When it comes to gambling, the internet has taken it to a whole new level. You can now bet on anything from sporting events to horse races and even play games online! However, with so many options available it is important to know what is and isn’t legal in your state. Here, we’ll take a look at the different states and the types of gambling they allow and disallow.
Can you gamble online legally?
The short answer is yes, as long as you are playing at an online casino that is licensed and regulated in your state. It’s important to note that while federal laws prohibit gambling across state lines, each state is free to regulate its own industry as it sees fit. This means that the rules and regulations in one state may differ greatly from those in another. The best way to ensure that you are not breaking any laws is to check with your state’s regulatory body before you begin gambling online.
Some of the first US states to legalize online gambling were Delaware and Nevada, both of which launched online casinos and poker sites in 2013. The following year New York and Illinois became the second and third states to offer their residents legal lottery games online. However, the Wire Act of 1961 still prohibits wagers on sporting events and contests, so these two states were required to ask the Department of Justice for guidance before they could launch their internet draws. The DOJ’s 2011 response to this request clarified that the act applies only to sports betting, so this opened the door for other forms of online gambling.
A few other states have joined the ranks of legal online gambling, including Connecticut and Michigan. In the latter case, it was 2021 before the state launched its first real money online casino, and it has since become a major player in the US gambling market. Michigan’s decision to allow online poker and daily fantasy sports also helped position the state as a serious contender in the world of digital gaming.
Lastly, Wyoming is another recent addition to the legal online gambling ranks, although its only casino sites are located on tribal land. Despite this, online sports betting has launched there in 2020, and top operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings have established their presence on the site. The state’s unique system of regulation and licensing could be the key to its success in the iGaming sphere.
As of now, no US states have legalized both online casino games and sports betting. In fact, only four states have both of these options available: Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. But as the internet continues to evolve, we’re sure that more states will follow suit and offer their residents safe, reputable options for gambling online. Keep checking back to this article for the latest updates!