Online gambling has become increasingly popular in recent years, and many states in the USA have begun to legalize and regulate it. US casinos are an essential part of the gambling industry and bring great revenue to the state where they operate. This is why several states have been encouraged to legalize online gambling while others have begun to consider it. However, the legal landscape of online gambling in the USA can be confusing, as different states have different laws and regulations. This blog post will look closely at the states where online gambling is currently legal.
States in which online gambling is currently legal
First, it’s important to note that online gambling is not currently legal at the federal level in the USA. The Federal Wire Act of 1961 prohibits wire communication for placing bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest. However, this law was interpreted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2011 to only apply to sports betting and not to other forms of online gambling. This interpretation has paved the way for states to legalize and regulate online gambling within their own borders.
Currently, the states where online gambling is legal include:
- New Jersey: Online gambling has been legal in New Jersey since 2013, and the state has become one of the leading markets for online gambling in the USA. Online casinos, poker rooms, and sports betting are all legal and regulated in New Jersey.
- Pennsylvania: Online gambling became legal in Pennsylvania in 2017, and the state has since launched some online casinos and sports betting sites.
- Delaware: Online gambling has been legal in Delaware since 2012, and the state offers a limited selection of online casino games and poker.
- West Virginia: Online gambling became legal in West Virginia in 2019, and the state has launched several online sports betting and casino sites.
- Michigan: Online gambling became legal in Michigan in 2019, and the state has launched several online casinos and sports betting sites.
- Nevada: Online gambling has been legal in Nevada since 2013, and the state is home to many online poker sites.
- Rhode Island: Online sports betting became legal in Rhode Island in 2019, and the state has since launched many online sports betting sites.
- Iowa: Online sports betting became legal in Iowa in 2019, and the state has since launched some online sports betting sites.
- Indiana: Online sports betting became legal in Indiana in 2019, and the state has since launched many online sports betting sites.
- Colorado: Online sports betting became legal in Colorado in 2020, and the state has since launched some online sports betting sites.
- Illinois: Online sports betting became legal in Illinois in 2020, and the state has since launched some online sports betting sites.
It is important to note that while these states have legalized and regulated online gambling, they each have their own unique laws and regulations. For example, some states may only offer certain types of online gambling, such as sports betting or casino games. Additionally, some states may have restrictions on who can participate in online gambling, such as age requirements or geographical restrictions.
Which states are considering legalizing online gambling?
In addition to the states listed above, several other states are currently considering or have recently passed legislation to legalize and regulate online gambling. These states include:
- New York: The state of New York has been considering legalising online gambling for several years but has yet to pass any legislation.
- Maryland: The state of Maryland passed legislation in 2020 to legalize online sports betting but has yet to launch any online sports betting sites.
- Connecticut: The state of Connecticut has been considering legalising online gambling for several years but has yet to pass any legislation.
- Kentucky: The state of Kentucky passed legislation in 2020 to legalize online sports betting but has yet to launch any online sports betting sites.
- Texas: Texas has been working to legalize gambling, making it one of the fastest-growing markets for this activity. This amendment would allow operators to be granted Class II and III licenses. These permits will give them access to various casino gaming activities and limited greyhound racing options.
Overall
Legalizing online gambling has been an ongoing process in many states across the US, with more likely to join soon. It is essential for players to always stay up-to-date on the laws and regulations of their state when it comes to participating in online gambling activities. As long as you abide by those guidelines, you can enjoy all that legal online gambling offers!