Can You Gamble Online Legally in the US?
There’s been a lot of debate around the legality of gambling online in the United States, with some groups opposed to it while others support it. Ultimately, it’s up to each state to decide whether or not to allow it within its borders. That said, there are now more opportunities than ever for people to gamble legally online in the US.
Sports betting, in particular, has received the most attention recently. Thanks to a key Supreme Court ruling, nearly half of all states now have some form of legal online sports betting available. Other forms of gambling are starting to catch up, too, as many lawmakers now see regulated sports betting as a way to boost revenue and interest in other forms of gaming like online casinos.
Despite the buzz, there are still some concerns over the safety and security of online gambling. But a growing number of reputable and established operators are working to address these issues, including through responsible gambling initiatives that offer players tools to help them stay in control. Some of these include loss-limits, self-exclusion, and even addiction counseling programs for players.
It’s worth noting that the federal government remains fairly hostile to online gambling. In fact, following the PASPA ruling, it launched a failed attempt to interpret a Kennedy-era law that makes interstate sports betting illegal as applying to all kinds of online gambling J99SLOT. It’s a sign that, even though public opinion appears to be shifting in favor of regulation, the old guard will not give up easily.
Nevada, the original sports betting state, was first to offer legal online wagers. But, due to its high minimum bets and registration requirements, the Silver State remains a frustrating place for some sports bettors. Online gambling expansions in the rest of the country have typically come in two phases: sports betting and then online casino games and/or online poker.
New Hampshire is another state that’s taken the slow approach to legal online gambling. But, that could change in the future as DraftKings and other big-name sportsbooks begin to launch there . For now, however, New Hampshire sports bettors can only place wagers on professional teams and their players. In-state collegiate sports are off-limits, too.
Maine also waited to regulate its online gambling industry, but the Pine Tree State is finally allowing its residents to wager on sports, and eventually, casino games and more, in 2022 . And Virginia, the latest state to launch a regulated online sportsbook, is now allowing players to bet on their favorite team and players via apps from the likes of FanDuel, Caesars and DraftKings. Hopefully, more and more states will join them in the near future.