How Can You Gamble Online Legally in the US?
Gambling is a popular pastime in many states, but it’s not legal everywhere. In fact, there are some states that have banned online gambling completely, while others regulate it to a certain extent. Luckily, you can still gamble online legally in most states as long as you follow the rules and regulations of each site. But how can you do that exactly? The answer to that question depends on a number of factors, including the type of gambling you are doing and your location.
The US federal government doesn’t directly regulate online gambling, but it does offer guidelines that help state governments pass laws and establish their own regulatory frameworks. The US Department of Justice also has its own set of rules regarding online gambling, but these aren’t as restrictive as the federal laws.
Currently, thirty-four states have a gambling law of some kind, and fourteen of them allow people to place wagers on sporting events. The rest of the states have different regulations, and some don’t even have a gambling law in place at all. The biggest hurdle en route to broader online gambling regulation is the morality of the activity, with some states deeming it immoral while others believe it’s harmless.
Some states have taken the lead when it comes to regulating online gambling. New Jersey became the first to introduce a legal online casino in 2013, followed by Pennsylvania and then Delaware. These three states are now the largest markets for online casinos in the country, with a combined population of over 20 million.
Other states have started to legalize online gambling at a slower pace. Maryland and Connecticut have both recently passed laws allowing for sports betting, while Massachusetts and Florida are expected to introduce it soon. New York is another potentially big market, but the only way to gamble online legally there right now is through social casinos like Pulsz and WOW Vegas.
Nevada and Utah remain the only states to ban gambling on the internet, but there are some signs that this may change soon. In fact, the latter state has already begun testing an online poker site. The website will feature a live dealer, which is a huge step up from the usual online casino software that people are used to seeing.
Montana has legalized sports betting, but it’s done so within a strict regulatory framework that makes it difficult for online casinos to operate there. On the other hand, the state’s four native tribes have partnered with retail sportsbooks to bring people legal and safe online gambling options. This could pave the way for regulated online casinos in the future. In addition, legislators in Missouri are currently working on a bill that would legalize sports betting and possibly online casinos at some point in the future.
