Online Casino States: A Comprehensive Guide
Definition of Online Casino States
Online Casino States refer to the legal status and regulations of online gambling in different states or jurisdictions. Due to the varying legislation on online gambling across the globe, an online casino can be considered legal in one state and illegal in another. Therefore, understanding the online casino states is crucial for players to determine the legality and safety of online gaming within their respective states.
History of Online Gambling in the United States
Online gambling has a complicated and controversial history in the United States. The 1961 Federal Wire Act was the first legislation to address online gambling, making it illegal for bookmakers to accept bets over telephone lines. However, with the rise of the internet, online gambling continued to grow, leading to the introduction of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA). The UIGEA prohibited financial institutions from processing transactions related to online gambling, effectively making it difficult for players to deposit and withdraw funds from online casinos. However, in 2011, the Department of Justice revised its stance on the Wire Act, stating that it only applied to sports betting, giving individual states the autonomy to legalize and regulate online gambling within their borders.
The 3 Online Casino States in the US
As of now, there are only three states in the USA that have legalized and regulated online casino gambling – New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
1. New Jersey
New Jersey was the first state to offer online casino gaming in 2013 when then-governor Chris Christie signed a bill into law. The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement oversees the regulation and licensing of online casinos in the state. To obtain a license, online casinos must partner with a land-based casino in Atlantic City. The state has strict regulations in place, ensuring fair play and the safety of players. New Jersey also offers a self-exclusion program for problem gamblers.
2. Delaware
In 2012, Delaware became the second state to legalize online casino gambling. Similar to New Jersey, online casinos in Delaware must be affiliated with a land-based casino in the state. The Delaware Lottery regulates and oversees online gambling in the state, ensuring fairness and safety for players. However, the market in Delaware is small, and players can only access online casino games within the state's borders.
3. Pennsylvania
In 2017, Pennsylvania legalized online casino gambling after the passage of the Expanded Gaming Act. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board regulates and licenses online casinos in the state, and similar to New Jersey and Delaware, online casinos must partner with a land-based casino. The state has strict regulations in place to protect players, and the market continues to grow as more online casinos enter the market.
Illegal Online Casino States in the USA
Despite the loosening of regulations in the US, online gambling remains illegal in most states. Some states explicitly prohibit online gambling, while others have no legislation in place. Some of the states where online casino gambling is illegal include Washington, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii. Federal law also prohibits online gambling from crossing state lines, making it crucial for players to be aware of the regulations in their state.
Playing at Online Casinos from Non-Legal States
While it is illegal to operate an online casino in most states, it is not illegal for players to access offshore online casinos. However, it is important to note that these websites are not regulated by the US government, making them potentially risky for players. There is also the risk of legal repercussions for playing on these offshore sites, so players should proceed with caution.
Bottom Line
Understanding the legal landscape of online casino states is crucial for players to ensure they are playing at safe and regulated online casinos. While only three states in the US have legalized online casino gambling, the market is slowly growing and may soon be available in more states. In the meantime, it is essential for players to be aware of their state's regulations and only play at licensed and regulated online casinos to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.
