Tag: USA
Rhode Island becomes 7th US state to Embrace Online Casino Gaming
By Daniela Rose
Rhode Island’s US online casinos have partnered with Bally’s Corporation to offer exciting casino games, including slots and table games. For Rhode Island, becoming the 7th state in the US to embrace online casino gambling could be their lucky number 7 at play.
House and Senate lawmakers in Rhode Island House voted to approve the new iGaming bill into law, which Governor McKee approved just hours before the deadline expired. However, all is well, as players from Rhode Island will be playing online slots and table games starting in April 2024.
According to the law, Bally’s will have a monopoly on online casinos. This means that Gamesys, which is Bally’s online division, could potentially be the sole operator throughout the state. Gamesys operates under various brands, including Virgin Casino, Rainbow Riches Casino, and Tropicana Casino.
Revenues will be generated by imposing a 50% tax on online slots, and the remainder will be divided between Bally’s and IGT. Table games will face a lesser 18% revenue tax, and access to mobile sports betting in Rhode Island is strictly for those aged 21 and older, which aligns with the state’s land-based laws.
President of Bally’s Rhode Island Operations, Craig Eaton, stated that the new gaming product launch results from collaboration with the General Assembly, Governor McKee, and state regulators. According to the Gambling Insider, Eaton noted that the latest gaming product is to “enhance state revenue and better position the State’s casinos in the competitive New England gaming market.”
Now that Rhode Island has become the 7th US state to legalize online casino gaming, US players can experience a full range of new digital slots and table games with responsible gambling at the helm. According to Bally, this latest move will create between 50 and 75 jobs, which is much needed.
What Bally’s brings to Rhode Island
Bally’s has partnered with Stakelogic, a live table games developer, to provide studio and software technology. Roughly 170 slot games and live dealer games like Roulette and Blackjack will be initially offered, with plans for further expansion.
Bally’s investment in infrastructure has also resulted in the construction of a 4,000-square-foot Live Dealer Table Games studio at its Lincoln, Rhode Island studio – potentially creating about 75 new jobs.
To inaugurate Bally’s live casino, venture in North America, they will use Stakelogic’s cutting-edge software starting in April 2024. Intending to introduce popular online live casino games in Rhode Island, Bally’s sweepstake casinos are meeting the massive demand of modern players.
Recognized as a rising star in iGaming, Stakelogic is active in over 20 markets and operates two live casino studios in Europe and 170 new slots. Their cutting-edge live dealer technology has elevated them to the forefront of the online gambling industry.
Stakelogic has established a good reputation for developing and creating some of the most popular slots in modern times, and they intend to do the same in the live casino field. This has been possible due to the incredible team they have in place to operate Stakelogic Live.
In June 2021, Stakelogic announced the launch of its new Live casino product – Stakelogic Live. It is situated in Birkirkara, Malta, and has twenty-two tables. The development team is in Kyiv and Belgrade.
Stakelogic has also recently obtained its UK licence. They’ve also launched three live game shows: Runner8Runner, Super Stake Roulette, and Super Wild Hold and Spin.
Background on Bally’s Corporation
Bally’s Corporation is an interactive corporation based in Providence, Rhode Island. Rooted in 1932 as a manufacturer of pinball games named Bally Manufacturing Corporation, they later altered their name to Bally Entertainment.
They ventured into video games, gambling casinos, health clubs, and theme parks. Today, Bally’s Corporation has 15 properties, including US real-money online casinos, online sportsbooks, and a horse racetrack in Colorado.
Gamesys operates Bally Casino with Premier Entertainment AC, Bally’s Atlantic City Casino Resort. According to the Casino Control Act, Bally’s action occurs under an Internet Gaming Permit issued by New Jersey’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, making the site above board. Safety and security have been taken care of with geolocation technology and responsible gambling initiatives.
USA players can access their app, account balances, bonuses, and loyalty offers with new player protection tools. Now, USA players can control their gambling habits with readily available responsible gambling tools to track their playtime and restrict how much they deposit. In addition, self-exclusion is also possible, where players temporarily or permanently block their online casino account.
About Bally Casino
Launched in 2021, Bally Casino is a relatively new addition to the iGaming space but quickly established itself as a great online spot for players in New Jersey. The casino’s table games offer an impressive assortment of blackjack or European Roulette, and regarding slots, it’s time to get excited: Bally Casino delivers hundreds of slot games.
This online casino offers all the games you’d expect from a serious online casino, like 88 Fortunes, Dancing Drums Explosion, and MEGAWAYS™ slots; they’ve got those, too. And that’s only scratching the surface. From classics to brand-new releases, Bally’s slots are sure to delight.
Players who enjoy Live Dealer casino games can add live games and real-time excitement. Sit at one of the tables and test your mettle against your opponent in live versions of table games that offer an interactive element where you talk to the host or other participants while you play.
If you’re new to online casinos or want to add another layer of safety to your online gaming experience, we recommend you try Bally’s exclusive Daily Free Games. It all depends on which game you play, but you can win free spins or bonus money, which you can use for certain other games that award real money prizes.
Like all of Bally’s games, the Daily Free Games do not require a download, allowing you to play directly from your browser, both on your computer or smartphone. With its unique Traveling Wallet feature, fantastic casino games from top software developers, and responsible gaming features, Bally’s is the one to try.
From Ohio to New York, Bally Bet is ready for success. Whether or not you’re familiar with Bally’s brick-and-mortar properties in Atlantic City and beyond, the site has a great library of games, an attractive “money back guarantee” take on the casino’s welcome bonus, and dedicated mobile apps.
Players needing assistance playing online slots and casino games at Bally’s can rely on a 24/7 live chat feature. What’s more, new players joining Bally’s Casino can start their gambling adventure with a new selection of casino games.
Legal Gambling in the US
Legalized gambling in the United States has seen significant strides, particularly with the widespread acceptance of sports betting across 38 regions. While online casino gambling has been slower to gain traction, its growth is evident, with expectations of legalization in numerous states on the horizon.
Of course, with this growth, consumers are experiencing the best way to play online casino games while enjoying the comfort of their homes. At the same time, revenue is generated from taxes and licenses, which helps the community.
Five gamblers banned at Pennsylvania casinos for leaving kids unattended
By Ramona Depares
There has been a worrying surge involving adult gamblers at US online casinos over the past few years. In Pennsylvania (PA), dozens of gambling parents have been found to leave their young children unattended in cars and parking lots while they spend their money at brick-and-mortar casinos.
