.	Licensed horse racing; on-track pari-mutuel wagering.	Not specified.	Gambling places illegal, except as pusuant to Indian Gaming Compact.	Commercial gambling; permitting premises to be used for gambling; dealing in gambling devices; bookmaking; bribery of contest participants; accepting anything of value on the basis of results of a race, contest or game of skill or chance illegal. Manufacturing and exporting of gambling devices; senior citizen bingo, permitted. Minors not allowed to play bingo.
NEW YORK PEN§225.00 et seq.; 47A:101 et seq.; RW&B 47A§518	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under person's control, upon an agreement that he/she will receive something of value, given a certain event.	Licensed horse and harness racing legal. Off-track parimutuel wagering at licensed facilities legal.	Not specified.	Gambling devices prohibited.	Promoting gambling; possession of gambling records; bookmaking; possession of gambling devices illegal. Games of chance sponsored by bona fide charitable organizations allowed. Social, private gambling allowed.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
NORTH CAROLINA 14-289, et seq.	Operating a game of chance and playing at or betting on any game of chance at which money, property or other thing of value is bet, whether the same be in stake or not.	Horse racing prohibited.	Greyhound racing prohibited.	Prohibited.	Pyramid and chain schemes; allowing gambling in houses of public entertainment; faro banks and tables; possession and operation of punchboards and slot machines illegal. Bingo games and raffles sponsored by nonprofit organizations legal.
NORTH DAKOTA 12.1-28-01 et seq.; 53.06.1-01 et seq.	Risking something of value for gain, contingent, wholly or partially, upon lot, chance, operation of gambling apparatus, or happening or outcome of an event, including elections or sporting events, over which person taking risk has no control.	Licensed horse racing; race simulcasts; parimutuel wagering, including place, show, quinella, and combination is legal.	Licensed dog racing; race simulcasts; parimutuel wagering, including place, show, quinella and combination.	Prohibited.	Lawful contests of skill, speed, strength or endurance; lawful business transactions; bingo, twenty-one, pull tabs, poker, calcutta, paddlewheels, punchboards, sports pools and raffles sponsored by licensed charitable organizations legal. Bogus chips; marked cards; cheating devices; fraudulent schemes, illegal.
OHIO 2915.01 et seq.; 3769.01 et seq.	Bookmaking; facilitating schemes or games of chance for profit; betting on schemes or games of chance for one's livelihood; possession of gambling devices; playing craps; roulette or slot machines for money.	Horse racing allowed with permit; on-track pari-mutuel wagering and wagering at fourteen satellite facilities legal.	Not specified.	Operating a gambling house illegal except as pursuant to tribal-state compact.	Games of chance, such as bingo, conducted by charitable organizations, that are conducted four days or less not more than twice a year; licensed tag fishing tournaments are legal. Public gaming; cheating are illegal. Private, social gambling allowed.
OKLAHOMA 21§941 et seq.; 3A§200 et seq.	Betting or bargaining that, dependent upon chance, one stands to lose or win something of value specified in an agreement between parties.	Licensed horse racing; pari-mutuel, off-track, interstate wagering legal.		Tribal-State Compact governs casino gambling.	Bona fide business contracts; any charity game conducted pursuant to Oklahoma Charity Games Act; prizes offered to participants of public events such as rodeos, fairs, and athletic events legal. Pyramid schemes; dice games; three-card monte illegal.
OREGON 167.108 et seq.; 462.010 et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under control of actor, upon agreement that actor would receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.	Licensed horse racing and mutuel wagering legal. Off-track mutuel wagering authorized.	Licensed dog racing and mutuel wagering legal. Off-track mutuel wagering authorized.	Only gambling places authorized at tribal gaming facilities.	Bona fide business contracts; contest of chance where players win prizes, not money, bingo, lotto, raffles, and Monte Carlo events sponsored by charitable organizations; social games are legal. Bookmaking; possession of gambling records; possession of gray machines; cheating illegal. Counties and cities may authorize game playing in private settings.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
PENNSYLVANIA 18§5513 et seq.; 4§325.101 et seq.	Elements of gambling are: consideration, element of chance, and reward.	Licensed horse and harness racing; interstate simulcasts; on- and off-track parimutuel wagering legal.	Not specified.	Gambling houses and devices prohibited.	Pool selling and bookmaking; punch boards, drawing cards; private wire for gambling information; cockfighting; bullet play illegal. Bingo and local option small games of chance sponsored by charitable organizations; antique slot machines allowed.
