States Where Online Gambling is Legal
Online Gambling is Legal
Unlike in Nevada, where online gambling is illegal, most other states in the U.S. have legalized sports betting. However, some states have been slow to legalize sports betting, including Utah, Hawaii, and Idaho. While gambling is legal in other states, these regulations are often influenced by personal beliefs of the residents. Utah and Hawaii also oppose legalizing online sports betting due to the possible effect on family relationships. Other states have a limited interest in legalizing sports betting.
The first state to legalize online gaming was New Jersey, with the passage of the bill A2578 in February 2013. By the end of the year, wagers were being placed from the Garden State. Since then, more states are joining the fray and legalizing online gambling. Ultimately, this means more choice and more money for players. And with many more states following suit, it’s important to know what your state’s regulations are so that you can make an informed decision.
New Jersey, for example, has the most robust online casino ecosystem of any state in the U.S., with a healthy mix of Atlantic City casinos and global online giants. Whether you prefer slots or blackjack, you’ll find the games you love on New Jersey’s online casinos. Pennsylvania also recently legalized online gambling, though it took 18 months before the casinos opened their doors. The New Jersey regulations cover online poker, while Pennsylvania’s rules only cover casino games.
States Where Online Gambling is Legal
Delaware has also legalized sports betting. Unlike other states, Delaware has no specific legal requirements for sports betting. This makes it one of the most popular states for sports gambling. It’s also the first state in the US to legalize sports betting, following a landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2018. All gaming activities in Delaware are regulated by the Delaware Division of Gaming Enforcement. The bill passed in February, but it’s not yet lawful to wager on live sports.
Pennsylvania also recently legalized sports betting and online lotteries. In the end, it took the initiative to legalize sports betting and online lottery websites, which led to other forms of internet gambling. For example, lottery officials in New York and Illinois sought the Department of Justice’s opinion on allowing internet lotteries to sell tickets digitally. This decision left the door open for the legalization of poker platforms in those states. Massachusetts and Maryland should also approve Internet lotteries soon.
Federal betting laws are not specific to any state, although federal laws govern gambling in general. However, federal laws prohibit certain activities and games. For example, PASPA banned traditional sports wagering in all but Nevada. Other states granted exemptions for limited sports betting. As a result, the law effectively granted Nevada an unregulated monopoly over sports betting. In 2018, however, the Supreme Court ruled that sports betting was unconstitutional and thus legalized in most states.