This yearly trend – which hampers responsible gambling efforts – has reached unprecedented levels to the point that some of gamblers have been put on involuntary exclusion lists for all casinos in the state.
In the most recent casino, Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (PGCB) imposed a total ban on five gamblers from casinos, after they left their children unattended while they were trying their luck playing casino games. With the ages of the children being revealed by WTAJ-TV to be extremely young, ranging between four to 12, the cases shocked the Pennsylvania (PA) gambling community.
WTAJ journalist Olivia Bosar revealed that the one woman and four men had been placed on the list of involuntary exclusion at all PA casinos. Upon handing down the ban, the PGCB reminded all gamblers that it is illegal to leave minors unattended in any part of a casino venue. This includes parking lots or garages, and even hotels or any other venue that is part of a casino.
Similar cases reported in Pennsylvania in the last few years
This is not the first such case to attract the ire of the PGCB. According to PAhomepage, between January 2022 and May 2023, some 370 adults were discovered by the Board to have left children unattended so as to be able to gamble at PA casinos. The number of children left alone in this period was 596.
The issue appears to be a recurring one, with the number of parents leaving their children alone to gamble increasing year after year. According to The Inquirer, in 2021, 171 people were banned by the Board for leaving a total of 279 children unattended. By 2022, that number had gone up to 303 incidents, affecting a total of 486 children.
The PGCB implements the regulations related to responsible gambling in a thorough manner, and recently turned down requests by parents or guardians who were placed on the involuntary exclusion list in 2020 for similar reasons. In a press statement, the Board clarified that these were two female adults who in separate incidents had left a total of five children unattended while they gambled.
In most cases, the children are discovered by another patron, although in some cases it is casino security who sounds the alarm after spotting children left alone in cars. Sometimes, the kids actually leave the car and are spotted wandering around by passers-by. No matter how the discovery is made, the casino’s head of security is usually alerted so as to identify the parent in question via surveillance. The Board is always informed about such matters, as are law enforcement officers.
PGCB Commissioner Sean Logan has gone on record telling various members of the press that a strong collaboration between the Board, the casinos, the state police and the local police is needed to tackle the problem. Erie News has in fact stated that adults caught leaving children unattended at casinos are now facing criminal prosecution.
The US law related to leaving children unattended at casinos
Pennsylvania recognised the problem as far back as 2011 when the Pennsylvania House Gaming Oversight Committee approved legislation to prohibit anyone from leaving children under the age of 14 unattended in a vehicle on a property controlled by a casino. According to CBC News, the law was in direct response towards repeated incidents at Bensalem’s Parx Casino.
But, while a large number of other US casinos have struggled with the same problem, as yet there is no one federal law that prohibits leaving minors unattended at casinos. That said, various states have encountered similar issues and have taken it upon themselves to introduce laws similar to Pennsylvania’s.
According to a legal report by the US law firm Lento, parents may potentially face criminal charges even outside of Pennsylvania as more and more states become aware of the urgency of the problem and state gambling regulators become increasingly stricter towards offenders.
The New Jersey Gaming Control Board, for example, has regularly started slapping involuntary exclusions to parents found guilty of leaving their children unattended at casinos. Moreover, in NJ those in violation of gambling regulations also face potential fines, restraint and contempt proceedings. More significantly, a report is fined with Child Protection Officers, which can lead to possible custody issues.
In Connecticut, specific laws are in place prohibiting parents or guardians from leaving children alone. Moreover, existing case law lays down that parents leaving children alone in any US casinos are subject to criminal liability.
Why millions of parents in the US are opting for online casinos
With the costly reality of child-minding services being out of reach for many families, millions of parents across the state are opting for online casinos. Registering at US real money online casinos removes the problem of childcare, as parents or guardians can simply enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of home, while keeping their young children safe and under their watchful eye.
The US casinos online landscape has evolved to an incredible degree, and nowadays even the most modest of budgets will offer you hours of entertainment. This is especially true with the advent of sweepstake casinos, where you don’t even need to spend money and deposit in order to play casino games and to win real prizes.
More importantly, online casinos allow you to keep a careful balance, making enough time for quality time with your children while managing to fit in a couple of spins on your favourite slots or table games. It is thus unsurprising that their popularity is expected to continue increasing across many US states.
How to Know if It’s Legal to Use a Casino Site in America
By Shadrack Kairu
Navigating the legal online gambling landscape in the US can be as challenging as a high-stakes poker game. The reason is while gambling is legal at the federal level, regulations vary from state to state. Oftentimes, this makes it hard to immediately determine which states offer legal online gambling.
Luckily for you, in this guide, we’ll break down the US online gambling laws, including the legal status in each of the 50 US states. Additionally, we’ll show you the best alternative to real money online casinos, especially for those in states that illegalize online casino gaming. Let’s dive straight into it!
Federal Gambling Laws Decoded
As we just mentioned, in the United States, states are the primary regulators of online gambling activities. They’re responsible for making and enforcing gambling regulations as well as licensing gambling operations within their borders.
On its part, the federal government mainly plays a supporting role, only stepping in if gambling activity is conducted in violation of state gambling laws. In other words, there’s currently no federal law that criminalizes online casino gaming.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA) prohibits any person or business from knowingly accepting payments as a result of another person engaging in unlawful Internet gambling. In plain language, UIGEA bans online gambling operators from transferring funds to and from the US players.
However, the law doesn’t explicitly mention online casino gaming. Apart from that, it specifically excludes fantasy sports, skill games, and intrastate or intertribal games that meet certain requirements.
Meanwhile, the Federal Wire Act of 1961 also prohibits the electronic transmission of wagers or gambling-related information across interstate telephone lines. The Wire Act resulted from the federal government’s effort to stamp out local criminal activities that promoted national criminal organizations.
While the Act’s wording is a grammarian’s nightmare, it targeted the mob’s most profitable racket – horse racing and sports gambling – by banning the use of interstate communication technology to handle such wagers.
The Wire Act, however, was no longer being applied as originally intended by the drafters in 1961. It opened the door for inconsistent interpretations and became a tool for political manoeuvring. The Wire Act was often used alongside the UIGEA to determine if any state laws were violated. As expected, this had a potential negative impact on regulated casino gaming.
Fortunately, in 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) published a revised opinion that changed how the federal government interpreted the Wire Act of 1961. The DOJ indicated that this act only applies to sports betting, which means it doesn’t prohibit other forms of online gaming.
