Gambling laws in the US have fluctuated throughout its history, with specific forms being banned at different points throughout its existence and others permitted in some areas but not others. Each state can choose its own gambling law and this has led to various systems across the nation; New Jersey and Pennsylvania both allow legal sports betting while Hawaii and Utah prohibit all forms of gaming altogether.
Gambling may be legal, but it’s essential to be aware of its associated risks before engaging in this activity. Along with addiction risks, online gambling may lead to financial ruin and other complications; to avoid these potential pitfalls responsibly bet only what you can afford to lose and never gamble more money than is affordable to lose.
Although the US government doesn’t regulate individual gambling actions directly, a variety of laws exist which prohibit operating gambling businesses or using devices for illegal gambling purposes. Such legislation includes laws such as Travel Act (18 U.S.C 1952), which makes crossing state or national boundaries illegally in order to engage in unlawful gambling; and Wire Act (18 U.S.C 1084), which prohibits transmitting wagering information over interstate lines.
Legality of online gambling varies by jurisdiction, though most states allow sports bets and real-money casino games. Hawaii and Utah prohibit all forms of gambling; Michigan recently passed legislation legalizing sports betting. With the Supreme Court’s recent ruling striking down PASPA, more states may now consider legalizing sports betting.
Local governments have made several attempts at legalizing online casinos and other gambling websites in the past, but have been unsuccessful without support from state legislatures. Legislators frequently fear allowing these services could threaten traditional land-based casinos’ viability – one major reason why legalization has taken so long in America.
Online sports betting was quickly accepted in the United States, yet legalization of online casino gaming took longer. This may have been because many casinos are reluctant to provide this service for fear that they will lure away customers from their land-based casino locations. As this market expands further however, more operators are offering these services, providing anyone looking for safe, convenient ways of placing bets on their favorite teams a safe, convenient option to place bets with ease and convenience. At present, nine states currently permit legal online casino games:
