Online gambling has quickly become one of the most beloved pastimes in America, with millions of Americans turning to regulated sites for entertainment. Since the Supreme Court overturned federal prohibition against it and more states passed laws permitting legal iGaming; yet many remain skeptical and believe allowing such gambling will drive people away from traditional casinos.
The exact laws and regulations surrounding online gambling vary by state, but generally speaking most major websites are safe and secure. Most states have centralized regulatory bodies to oversee licensed operators to ensure they do not breach consumer protection laws; some also prohibit unlicensed websites and unapproved sportsbooks; iGaming casino games is the most prevalent legal form, with most states permitting some form of casino gaming online.
Some states, like Alaska and Montana, do not permit online casino gambling at all, while South Carolina and Tennessee both prohibit all forms of online gambling under comprehensive anti-gambling laws. On the other hand, New Jersey, Nevada, Pennsylvania have recently launched fully regulated online casinos, while Michigan, Rhode Island and West Virginia may follow in 2022.
Florida, Massachusetts, Nebraska and Nevada are currently considering whether to legalize online gambling; three of them already launched sports betting; however they have yet to introduce online casino play. New Hampshire should follow soon while Delaware and Michigan both passed legislation authorizing iGaming legislation that will come into force by 2024.
Vermont and Wyoming both prohibit any form of gaming while Hawaii and Utah prohibit all forms of gambling – with Utah’s prohibition including no exemptions for charity gaming or lottery gaming, though participation can still take place within its state-run lotteries or bingo halls.
Legality of gambling in video games depends largely on whether it is considered to be a game of chance or skill, with most states not considering in-game currency gambling; only popular titles with loot boxes or gacha mechanics subject to further review by courts.
Most states take a more permissive view of gambling and are open to permitting some types of iGaming, with New York and California passing legislation to regulate online gaming while Connecticut, Rhode Island and Maryland have already introduced such legislation – though Vermont and District of Columbia still do not yet have laws to do so.