The DOJ’s new stance on the Wire Act ultimately made it possible to legalize and regulate new forms of online gambling on a state-by-state level. Although each state has its laws as to what’s legal and what’s not, in general, US casinos are becoming more accepted not only by local, state, and federal lawmakers but also by the general public. Moreover, every gambling company must acquire a valid license from the state in which it operates.
Navigating the State-by-State Gambling Maze
As no federal law explicitly permits or prohibits online gambling, the burden is left to individual states to chart their way forward. This means that each state is free to allow or prohibit the practice within its borders.
States’ authority to make and implement their own online gambling laws has created unique systems in each jurisdiction. For example, some states only allow online gambling; others only permit in-person wagering, while a few allow both. Additionally, some states like Hawaii and Utah have completely banned all forms of gambling.
As of 2024, online casinos are legal in six US states: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. In addition, legalization has been proposed in Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhodes Island.
The table below shows which forms of gambling are legal in each state right now as the result of state-specific gambling legislation:
State | Online Casinos | In-Person Casinos | Sweepstake Casinos |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Alaska | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
Arizona | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Arkansas | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
California | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Colorado | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Connecticut | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Delaware | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Florida | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Georgia | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
Hawaii | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal |
Idaho | Illegal | legal | Legal |
Illinois | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Indiana | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Iowa | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Kansas | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Kentucky | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
Louisiana | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Maine | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Maryland | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Massachusetts | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Michigan | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Minnesota | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Mississippi | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Missouri | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Montana | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Nebraska | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Nevada | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
New Hampshire | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
New Jersey | Legal | Legal | Legal |
New Mexico | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
New York | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
North Carolina | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
North Dakota | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Ohio | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Oklahoma | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Oregon | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Rhode Island | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
South Carolina | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
South Dakota | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Tennessee | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
Texas | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Utah | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal |
Vermont | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
Virginia | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Washington | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Washington D.C. | Illegal | Illegal | Legal |
West Virginia | Legal | Legal | Legal |
Wisconsin | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
Wyoming | Illegal | Legal | Legal |
As you can see from the table above, the majority of the US has yet to legalize online casinos. Only six states currently allow legalized online casino gaming. However, sweepstakes casinos are legal in all states except Hawaii and Utah.
A type of social casino, sweepstakes casinos have emerged as a unique and legal form of online casino gambling in the United States. Although these casinos do not technically offer gambling for real money, they offer an opportunity to win real cash prizes, thereby making them an alternative to real money online casinos.
Legal Gambling: Knowing Your State’s Stance
The legality of online gambling in the US depends on where you are located and what specific laws govern online gambling in that jurisdiction. As most states restrict gambling in some form, it’s important to understand the law before you play. Remember, violating local laws by engaging in fraudulent gambling activities can result in thousands of dollars in fines or even jail terms.
You can ascertain the legal status of online gambling in your state by simply visiting the state’s gaming department and division. States that currently regulate online gambling activities will usually provide up-to-date licensing information of all online casino operators on their websites. Alternatively, you can find out the status of online gambling in your state by checking our casino reviews – so follow our site to see the latest insights and analysis.
Another easier way to determine if an online casino is fully licensed and regulated in your state is to check for its licensing details at the bottom of its homepage. A legal casino in the US will have a valid Gaming regulator seal that shows that it is licensed and regulated by a trusted organization – and that its games are fair. Make sure to look for state regulator logos as well because online casinos are only legitimate if they’re licensed and regulated in the state where they operate.
Future Bets: Trends and Changes in Online Gambling
Online gambling in the US is growing quickly as more and more states continue passing laws to capitalize on revenue from gambling, which hit a record $59.84 billion in 2023. At the time of this writing, six states have already legalized online casino gambling. Still, many states are earmarked for legalization.
Rhode Island, for example, will soon be joining the party sometime in the first quarter of 2024. In June 2023, Rhode Island’s Governor Dan McKee signed the iGaming Bills HB6348/SB948 into law, permitting online slots and table games to launch in the Ocean State as early as March 1.
The other likely candidate for legal online casino gaming is New York. The bill to legalize online casinos in the state was reintroduced by Senator Joe Addabbo at the beginning of the state’s new legislative session and has garnered enough support to push through. Other states where online casino legislation has been proposed are Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Still, online gambling in the US has a long way to go. This is because, although the Department of Justice issued an opinion in 2011 indicating that the Wire Act only applied to sports betting, this opinion was reversed in 2018 when it issued a new directive stating that the act applies to all forms of online gambling. This means the Wire Act is still a subject of contention, with some states arguing that the law is outdated and no longer mirrors the changing landscape of online gaming.
Then again, outdated or not, the law is the law. The Wire Act remains in force to date and law enforcers still use it to prosecute illegal online gambling activities. Nevertheless, many states still offer some form of online gambling to their residents.
Safe Bets: Ensuring Legal and Secure Online Gambling
Many offshore gambling operators allow US online betting. However, since these online casinos are not regulated, there are no legal protections in place for players. Furthermore, a player using an unregulated gambling site in any state is technically breaking the law.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to play casino games only at regulated gambling sites. As stated earlier, you can find out if an online casino is regulated by checking for its licensing information at the bottom of its homepage. A legal US online casino will have a seal from a recognized gaming regulator.
Also, the casino should clearly show which states it is legal in, as not all US states currently allow online gaming. It’s also worth choosing reputable brand names that are associated with land-based casinos. This will give you some more peace of mind knowing you’re in safe hands.
Wrapping Up the Bet: Key Takeaways for Legal Online Gambling
As with most parts of the world, the US gambling laws are ever-evolving. Gambling in the country has gone from legal to illegal and back to legal several times. The laws are certainly poised to keep changing going into the future. That’s why it’s always advisable to stay abreast with your state’s gambling laws in this rapidly evolving field.
What’s more, if you’re engaged in the online gambling industry in some way, be it as a player, service provider, or business owner, always strive to be the ambassador of responsible and legal gambling. That’s the only way to enjoy gambling while remaining within the confines of law.
Research Finds Online Gambling Is Decreasing New Jersey’s Economic Activity
By Daniela Rose
New research published in The Guardian in 2024 claims that $2.4 billion spent by gamblers in New Jersey decreased its economic activity in 2022 by about $180 million. The report suggests that had the same amount of money been spent on other activities like online shopping or dining instead of online gambling at Top Online Casinos USA; more would have been paid out in wages, which would have, in turn, been spent on other parts of the New Jersey economy.
