Gambling Laws by State – Full List of Legal Online Gambling
rivernilecasin | January 1, 2021 | Updated on: January 3rd, 2022
Over the years, online gambling has become a billion-dollar industry. And legislators have been paying attention to the industry, developing gambling laws to deal with the rise in online gambling.
Online gambling is not fully regulated as of yet, therefore, it is still illegal in some states. But there are some legalized gambling sites that players can enjoy. Some of the trusted gambling sites include betWay365 and bet365.
But because of the differing state laws, it can be confusing for players to know which gambling laws apply in which state. Don’t worry, we have you covered with our handy guide.
Below you will see a summarised look into some gambling laws in the states mentioned. We will take a brief look at sports betting laws, fantasy gambling, Poker, lottery laws.
Once you have read our guide you should be ready to get started with gambling without breaking any laws. The world of gambling is very complex so casino guides are important.
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Online Gambling Laws
Real money casino gambling is no longer banned on a federal level for USA players. However, it is slightly limited to sports betting for the moment. Most states also don’t have laws in place yet, but some are already working on it. For the moment, gamblers in Nevada, Montana, Oregon, and Delaware can gamble legally. We’ll update the full list of real money sites in the US, once the other 46 states pass their laws for real money websites.
The question players ask the most is: “Is online gambling restricted?” Simply put, it’s not illegal on a federal level. However, individual states are responsible for legislation, and many choose not to allow it. There are three federal laws they could use as a precedent for the state’s legislation:
The Federal Wire Act
Starting in 1961, the Federal Wire Act was voted into law. At first, it was used to regulate the market and prevent gangs from capitalizing on betting businesses. However, some lawmakers have recently been using it to stop it entirely. In 2011, the US Gambling Authority amended it to specify that only sports betting is affected.
The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA)
Back in 1992, the US government passed this law to prohibit sports betting. Nevertheless, the US Supreme Court overturned PASPA in May 2018.
Unlawful Internet Gambling and Enforcement Act (UIGEA)
When the UIGEA was passed in 2006, it didn’t outright ban the practice. It did, however, make it illegal for banking and other financial institutions to process transactions between casinos online and players based.
Licensing USA Gambling Sites
In 2012, another law was introduced. This law would allow authorities in any state to issue licenses to the biggest s and mobile sites. In addition, poker rooms and sports betting websites operating within the state could be licensed under the new laws.
Individual states have different policies about casino sites. Most use geo-location to block these websites within their borders. Interstate wagering is another controversial topic, with some states choosing to be more liberal than others. However, the Federal Government still blocks foreign websites who operate as s in the United States.
Future of USA Sites
At least 30 states have submitted bills to legalize sports betting. However, sites are still facing opposition. In the future, players could hopefully bet through any sportsbook or casino of their choosing. We do have to warn you, though, that winnings will be taxed in the event of legalization.
Gambling Laws: Online Sports Betting
The gambling laws around sports betting have changed in 2018. Because of the Supreme Court’s decision to rule the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992 (PASPA) as unconstitutional. Since then, six states are allowing sports betting.
Delaware
Interestingly enough, this state was the first to introduce sports betting after PASPA was declared unconstitutional. So, the first bet was accepted on June 5, 2018. They have expressed interest in expanding into mobile sports betting in the near future.
Mississippi
On August 1 2018, Mississippi became the fourth state to legalize sports betting. The state doesn’t have provisions in its gambling laws that permit online sports betting right now. However, they do allow onsite mobile wagering. They have expressed an interest in expanding into online sports betting.
Nevada
Sports betting originates from this state. The Silver State began taking sports bets all the way back in 1949. With online sports betting, Nevada doesn’t permit standalone online sports betting platforms but casinos can make their own mobile apps.
New Jersey
This is the most well-known state offering online sports betting. They led the lawsuit which removed the PASPA. New Jersey gambling laws do permit online sports betting.
Pennsylvania Gambling Laws
The gambling laws situation in this state has been referred to as frustrating. Technically, people in Pennsylvania have been allowed to wager on sports since 2017.
Progress in terms of establishing a sports betting industry was slowed down by the PASPA. So, with that gone development has begun but there are no signs of online sports betting just yet.
Rhode Island
Sports betting in Rhode Island was legalized in June 2018. Still, the law doesn’t allow online and mobile sports betting. Nevertheless, there is an interest in pursuing it in the future.
West Virginia
Sports betting became legal in August 2018. In the very near future, online sports betting will be available in the state.
Online Poker Gambling Laws
In terms of legislation, states differ in how they handle online poker. Let’s take a look at the states where playing poker on the Internet is permitted.
Delaware
Delaware’s gambling laws allow for peer-to-peer online poker. The market in this state remains small, with one of the lowest player participation rates in the world.
Multi-State Poker Gambling Laws
Some states across the country allow players to play pokers with other players in different states. Delaware, Nevada, and New Jersey allow poker sites to offer poker across all three jurisdictions.
Nevada Gambling Laws
This online casino game is the only form of online gambling that’s legal in Nevada.
New Jersey
The online gaming and online casinos market opened up in New Jersey in 2013. Although poker was first introduced then, it makes up only a small percentage of overall gambling revenue.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s gambling expansion bill that came into law in 2017 allows for regulated poker. Furthermore, casino operators can create comprehensive sites for people living in Pennsylvania.
Online Lottery Sales – Relevant Gambling Laws
Since the lottery is a huge game with life-changing rewards, being able to play it online makes this great game of luck more accessible.
So, let’s look at which states have gambling laws regulating online lottery sales.
Georgia Gambling Laws
In 2012, lottery ticket sales went online. The state’s lottery corporation allows Georgians to play the lottery from anywhere in the state.
Illinois
As the first state to legalize sales, Illinois became a landmark state. When the law passed, sales immediately jumped.
Kentucky
Since 2016, web lottery sales have been legal in Kentucky. Still, it’s the only online avenue allowed.
Michigan
Around September 2014, Michigan began offering Internet lottery tickets to its inhabitants.
New Hampshire Gambling Laws
The fifth state to legislate Internet lottery sales, New Hampshire passed its bill in June 2017. Thus, in September 2018, the first virtual lottery ticket was sold.
Pennsylvania
In addition to the big 2017 gambling bill, buying tickets online became legal.
Fantasy Sports Laws
There are a number of states that have daily fantasy sports (DFS) in their gambling laws. Of course, they have varying requirements for the services.
Take a look:
California Gambling Laws
Unfortunately, California is still undecided about DFS. But DFS sites are hoping to get in because California remains the largest market for fantasy sports.
Massachusetts
For the moment, DFS is completely legal and regulated in this state. Still, this could change as lawmakers change their minds.
Nevada
Of course, in Nevada’s gambling laws, DFS operators are the same as a casino. So far, there are no major DFS operators in the state.
New York Gambling Laws
After a lengthy legal battle, DFS is finally a legitimate form of gambling since August 2016.