Can You Legally Gamble Online in the US?
Yes, you can legally gamble online in the US, but the specifics depend on your state. Online gambling laws vary widely from state to state. Forms of online gambling may be legal in certain states; they may not be legal in others.
We will give you an overview of the current legal situation of online gambling in the US and what you need to know before you place your bets.
States Where You Can Legally Gamble Online in the US
Online Casinos
As of June 2023, only six states allow you to play at online casinos legally casinos where you can play games like slots, blackjack, and roulette. Here are the six states in which you can legally gamble online in the US:
- West Virginia,
- Delaware,
- Michigan,
- Pennsylvania,
- Connecticut,
- and New Jersey.
Online Poker
Online poker is legal and regulated in a few states, as of early 2023, only six states have legalized online poker: Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan. These states have regulated online poker sites that partner with land-based casinos and offer a variety of games and tournaments.
Players in these states can legally play online poker for real money as long as they meet the legal gambling age requirements.
Online Sports Betting
There are 24 US states where you can legally gamble on sports betting sites. These include Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Online Lottery
The US states where the online lottery is legal are:
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Kentucky
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
Some states like Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia also offer online lottery subscription services.
Daily Fantasy Sports
Daily fantasy sports (DFS) are legal in 43 states in the United States. DFS is prohibited in Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Louisiana, and Washington.
Laws Affecting Online Gambling in the US
The Federal Wire Act of 1961
One of the main federal laws that affect online gambling in the US is the Federal Wire Act of 1961. This law was originally intended to combat organized crime by prohibiting transmitting information and payments related to sports betting across state lines. However, in 2011, the Department of Justice reinterpreted the law to apply only to sports betting. This opened the door for states to legalize and regulate online gambling within their borders.
The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006
Another federal law that impacts online gambling in the US is the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (UIGEA). This law does not make online gambling illegal per se, but it makes it illegal for financial institutions and payment processors to facilitate transactions between online gambling operators and customers. It can be difficult for US players to deposit and withdraw money from offshore online gambling sites not licensed or regulated by any US authority. However, some online gambling sites have found ways to circumvent this law by using alternative payment methods, such as cryptocurrencies, prepaid cards, or e-wallets.
Conclusion
Online gambling is a complex and dynamic legal issue in the US. The best way to ensure that you are playing safely and legally is to stick to legitimate online gambling sites. You should also know the federal laws that affect online gambling transactions and use secure and reliable payment methods. In conclusion, it is where you live and where you want to play that determines whether you may or may not be able to legally gamble online in the US.