The report further suggests the state could face $350 million in social costs including healthcare, welfare, and criminal justice. According to pechanga.net, an online resource for all Native American tribes in North America, the online gambling economic boom in the USA could only be a mirage.
New Jersey led the charge for legalizing mobile sports betting, with hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes. However, economists have cautioned that the cost of higher problem gambling rates could be equal to the state’s takings. The Guardian reported that the estimated economic output, jobs, and wages have been questioned.
Research Heavily Criticized by Gambling Advocacy Group
The Campaign for Fairer Gambling hired NERA, a global team of experts in economic, finance, and quantitative analysis, to evaluate a report commissioned by Growth through Online Gaming (iDEA).
iDEA is a non-profit advocacy group focused on job creation and online interactive entertainment in the United States. The research discovered that in 2022, the $2.4 billion spent by individuals gambling online at New Online Casinos USA led to a decrease in New Jersey’s economic activity by approximately $180 million.
According to Derek Webb, who founded the Campaign for Fairer Gambling, the costs and benefits of legalizing online betting have not been sufficiently scrutinized. The study has been heavily criticized by gambling advocacy groups who say had the same amount of money been spent on shopping or dining, significantly more would have been paid out in wages.
NERA reported that the online gambling industry paid around $110 million in wages to NJ’s employees in 2022, thus generating $22 million in new spending across the state’s economy. Online Casino Real Money USA sites in NJ contributed $385 million in net taxes in 2022, up from $42 million five years beforehand.
NERA analyzed a study by the London-based National Institute for Economic and Social Research regarding problem gambling in the UK. Their findings suggest that the state might face up to $350 million in social costs due to issues linked to digital gambling. These include impacts on healthcare, welfare, homelessness, and the criminal justice system.
They asserted that there needs to be more investigation into the costs and benefits of legalizing online betting. NERA further contended that the rapid growth of online sports betting in the US since 2018 had escalated quickly following the US Supreme Court’s decision to overturn a long-standing law prohibiting it across much of the country. NERA also highlighted that the iGambling boom in America has become chaotic, largely because of the influence of advocates pushing for unregulated expansion.
Currently, mobile sports betting is operational and legally accepted in 28 states including Nevada, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Iowa, and New Jersey.
New Jersey’s Online Gambling Spend in Recent Years
NERA estimated that Best Online Casino USA sites in NJ contributed $385 million in net taxes in 2022, up from five years before $42 million. Based on the UK study conducted by the London-based National Institute for Economic and Social Research regarding problem gambling, NERA recalculated its findings for New Jersey. As a result, the state could potentially encounter $350 million in social costs stemming from problems associated with online gambling.
According to the research, online gambling in New Jersey contributed significantly to the economy between late 2013 and 2018, generating $2 billion in economic output, creating 6,552 jobs, generating $401 million in wages, and contributing $259.3 million in national and local government taxes. Despite these findings, Jeff Ifrah, the founder of iDEA, strongly criticized the studies, claiming they were misleading and likening them to comparing apples to oranges.
NERA’s research also concluded that the iGaming enterprise is still lacking, and the multiplied financial cost of problem gambling essentially cancels out its sturdy tax contributions. The study showed that fewer people are hired at online casinos and sportsbooks than brick-and-mortar casinos.
Online gambling has been regulated in New Jersey since 2013, and sports betting was legalized in 2018. New Jersey has continually been at the forefront of regulated online playing. In 2011, there was an alteration to online sports activity betting, and in 2012, legalized online gambling became a reality thanks to Governor Chris Christie.
Once this came about, NJ became the third nation inside the USA to allow real money online casino games. In November 2013, under the supervision of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the initial poker rooms and online casinos were launched in NJ.
The legalization of gambling games in NJ has made a substantial contribution to the state’s gaming revenues. Online casinos have notably influenced the generation of tax revenues for the industry. Regarding poker rooms, NJ entered into a compact with Delaware and Nevada, enabling players in NJ to participate in shared-player poker pools.
What Would Happen Without Legalized Online Gambling in New Jersey
If there were no legalized online gambling in New Jersey, players should turn to unlawful offshore online casinos to fulfil their gambling needs. This could result in many risks, including a loss of patron safety and the ability for online fraud.
The regulatory framework in place at legal online casinos provides players with a sense of security. Without these protective measures, players would be vulnerable to unfair practices, manipulation of games, and online fraud.
Legal online casinos offer a secure environment and contribute to the nation’s economy through taxation and licensing fees. The absence of legalized gambling in NJ could result in a missed opportunity for revenue that could otherwise be directed toward public needs.
What’s more, playing online legally encourages accountability through age verification and self-exclusion applications. Without these security measures, minors could log in and play, and vulnerable gamblers wouldn’t have all the tools to assist them in taking control. All in all, gambling at Top Online Casinos in NJ with all the correct licenses is a safe location to spend your hard-earned cash.
Through the numerous legislative measures and guidelines at online casinos and sportsbooks, responsible gambling can minimize the damaging outcomes of playing. In the United States, responsible gambling is a big deal, and if the casino falls short of its responsibilities, it may be heavily penalized. Players can set deposit limits at top-rated casinos or take regular breaks so they don’t get overwhelmed. Anyone who feels their gambling is getting out of hand can activate self-exclusion, therefore making sure their online gambling stays healthy.
Millions in Gambling Money to Back Wildlife Projects in the US
By Daniela Rose
Legislative leaders in 2024 have agreed to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars from gambling revenue to expand a state wildlife corridor and support other environmental initiatives and bills in the United States. The bills – SB 1638 and HB 1417 – will allocate $100 million annually to the wildlife corridor project, an initiative supported by Senate President Kathleen Passidomo. It will also allocate funds for upland management and invasive species removal, an environmental protection plan focused on flooding and sea-level rise resilience, as well as operational and water maintenance needs.
A significant portion of the funding for these initiatives would come from a gambling agreement, known as a “compact,” established between the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis in 2021. This gambling agreement, which was ratified by the Legislature in 2021, permits the Seminole Tribe to offer real money online casinos and sports betting state-wide. In return, the Tribe has committed to paying $2.5 billion to the state over the initial five years of a three-decade agreement, with the potential for billions more in subsequent years.