RHODE ISLAND 11-19-1 et seq.; 41-3-1 et seq.	Directly or indirectly setting up, publicly or privately, any chance, game or device for the purpose of disposing of money, or assisting others in such actions.	Licensed horse racing, on-track pari-mutuel wagering legal.	Licensed dog racing, on-track pari-mutuel wagering legal in cities of Burrillville, Lincoln, and West Greenwich.	Operation of gambling places prohibited.	Bingo and raffles in senior citizen housing; bingo sponsored by charitable organizations; licensed jai alai within frontons in city of Newport are legal. Bookmaking, unlicensed horse races are illegal. Governmental lotteries allowed.
SOUTH CAROLINA 16-19-40 et seq.	Playing card or dice games; roley-poley; rouge et noir; faro; or at any gaming tables or gaming devices.	Horse racing at Springdale Course Track; used for Carolina Cup and Colonial Cup International Steeplechase only.		Gambling devices prohibited.	Card and dice games; lettered gaming tables; roley-poley tables; rouge et noir; faro banks; playing games in one's home on Sunday; betting on elections; pool selling; bookmaking; punchboards; gray machines are illegal.
SOUTH DAKOTA 22-25-1 et seq.; 42-7-47 et seq.	Wagering anything of value upon the outcome of game of chance; maintaining gambling place or equipment.	Licensed horse racing legal. Off-track pari-mutuel wagering authorized at satellite locations more than fifty miles away from any licensed horse track.	Licensed dog racing. Off-track pari-mutuel wagering authorized at satellite locations more than fifty miles away from any licensed dog track.	Limited card games and slot machines authorized within city of Deadwood. Casinos allowed on Indian reservations.	Travel for sole purpose of gambling; persuading others to visit gambling places; and bookmaking are illegal. Ownership of antique slot machines and bingo sponsored by charitable organizations with no prize in excess of $2000 are legal. Internet gambling prohibited.
TENNESSEE 4-36-101 et seq.; 39-17-501 et seq.	Risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, not including lawful business transactions.	Licensed horse racing; interstate simulcast wagering; and pari-mutuel wagering at licensed satellite teletheaters legal.	Not specified.	Gambling devices prohibited.	Promoting gambling; pyramid clubs; possessing gambling devices or records; customer referral rebates are illegal. Bingo and games of chance conducted by charitable organizations are legal.
TEXAS PEN 47.01 et seq.; Civ. St. 179e	Agreement to win or lose something of value solely or partially by chance.	Licensed horse racing; simulcast races and on-track pari-mutuel wagering are legal.	Limit of three racetrack licenses for greyhound racing. Simulcast races and on-track pari-mutuel wagering are legal.	Keeping a gambling place is prohibited.	Promoting gambling; keeping a place of gambling, communicating gambling information; possessing gambling devices with intent to further gambling illegal. Social gambling; bingo and raffles sponsored by charitable organizations allowed. Bona fide contests of skill allowed.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
UTAH 76-10-1101 et seq.; 4-38-1 et seq.	Risking anything of value upon the outcome of a contest, game, scheme, or gaming device when the return or outcome is based upon an element of chance and is in accord with an agreement or understanding that someone will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome.	Licensed horse racing and all wagering prohibited.	Prohibited.	Prohibited.	Lawful business transactions; playing amusement devices legal. Election wagering; possessing gambling records; confidence games illegal. Gambling fraud, promotion, possessing a gambling device or record all illegal.
