When it comes to regulated gambling, American citizens can now enjoy online slots and table games in the states that have legalized them. Those include New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. The 2023 launch of Rhode Island’s iGaming market will likely add to the number of states offering online casino play. But is this form of gambling legal? The answer is a bit complicated, as state laws have different definitions and interpretations of the term ‘gambling.’ This creates a patchwork of state-specific laws, with some banning all forms of online gaming while others permit certain options.
For example, the Federal Wire Act of 1961, signed before the commercial inception of the Internet, still prohibits transmitting information regarding sports betting across state lines. Despite the federal law, some states have found ways around it, including by amending their own statutes to allow for things like online poker and sports betting. Other states have opted to establish specific types of gaming, such as lottery games and charity bingo and pull-tabs.
Online gambling is still considered illegal in Hawaii and Utah, where the activity can get you arrested if you are caught. But other states, such as New Mexico and Nevada, have legalized some forms of online gambling. This has helped to slowly chip away at the overall ban, though it remains intact in many jurisdictions.
To understand how the laws in each state differ, we’ve put together a handy chart that details what you can and cannot do online in each jurisdiction. You can find it by visiting our Online Gambling Guide by State page. Once you’ve reviewed this chart, you can determine the laws in your state and choose a site that is suitable for your gambling needs.
In most states, the first step in determining whether online slot gambling is legal is to familiarize yourself with the state’s iGaming regulations. This will help you understand what types of games are permitted, what age restrictions apply and how to deposit and withdraw funds. Then, you can decide if playing these games is something that you’re interested in doing and start enjoying the thrill of winning big.
Once you’ve done this, you can then begin searching for a reputable casino that accepts players from your state. To do so, you’ll want to look for a website that offers a wide variety of games and bonuses. You should also consider the security of the website, including how it protects your financial information and privacy.
Once you’ve located a casino you’re interested in, the next step is to create an account with them. This usually requires providing personal details such as your name, date of birth and email address. Most sites will then require you to verify your identity, which is an important step in preventing fraud and other illegal activities. You can also choose to use a popular payment method such as PayPal, which makes it easy to move money from your bank account into your online casino account in just a few clicks.