How The Gambling Money Will Be Spent
This funding aids endangered native species, water management, and wildlife conservation. It protects at-risk animals, supports water projects, and aims to restore the Lake Okeechobee watershed. Here’s a breakdown of each project:
- The Conservation Project
- Conversationalists in Florida strive to safeguard the Florida Wildlife Corridor, a passage of rich vegetation with many wildlife spanning the whole state. This will shield farms, ranches, fauna, and native flora in the Wildlife Corridor.
- The Project to Protect Endangered Native Species in the Wildlife Corridor
- Studies prove open spaces significantly reduce greenhouse gases, preserving the corridor’s wildlife and fortifying it against rising temperatures. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is crucial for ensuring the survival of endangered species through its water management project, habitat preservation, wildlife monitoring, and conservation initiatives.
- The Water Management Project
- To effectively manage water resources across Florida, the Water Management Project integrates flood control, water conservation, infrastructure development, and usage regulation. This supports agriculture, urban growth, tourism, and ecology. Water management is critical given the extensive coastline, wetlands, and aquifers.
- The Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project
- The Lake Okeechobee Watershed Restoration Project, led by the South Florida Water Management District and the US Army Corps of Engineers, seeks to restore the lake’s watershed. It focuses on the northern region and aims to boost water storage capacity, enhance lake levels, and improve discharges into the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. Additionally, the project aims to restore wetlands and improve local water supply.
Which US Regions will be Gaining from this
Despite real money online casinos not being legal in the Sunshine State, Florida – which is famed
for its stunning ecosystems like the Everglades – boasts an extensive coastline that requires preservation. With wildlife facing climate change and pollution threats, these new measures will effectively tackle these challenges.
The involvement of the gambling community in wildlife protection and sustainable resource management will help preserve Florida’s natural heritage for future generations. These initiatives will safeguard the state’s biodiversity and boost its economy through increased tourism to Florida’s natural attractions.
Investing millions can benefit numerous regions. While these funds will notably impact Florida’s wildlife and vegetation, their positive effects extend beyond the state. The allocation of gambling revenue ensures a brighter, more sustainable future for the entire region.
Over recent years, Florida’s journey with legalized gambling has been turbulent. With Governor Ron DeSantis ratifying a compact that enables the Seminole Tribe to operate betting, things seem to be changing.
A month later, state congress approved sports betting, and in November 2021, Hard Rock unveiled its sportsbook app. But sadly, legal disputes forced its removal a month later. Now, six months later, the announcement of the Tribe’s six casinos offering sports betting was made, and the money will be used to ensure that future generations can appreciate the Florida coastline and the natural beauty of its wildlife and vegetation.
Environmental Impact and Economic Growth: A Win-Win Proposition
These measures aim to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. The involvement of the gambling community underscores the potential for public-private partnerships to drive conservation efforts and ensure a sustainable future for both Florida and the broader region.
Top-rated online casinos offer various games, allowing gamblers to experience the excitement of a real brick-and-mortar casino. While legal hurdles persist regarding some new online casinos, recent developments signal a changing landscape in Florida’s gambling industry, with potential benefits.
Exploring Top US Online Casinos
Top online casinos have never been as safe to use as they are today, as they operate with a license issued by a regulator, like The Florida Gaming Control Commission. You won’t have to risk losing your hard-earned cash, as you can deposit with several secure and trusted payment options and then play casino games with Random Number Generators to ensure the results are fair.
Moreover, as responsible gambling plays a significant role in legislation and regulation, you can limit your deposits or gameplay. Self-exclusion is also provided for those susceptible to gambling addiction. Responsible gambling not only safeguards minors but also provides guidance and connects players with support groups and gambling addiction centres.
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An A-Z analysis of the legality of online sweepstakes, casinos, and sports betting in the United States
Gambling has woven itself into the fabric of American society. This form of entertainment started as a whispered subject but has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. Today, people can comfortably visit a land-based casino without shame or play on their mobile or desktop in the comfort of their homes.
However, several things have happened to shape the gambling industry. For instance the overruling of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) of 1992, states earned the freedom to decide the future of sports betting in their individual jurisdiction.
States have taken into their hands gambling matters, each crafting regulations and laws as they see fit. In this article, we embark on a journey across all 50 US states. We will explore the legality of sweepstakes casinos, online casinos, and sports betting. Our aim is to shed light on one of the most complex topics, helping you understand gambling laws and trends in the industry.
State | Sweepstakes casinos | Online casinos | Sports betting |
---|---|---|---|
Alabama | Grey area | ||
Alaska | ✔️ | ||
Arizona | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Arkansas | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
California | ✔️ | ||
Colorado | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Connecticut | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Delaware | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Florida | Grey area | ✔️ | |
Georgia | ✔️ | ||
Hawaii | ✔️ | ||
Idaho | Grey area | ||
Illinois | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Indiana | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Iowa | Grey area | ✔️ | |
‘Kansas | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Kentucky | ✔️ | ||
Louisiana | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Maine | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Maryland | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Massachusetts | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Michigan | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Minnesota | ✔️ | ||
Mississippi | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Missouri | ✔️ | ||
Montana | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Nebraska | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Nevada | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
New Hampshire | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
New Jersey | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
New Mexico | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
New York | Grey area | ✔️ | |
North Carolina | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
North Dakota | ✔️ | ||
Ohio | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Oklahoma | ✔️ | ||
Oregon | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Pennsylvania | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Rhode Island | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
South Carolina | ✔️ | ||
South Dakota | ✔️ | ||
Tennessee | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Texas | ✔️ | ||
Utah | ✔️ | ||
Vermont | ✔️ | ||
Virginia | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
Washington | Illegal | ||
Washington D.C. | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
West Virginia | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Wisconsin | ✔️ | ||
Wyoming | ✔️ | ✔️ |
States where online sweepstakes casinos are legal
Sweepstakes casinos are platforms offering casino games such as slot machines, blackjack, roulette, and others without the traditional element of playing with real money. They are also referred to as social casinos. Instead of wagering real money, these casinos use virtual currencies.
Sweepstakes casinos are not entirely regulated. Their operators don’t need to apply for licenses from regulators to operate. Instead, these sites circumvent gambling laws by turning the gameplay into sweepstakes. In other words, these sites offer players two types of currencies to play casino games while allowing them to win prizes without spending their real money.
The two types of virtual currencies used at sweepstakes casinos are gold coins and sweep coins. Different social casinos can use different words to refer to these currencies. For example, Fortune Coins is one of the top online sweepstakes casinos in the country. The social casino uses gold coins and refers to sweep coins as fortune coins. Meanwhile, Wow Vegas refers to gold coins as Wow coins and sweep coins as so.