VERMONT 13§2132 et seq.; 31§601 et seq.	Winning or losing money or another valuable thing by play or hazard at any game.	Licensed horse racing legal except on Sundays before 1 PM. On-track parimutuel wagering allowed.	Not specified.	Gaming houses prohibited.	Games of chance sponsored by nonprofit organizations; contests or games of chance, including sweepstakes, provided that persons who enter are not required to venture money or other valuable things, allowed. Bookmaking; pool selling; touting gambling illegal.
VIRGINIA 18.2-325 et seq.; 59.1-364 et seq.	Making, placing or receiving any bet or wager of money or other thing of value, dependent upon the result of any game, contest, or event the outcome of which is uncertain or a matter of chance.	Horse races, parimutuel wagering, and off-track betting at licensed satellite facilities legal.	Greyhound racing specifically prohibited.	Gambling devices and places illegal.	Bingo, raffles and duck races sponsored by nonprofit organizations; contests of skill or speed between men, animals, fowl or vehicles; games of chance in private residences legal. Winning by fraud illegal.
WASHINGTON 9.46.010 et seq.; 67.16.010 et seq.	Staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event not under the person's control or influence, upon an agreement that someone will receive something of value.	Licensed horse racing and parimutuel wagering allowed.	Wagering on greyhound races specifically prohibited.	Tribal gaming pursuant to Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and maintenance of licensed gambling facilities allowed. Gambling devices otherwise prohibited.	Bucket shops; bunco steering; bookmaking; professional gambling illegal. Bingo, raffles, amusement games sponsored by charitable organizations; fishing derbies; sports pools; golfing and bowling sweepstakes; turkey shoots; social card games; promotional contests legal.
WEST VIRGINIA 61-10-1 et seq.; 29-22A-1 et seq.; 19-23-1 et seq.	Betting or wagering money or another thing of value on any game of chance, or knowingly furnishing money or another thing of value on any game of chance.	Licensed horse racing and parimutuel wagering allowed.	Licensed dog racing and pari-mutuel wagering allowed.	Video lottery games allowed at pari-mutuel racing facilities. Machines cannot use casino themes such as dice, roulette, or baccarat. May simulate classic slot machines.	Bucket shops; policy or numbers games; gambling at hotels illegal. Bingo, raffles, games of chance sponsored by charitable organizations legal. Keeping gaming tables or devices or allowing them on property or keeping a look out for gambling activities all illegal.

Table 33: Gambling—Continued

State/Code Section	Gambling	Horse Racing/Off-Track Betting	Dog Racing/Off-Track Betting	Casinos Allowed?	Other Kinds of Gambling-Related Activities Allowed or Banned
WISCONSIN 945.01 et seq.; 562.001 et seq.	Bargain in which parties agree, dependent upon chance even though accompanied by some skill, one stands to win or lose something of value specified in the agreement.	Licensed horse racing and on-track pari-mutuel wagering legal. Off-track betting prohibited. Simulcast wagering allowed.	Licensed dog racing and on-track parimutuel wagering legal. Off-track betting prohibited. Simulcast wagering allowed.	Indian gaming legal. Commercial, i.e., casino gambling illegal.	Licensed bingo and raffles allowed. Crane games; snowmobile racing; bona fide business contracts; contests of skill, speed, strength and endurance legal. Bookmaking; dealing in gambling devices illegal.
WYOMING 6-7-101 et seq.; 11-25-101 et seq.	Risking any property for gain contingent in whole or part upon lot, chance, or outcome of an event, including sporting event, over which person taking a risk has no control.	Licensed horse, harness, cutter, chariot, and chuckwagon racing and pari-mutuel wagering legal. Licensed off-track simulcast wagering legal.	Licensed dog racing and pari-mutuel wagering permitted.	Structures, boats or vehicles maintained for gambling purposes illegal.	Bona fide contests of skill, speed, strength, or endurance; bona fide business contracts; raffles, bingo and pulltabs sold by charitable organizations; bona fide social wagering; Calcutta wagering; display or private use of antique devices legal. Professional gambling; possessing gambling devices; gambling record keeping illegal.