Fact from fiction: Can you use Casino Sites in the US Legally?
Online casinos became a hot topic in the United States when they were introduced in the mid-1990s. Back then, they were not officially recognized and were actually in legal limbo.
Some US states tried to apply older-school gambling laws to this but the real change came years later when the US Department of Justice declared that the Wire Act of 1961 only applied to sports betting, not online gambling as a whole. This 2011 landmark decision opened the door for states to proceed with legalizing online casinos officially within their own districts or regions.
In 2012, history was made when Delaware became the first state to legalize online gambling, followed by New Jersey a year later. In fact, New Jersey had some of the most active players back then.
Today, seven states have legalized online gambling, with Rhode Island being the last in February 2024. In addition, some 38 states and Washington DC have made online sports betting legal. This number is expected to rise in the years to come, as more regulation is reviewed and updated.
So, can people legally use US online casinos? It depends on the state where they reside. Remember that there are many dangers present at unregulated illegal US casinos. More about this in the following section.
You really need to make sure you play at a legal casino site
Those who want to have a fun experience, without thinking of whether they are breaking the law – stick to using legal casino sites.
Gambling in a state where online gambling is illegal can get you into heaps of trouble. This could lead to your winnings being confiscated, or you could face fines and even jail time.
In some states, you could also face civil lawsuits from individuals and companies affected by your gambling activities.
So, whether you are physically present in a state where online gambling is illegal does not matter. What matters is whether you use an online gambling service in that state, you will still be subject to that state’s laws.
To make sure you are above board, check if online gambling is allowed in your state. Make sure to also check the online casino site you have chosen. Ensure it has a valid license issued by the regulatory authority in that state. Such bodies include the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement and the PA Gaming Control Board.
In addition, you can use offshore online casinos with licenses issued by well-known authorities like the Curacao Gambling Control Board. Information about casino licenses is usually displayed on the casino website’s footer.
This is about the only way you can ensure you are in line with the law while playing. Another way is checking out reviews and recommendations like what Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) does. As a casino information portal, MDC does all the research, checks each casino’s licensing, and does a full-on screening process to make sure the casinos it recommends are legitimate.
Some US States have legalized Online Casinos
Legal online casinos have been available in the US since 2012, but only in certain states. That’s why you should be well informed if you, as a resident of a specific US state, can enjoy casino games on your computer or mobile device without legal consequences. Using illegal casinos in a territory where such activity is unlawful can lead to numerous problems.
After you ensure there are no obstacles, you can register and start using that site’s features. Of course, the main thing is to use real money to get the opportunity for real winnings. Therefore, in addition to legality, you need to pay attention to several other things that the site offers, such as payment methods, speed of payment, bonuses, and the selection of games.
To make your search easier, we present a list of states where online casinos are allowed and information about their regulatory bodies.
- Delaware (since 2012). Regulatory body: Delaware Lottery
- New Jersey (2013). Regulatory body: New Jersey Casino Control Commission and the
Division of Gaming Enforcement - Pennsylvania (2017). Regulatory body: The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- West Virginia (2019). Regulatory body: West Virginia Lottery Commission
- Michigan (2019). Regulatory body: Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Connecticut (2021). Regulatory body: Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Gaming
Division
Some US States allow Online Sports betting
Traditionally, American states have been more liberal regarding sports betting. Online sports betting is no exception. Players from 30 states and Washington D.C. can bet on sporting events without breaking the law. There are announcements about legalization in several more states in the next period.
As in the case of online casinos, the use of legal online betting sites is crucial. Interestingly, many of the leading casinos also have dedicated betting sites. Additionally, some are strictly focused on betting.
Licensed sports betting websites are your best choice, as regulatory bodies that issue licenses thoroughly investigate their operations. Only those platforms that meet the strict conditions receive licenses.
The following is a list of states that allow online betting and their respective regulatory bodies.
- Arizona – Arizona Department of Gaming
- Arkansas – Arkansas Racing Commission
- Colorado – Colorado Limited Gaming Control Commission
- Connecticut – Department of Consumer Protection – Gaming Division
- Delaware – Delaware Lottery
- Florida – Florida Gaming Control Commission
- Illinois – Illinois Gaming Board
- Indiana – Indiana Gaming Commission
- Iowa – Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission
- Kansas – Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission
- Kentucky – Kentucky Horse Racing Commission
- Louisiana – Louisiana Gaming Control Board
- Maine – Maine Gambling Control Unit
- Maryland – Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency
- Massachusetts – Massachusetts Gaming Commission
- Michigan – Michigan Gaming Control Board
- Nevada – Nevada Gaming Control Board Gaming Commission
- New Hampshire – New Hampshire Gaming Regulatory Oversight Authority
- New Jersey – Office of Attorney General – Division of Gaming Enforcement
- New York – NYS Gaming Commission
- North Carolina – North Carolina State Lottery Commission
- Ohio – Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Oregon – Oregon Lottery
- Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
- Rhode Island – Department of Business Regulation
- Tennessee – Tennessee Sports Wagering Advisory Council
- Vermont – Vermont Department of Liquor and Lottery
- Virginia – The Virginia Lottery
- Wahington D.C. – Office of Lottery and Gaming
- West Virginia – West Virginia Lottery Commission
- Wyoming – Wyoming Gaming Commission
Minimumdepositcasinos.org tells you all you need to know in our casino reviews
Dozens of online casinos are available to US players from states where this activity is legal. Minimumdepositcasinos.org is here to help simplify the process of choosing the best online casinos for you.
Our expert team writes reviews that cover all the essential features. These reviews pay particular attention to the number and variety of games, bonuses, software, fairness, and privacy. In addition, we provide precise information about the states in which these casinos are available.
Minimumdepositcasinos.org tells you all you need to know in our casino reviews. Take some time to read the reviews and see for yourself.
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