Whichever the case, a casino will explain the type of coins you can use and how you can use them. Ideally, gold coins are the currencies you can use to play casino games leisurely. The only thing you can win from playing with gold coins is more gold coins. Players can purchase gold coins. They are sold in packages. For instance, you can spend $9.99 to buy 1.5 wow/gold coins at Wow Vegas online sweepstakes casino.
You can’t buy sweep coins. Instead, you can earn a few coins every time you buy a gold coins package. Sweep coins are considered to have more value than gold coins. In fact, sweepstakes casinos allow players to redeem sweep coins for real prizes such as money, vacation, merchandise, and other rewards.
Online sweepstakes casinos are not legalized per se. States just accommodate them. However, states such as Washington and Idaho adamantly prohibit these casinos. Florida and New York allow these casinos to operate. However, they limit the amount of prizes a player can win.
Meanwhile, sweepstakes casinos operate in Alabama. Unfortunately, the game providers of these casinos are susceptible to lawsuits. For instance, Playtika is currently fighting a lawsuit in Alabama on allegations it provides games of chance which is one of the elements of gambling.
Sweepstakes casinos must follow certain regulations. For instance, they shouldn’t require players to spend money to win prizes. However, these sites don’t require permits to run. As such, you must carefully choose a reputable site to have a good experience.
States with legal online casinos
Most US states have legal land-based casinos. Unfortunately, legalizing online casinos has been a slow process.
As you can tell from our table above, only seven states have legal online casinos. This includes Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Rhode Island.
The lack of online casinos in other states is not a result of not trying to legalize. Many states have introduced bills seeking to legalize online casinos only to fail in one house or both.
Some introduce the bill while a legislative session is coming to an end, leaving not enough time to deliberate on the bill or pass it. However, this is not something that would have blocked Rhode Island’s chance to have online casinos.
The state was the last to introduce an online casino bill in 2023. This happened a few weeks before the end of this year’s legislative session. Several lawmakers fought the bill unsuccessfully. Before the session could close, Rhode Island passed the bill, becoming the seventh state to legalize online casinos. The state is scheduled to launch the casino in the first quarter of 2024.
New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada were the first states to legalize online casinos in 2013. This was after the Department of Justice reinterpreted the Wire Act.
Ideally, the Wire Act is a statute prohibiting the use of wire communication devices such as phones to facilitate betting across state lines. In 2011, the Department of Justice said the act applied to sports betting only. Since then, the issue has been argued in court multiple times. But, the act is one of the reasons legalized online casino operators can only operate within a specific jurisdiction.
While the casino can be accessed by anyone from anywhere, these sites use geo-restrictions. This protects the operators from possible lawsuits.
Pennsylvania legalized online casinos in 2017 followed by West Virginia in 2019. Michigan legalized online casinos in 2021, with Rhode Island closing the list.
Most states have several operators running online casinos. However, Rhode Island will only have one operator, Bally’s Corporation. The firm is also the sole operator of land-based casinos in the state.
The legalization of online casinos is usually fought by casino moguls. These magnates feel online casinos will cannibalize land-based casinos. Yet, various studies have proven otherwise.
States with legal online sports betting
Online sports betting has experienced tremendous growth. With states legalizing sports betting, improved internet connection, and advancements in technology, sports betting has attracted new bettors, spurring the market.
Over 33 US states have legalized sports betting with 24 of these permitting online wagering. Most have applied various restrictions. For instance, a state may have legalized online sports betting. However, the betting is only limited to the land hosting the sportsbook.
A good example would be Florida. The state legalized mobile sports betting in 2021. This would allow bettors to place bets online as long as they were within the specific boundaries of the sportsbook operator.
The legal sports betting landscape changed in May 2018 when the US Supreme Court overruled PASPA. This move allowed each state to legalize, regulate, and tax sports betting.
Being a multi-billion industry, more states have legalized sports wagering to help keep the revenue within the states. Ideally, people still place bets at offshore sportsbooks. By legalizing sports betting in a state, the jurisdiction is able to retain most of the revenue that would otherwise go offshore.
Yet, some states are not ready to legalize sports betting. This includes Texas, Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Utah. Some of these have never introduced sports betting bills even once.
Usually, a lawmaker has to introduce a bill during a legislative session. The bill has to pass both houses. Once it does, the state governor signs the bill into law. It takes at least 6 months before sports betting launches because the gambling regulator has to take care of regulations and other things like rewarding licenses.
Often, a sports betting operator has to partner with a land-based casino before launching even if it plans to offer online wagering. Some of the leading online sports betting operators include DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetRivers, Hard Rock, Unibet, PointsBet, bet365, and Borgata.
Only wager at legalized online platforms
The legal landscape of online sweepstakes, casinos, and sports betting is ever-evolving across the US. Starting with sweepstakes casinos, these platforms operate within a unique legal framework that distinguishes them from traditional casinos. Social casinos are especially popular because they provide the same entertainment as traditional casinos where online casinos are illegal.
Online casinos have seen a slow transformation. Over 40 states have decided to be cautious about them while seven have embraced them. Meanwhile, most states are flexible about online sports betting.
Despite the progress, some challenges still persist. Players fall victim to illegal gambling sites. The only way to avoid being a victim yourself is to stick to state-legalized sites or choose a provable reputable site.
Kindred to leave the North American online gambling market in 2024
By Vinolin Naidoo
The North American online casino industry is about to lose a respected player – the gambling group Kindred. The company announced that it would exit all North American markets by the end of Q2 2024.
The demise of Kindred in this region resulted from an ongoing strategic review overseen by a new executive leadership team. The review was first established in April 2023, and the team was created to ensure a series of cost reduction initiatives to help the company improve its profit margins and minimize losses.
The first phase of the strategic review has resulted in the exit of Kindred from North America, and it remains to be seen what the future has in store for the company as a whole, as a potential sale has been muted as an option to protect shareholders.
With the impending exit, US real money online casinos and the sports betting industry will lose Unibet. By announcing the shock exit from the region, Kindred is giving all relevant stakeholders plenty of time to plan and refocus their resources on core existing markets.
Impact on company
The Kindred Group has seen a number of changes in 2023, beginning with its new leadership team. Nils Anden was appointed Interim CEO of Kindred, replacing long-term CEO Henrik Tjarnstrom earlier this year. Anden was tasked with leading and overseeing the strategic review.
With the first major decision and the bombshell announcement of the exit, the major impact on the company has seen the redundancy of 300 employees (US employees and consultants) and cost savings of approximately £40 million ($50.19 million). Over 300 jobs will be phased out gradually from now until the end of Q2 2024 when the company makes its exit from North America.
Anden was quoted in media as saying: ‘’The cost reduction actions announced today are both necessary and decisive. While it is never a desire to inform valued colleagues of redundancies, this puts us in a stronger position to secure long-term growth for Kindred across our locally regulated core markets.’’
As a European-based company, there is mounting pressure on the company to improve its stagnant market share in key European regions, such as the UK and Netherlands. Anden believes that by exiting North America and refocusing resources on European markets, Kindred can achieve better results.
‘’We can now focus our resources and tech capacity towards strategic initiatives and selected markets where we see clear potential to grow our market share,’’ he was quoted as saying.
As part of the review, Kindred has now begun new growth initiatives including targeted marketing investments, additional casino brand extensions, strategic projects in selected markets, and continued product differentiation with exclusive content.
Background of Kindred in North America
The shock announcement means that US and Canadian-based online casino players at Unibet – one of its popular brands – may have to close their accounts before Q2 2024 or risk having their funds locked.
Through its diverse betting markets and casino games, Unibet became a favourite for many players in the region. Unibet offered North American players two distinct betting products – an online casino and a comprehensive sportsbook. It had thousands of casino games, ranging from slots to table games and the ever-popular live casino games. Sports betting enthusiasts had access to thousands of competitive sports betting markets covering a host of international sports including American Football, Basketball, Ice Hockey, Soccer, Baseball and Golf.
The Kindred Group has a presence in several US States and opened its first Unibet online casino and sportsbook in Pennsylvania in 2019. Earlier this year, the company announced the launch of its proprietary tech platform in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Some States where Kindred and the Unibet brand are active include Virginia, Arizona, Washington and Indiana.
The Canadian online casino industry and the Ontario market are another proud Unibet brand region. The Canadian online casino real money industry has thrived in Ontario with the new regulations, and Unibet is licensed and regulated to operate in Ontario.
Kindred has been active in North America since 2018 and has had a challenging stint for the past six years. Unibet has had moderate success in North America, but after some significant losses in recent times, the tough decision to leave the market was made.
The exit announcement was made before Kindred published its latest figures, and the company has made revenue for Q3 2023 and has managed to expand its active customer base through enhanced KYC procedures. The Q3 2023 trading update revealed a revenue increase of 18% to £897 million ($1.1 billion). Enhanced KYC procedures allowed Kindred to expand its active customer base to 1.5 million players, a 7% increase. The projections for the end of 2023 were also positive, and over £200 million ($250 million) in revenue was expected, provided there was a normalized sports betting margin in Q4 2023.
Looking ahead: what Kindred has in store
While leaving the North American online gambling market was never the preferred choice for Kindred, the future is still bright for the company. Kindred anticipates continuing its trend of above-market growth in core markets over the next five years. Projected figures have an estimated market size of £25 billion ($31.37 billion) and a projected compound annual growth (CAGR) of 6%.
Anden was satisfied with the latest financial figures and mentioned, ‘’I am pleased that we have regained our leading position in the Netherlands since our re-entry in July 2022. We also observe positive momentum in the UK, with a 7% growth rate over the same period last year. Despite this, lower-than-expected sports betting volumes across core markets, coupled with a sports betting margin below our long-term average, have adversely affected overall performance.’’
‘’I am confident that Kindred is well-positioned to continue delivering growth rates above the market average across our core markets. These markets have a combined estimated size of £25.3 billion and are expected to see a CAGR of 6% over the next five years,’’ he said.
Anden reiterated that the priority is shareholder value, which could be maximised through a full or partial sale of Kindred.
‘’The strategic review initiated by the board remains ongoing, and we continue to advance a number of options to deliver shareholder value. The board currently believes that shareholder value will be maximised through a third-party transaction. We will provide a further update regarding the exploration of strategic alternatives when final decisions have been made by the board of directors,’’ said Anden.
Through its 26-year journey in the online gambling industry, Kindred has grown from a small brand to a renowned name. Primarily, through the unparalleled success of the Unibet brand in Europe, Kindred embarked on a North American adventure. While they did enjoy some success in the competitive US and Canadian markets, ultimately, Kindred could only survive in the short term.
Now that Kindred is focusing on its core markets, namely Europe, the company is expected to continue to thrive for years to come. Next year, 2024, promises to be a significant year for Kindred, and the progress of its continued strategic review will be a hot topic in the industry.
Legalized Sports gambling finally opens in Maine (US) in November
By Vinolin Naidoo
After months of discussion, online sports betting finally went live in Maine, United States, on 3 November 2023. The road to this point was filled with plenty of obstacles, and after a prolonged timeline lasting well over four years, online US sports betting is finally safe and legal for all Maine bettors.
Maine sports gambling timeline
- 2019 – A sports betting bill was proposed but Govenor Janet Mills declined to sign the bill.
- 2020 – Mills vetoed the proposed sports betting bill. An attempt to override the decision was launched but did not achieve the majority vote.
- 2021 – The House and Senate passed a bill granting online sports betting access to the state’s commercial gambling entities and tribes. The proposed legislation ended the session on the appropriations table.
- 2022 – After much discussion and deliberation, Mills passed the bill in August 2022, which made sports gambling legal in Maine. The Maine Gambling Control Unit was elected as the regulator for the industry and was tasked with publishing the proposed rules for the new industry.
- 2023 – January 2023 saw the Maine Gambling Control Unit publish the proposed rules for the industry, and it was deliberated on at a public hearing. A public comment period followed.
- 2023 – The Maine Gambling Control Unit announced online sports gambling in Maine would launch in November 2023.
- 2023 – Legalized online sports gambling finally launches in the state of Maine on November 3rd. Maine bettors could make deposits and wagers at two top sports betting sites US offers.
By passing the bill, Governor Janet Mills gave sole control of the mobile and online sports gambling market to the state’s Native American tribes. Mobile and online sports wagering is expected to account for over 80% of the sports betting market in Maine and will provide sufficient revenue for its Native American tribes.
The Wabanaki Tribes could select their own vendor, meaning up to four licenses were available for the Penobscot Nation, Passamaquoddy tribes at Indian Township and Pleasant Point, Houlton Band of Maliseet and Mi’kmaq.
Three tribes partnered with renowned US betting operator Caesars Sportsbook, while the other tribe partnered with leading US operator, DraftKings.
Update: Since online sports betting went live in Maine in November, the first weekend of betting was a success. Over $3.9 million was wagered in sports bets across Caesars Sportsbook and DraftKings, and more than $2.98 million in winnings were paid out to bettors. The tax collected from the first weekend of US sports gambling in Maine accumulated nearly $94 000.
The rules for sports wagering in the US
January 2023 saw the Maine Gambling Control Unit publish the proposed rules for the industry, which were deliberated in a public hearing and comment period. After over eight months of discussion, the final set of rules and regulations for Maine’s US sports gambling industry was finalized and published. Below is a list of the finalized rules for sports wagering that accompanies the new law.
- All Maine bettors must be 21 or older to open an account and place sports wagers.
- The law allows both online and retail sports betting.
- All online sports betting licenses are only available to the four Native American tribes in the state, and sports betting operators must partner with them to offer their products in Maine.
- There could be up to ten retail sports betting sites in the state.
- In Maine, the eligibility to offer in-person sports betting is limited to online casinos, commercial race tracks and off-track betting locations.
- The Maine Gambling Control Unit is the regulator for the industry.
- The state taxes all revenues at 10%.
- The fees to offer retail and mobile sports betting are $4000 and $200 000, respectively.
- Maine residents and visitors can only place wagers provided that they are within state lines.
- Bettors are prohibited from wagering on Maine College teams, irrespective of where the team is playing.
- Bettors can bet on tournaments involving Maine teams, but only games not featuring a Maine school.
- Any athlete, coach, referee, or player in any sports event is prohibited from opening a US sports betting account in Maine.
- Any person who holds an influence or position of authority in a sporting contest is prohibited from opening a sports betting account in Maine.
- All licensed sports betting sites must prescribe safe gambling messaging at all touchpoints and promote responsible gambling.
- All licensed and registered sports gambling sites in Maine must have the necessary responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion, and cooling-off periods.
Maine joins more than 30 States where sports gambling is legal in the US
Many bettors enjoy US sports gambling, and there are thousands of players who place wagers. Bets placed on the Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, and the World Series are well documented, and millions of US dollars are wagered on these iconic sporting events. More than 30 US states have legalized sports betting, and Maine is the latest to join this statistic.
List of the US states that have legalized sports gambling
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Mississippi
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
There are some US states where gambling is still illegal, and there are no plans or bills proposed to change this in the future.
List of the US states where sports betting is still illegal
- Alabama
- Alaska
- California
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Minnesota
- Texas
- Utah
Below, are US states which are in the process of making sports gambling legal in the near future. The timeframe for this is still unknown, but some US states could legalize sports gambling as early as 2024.
List of the US states in the process of making sports gambling legal
- Florida
- Missouri
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Vermont
History of sports gambling in the US
The history of sports gambling in the US dates back to the 19th century when betting on horse racing was booming. Horse racing was among the first sports to be recognized in the US for sports betting, even though the industry was not regulated.
In 1931, Nevada legalized sports betting, and this led to several notorious US crime families infiltrating the market and offering illegal and unregulated betting markets for US players. To limit and control the participation of US mob activities in sports betting, the US government passed the Interstate Wire Act of 1961. The act forced sports wagering to become a local product, and Las Vegas had a monopoly on the US sports gambling market.
The 1990s saw legalized sports betting in Oregon, Delaware, and Montana. The government became concerned and Congress passed a bill to stop the growth of sports betting in the US. Lawmakers wrote the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) – which banned sports betting in the US, except for the four states that had already legalized sports gambling.
The 2010s saw several lawsuits to strike down PASPA, and in 2018 PASPA was overturned by the United States Supreme Court. With the demise of PASPA, a federal regulated sports gambling industry was absent and it was up to US states to determine which department would oversee sports betting regulations. Shortly after the scrapping of PASPA, the states of Delaware, New Jersey, Mississippi, New Mexico and Pennsylvania all legalized sports gambling and established their in-state regulator for the industry.
By November 2023, more than 30 US states had legalized sports gambling and there were several top sports betting sites US where players could register an account. With a handful of other US states currently discussing legalizing sports gambling in their state, it won’t be long before sports betting is legal in 80% of the US.
Types of Gambling options available to players in the US
US Minimum Deposit Casinos offers you the opportunity to play exciting casino games for a small deposit. There are also sports betting sites where bettors can wager on the best sports using different betting types. These two gambling types are common globally, but other gambling types are also prevalent in the US.
Here, we look at the different gambling options that US punters can enjoy. Our article covers online casinos you can play for real money, sports betting, sweepstakes, and lootboxes in the US.
Gambling at Online casinos for real money
Real Money Online Casinos are sites where players can deposit and wager on games with hopes of winning cash. These platforms are the internet versions of traditional casinos. However, they have more extensive offerings because their activities are mostly conducted online.
Real money casinos have many gaming options, which is a lot more than their brick-and-mortar counterparts. They feature hundreds of slots that cut across various genres and gameplay. Players who prefer table games can access variants of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and craps.
To make the experience more thrilling, US real money sites have several live dealer games. With these options, you can enjoy table games on the internet with a real dealer. Some games have an in-built chat function that enables interaction between you and other players.
Promotions and bonuses are other features of real money casinos. Most sites offer a welcome bonus to newly registered players, such as a matched deposit, free spins, or a no-deposit bonus. After playing through your welcome bonus, other promotions, including VIP offers, are made available to you.
Online casinos attach terms and conditions to freebies, which players must meet before redeeming the winnings they accrued with the bonus. You can run into wagering requirements, bonus duration, maximum amount withdrawable, and game restrictions.
Real money sites provide several Casino payment options for players to deposit and cash out their winnings. Online casinos have mobile applications or in-browser sites that allow players to access their best games even on the go.
However, online casinos are legal in only a few states in the US. Only punters in New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Delaware, and Connecticut can play on these sites legally. Online casinos must also have a license before offering services to US players.
Sweepstakes is the most popular form of gambling in the US
Sweepstakes casinos are well-liked gaming platforms where users purchase gold or sweepstakes coins for fun or real money and use them to play. Although it is similar to a social casino, players can convert their sweeps coins into real cash. Currently, 49 states in the USA have legal sweepstakes casinos, giving them popularity that regular online casinos haven’t matched.